Shabbir Ahluwalia: The Rockstar (Part I)
By Media Curry News Bureau, Apr 28 2007 6:33pm
Shabbir Ahluwalia- the ruggedly handsome bad boy of Indian television etched the notorious character of 'Rishi' in Kahiin To Hoga with such brilliance that people all around the nation developed an instant love-hate relationship with him.
Adjudged as the 'Style Icon of the Year' by the Indian Telly Awards a couple of years ago, Shabbir was also appreciated as a host of the all-popular dance show Nach Baliye.
The hearthrob has lost no time in moving onto bigger and better things. Catch him talk about Nach Baliye 3, his forthcoming film debut Shootout At Lokhandwala and much more in the first part of an exclusive interview with Media Curry.
1 Define the year 2006-2007 for you personally and professionally?
The year 2006 was not too good personally as well as professionally. I also had a dear loss in my family also. But the year 2007 is a "Rock-Star Year" not only for me but also a lot of people associated with me. This year has brought in a lot of good and positive energy.
2. Is it true that you intended a career in sports instead of TV?
Yeah that is so true (chuckles)
3. Okay then what happened to it?
Nothing happened to it yaar, that's why I am acting on television.
4. Okay so you suddenly thought you were good at acting?
No I used to do a lot of plays in my college. And even did quiet a bit of dancing. And I used to also play a lot of sports in college. I used to play all kinds of sports. I played soccer for Bombay University, base ball National level, cricket, and I was a very good athlete too. I had a record of 100 & 200 meters of running. I was fairly good in all sports, yaar. But a sportsman doesn't have much of a career in India except for cricket, so I pursued acting and "I am Glad I did it".
5. How did acting happen?
Acting happened to me through a show called Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi around four years back. That was my first stint with television. It happened through Balaji TeleFlims.
6. So you went there and gave Auditions or they spotted you as a talent, I mean how did it really happen?
I went for auditions to Balaji and after that I got this role of Aniket in Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi.
7. Shootout At Lokhandwala is making news every second day and will release shortly how are you feeling about it?
I am elated, I am excited, I am nervous; I am undergoing every possible feeling there is you know (laughs). I am seriously looking forward to the film because I have seen every bit of it and I know that it is a very promising film, not just because I am in it (laughs) but over all the film looks really good. It was amazing and it is great working with all the actors in the movie as all of them are very good, experienced and fun to work with. And also my director Apu.
8. Shabbir will you be looking at doing much more film after this?
Certainly I am looking forward to striking a balance between television and films.
9. But you will still continue to work on television, people will still see you in the characters they are seeing you currently?
Certainly I will continue doing the good work in television that I am currently doing. As long as it is good work it doesn't really matter whether it is television or movies. It should be something excites you every morning when you wake up. You should look forward to go for work. It shouldn't just be a regular day at office. If something keeps exciting you, I think you should keep pursuing it!
10. Ekta Kapoor has always given you some of the best roles and it's well known she pampers her friends, did she really make it that easy for you?
If it had been all that easy, I would be playing lead roles in television yaar, I like to play the roles that are exciting and Ekta is a thorough professional and she only will offer you a role if one's worth it.
11. But then you are also playing some of the most exciting characters on television?
Yes I am.
12. So what about that?
I don't known yarr; I guess I must be justifying them for her to give me those kinds of roles.
13. But a lot of people fell you ham a lot, what would you have to say to them?
Well I don't know. The only thing I can say is "I can't keep every one happy"!
14. If you had a choice to go back in time and change any two decision you took in your acting career what would they be?
None. So Far
Stay tuned. There's lots more on this candid heart-to-heart coming up tomorrow.
Shabbir Ahluwalia: The Rockstar (Part II)
We're still in conversation with Shabbir Ahluwalia. Read on to find out some interesting aspects of his personal life.
15 Is Nach Baliye 3 on the cards?
It's entirely the channel's call and it depends, they need to get into a discussion first if they want to have a third season. And have me in it. After that they'll approach me and we will discuss it.
16 If this time around they offered you to become a participant instead of a host for NB3, what would you do?
I would first look for a Baliye.
17 So there is none?
No there is none.
18 Your hip, hot, happening and sexy, then how come you are still single?
There are not three but four "H's" hip, hot, happening and hamming! (Laughs).
19 Very nice, why are you still single?
I am still single because I chose to.
20 You chose to?
Actually I hardly have time for myself at this point of time in my life; it would be unfair to have someone just hanging around.
21 So what you are trying to tell us is that you had the opportunities and met some wonderful people but you chose not to do anything about it?
That's right.
22 Your chemistry with Sangeeta Ghosh was great on Nach Baliye, will the two of you be sharing screen space soon?
I will be looking forward to it, if we have too because Sangeeta is an extremely talented co-actor and an amazing person to work with. I can only say all good things about her because she is a mind-blowing performer as well. What I like about her is that she has no inhibitions. I think she will make good chemistry with any actor. She is amazing.
23 What is your style mantra?
I think just being myself.
24 What makes you tick?
Tick! My dreams.
25 What kind of dreams?
I don't know. They are too personal.
Sports
Bhabhi Ji Ghar Pe Hain?
