Article: Shades of grey

Telly actor Anand Suryavanshi talks about breaking the 'good boy' image and taking up his first negative role

Anand Suryavanshi is a little miffed these days with recent reports suggesting that he's trying to ape Bollywood hunk John Abraham. "I don't even know how all of this started. I'm the last person to ape anyone. It's silly to say that any guy who has a good body is trying to be like John. I don't mean any offense to him, but I'd like to be known for my own work," he says.
After soaps like Mamta, Sinndoor Tere Naam Ka, Saat Phere, Virrudh and now Grihasthi, Anand seems quite content. "I enjoy working for about 20 days a month and spending the rest with family and friends. Catching up on sleep, working out and playing cricket are some of my other pastimes," he says with a laugh.

Surprisingly, Anand seems to shy away from reality shows that seem to be attracting most actors. "I wouldn't say that reality shows don't work. In fact, they're making money and I think viewers prefer them to daily soaps. But, unfortunately, reality shows today are bereft of ideas. Most are so monotonous and look so fake, that I'd rather not be part of any of them." Any particular reality show that he'd want to participate in? "I find Bigg Boss really interesting. It gives people a chance to be themselves. I'd even like to do a dance reality show. Except for some strange reason, I've never been offered one!" he says.

His track in Grihasthi has started to take an interesting turn. "My character has always been completely positive till now. For the first time, I'm going to be seen crossing the line," says the actor, who now wants to explore some bad boy roles. "I've been shown as a good guy for so long that I'm dying to do negative roles — a well written role is always welcome. Unfortunately, most powerful roles today are scripted around women. But, I'm sure that's going to change soon," he says with that heart-warming smile.