Tell us something about your background before you joined the industry?
I am from Delhi, with five siblings. And I am the younger one, so I have been pampered till date. Then just like my other family members, I also joined Engineering in Chemical and I also got scholarship for my studies. But then I joined Shiamak Davar's dance group because I was always interested in dancing and that was my first step towards glamour world.
So, was the journey easy?
I never found it difficult but it was not so easy. When I went for my first stage performance and people appreciated it, that day I realised that I can do something in the glamour world because many people appreciated my dance talent.
That was the first time when I got an opportunity to dance with Aishwarya Rai. And my guru Shiamak mentioned that I should move to Mumbai if I wanted to make a career in the glamour world. After returning to Delhi, I got myself enrolled in Barry John's theatre class.
Being from a studious family, and you yourself being so studious, was it easy to convince your parents that you wanted to opt for a glamorous career?
No, my sisters don't stay here in India and I don't stay with my parents, I was all alone in Delhi so they din't even know that I was doing theatre and all. But when I joined Shiamak and when he told me that I should shift to Mumbai, then only I informed them that I am just giving it a chance, if it didn't work I will come back and continue engineering and they all agreed. It was not tough to convince them.
So, how was it when you came to Mumbai?
I was very happy and excited. Initially I did many shows and theatre. I trained myself in acting and dancing. I even trained myself in Martial Arts from Allan and Amin. And then I joined Mohit Suri as an assistant director for Raaz 2 and was enjoying direction a lot. At that time, somehow I was sure that I want to go ahead with direction but then I got an offer from Balaji.
Who spotted you from Balaji?
I was sitting with my friends in Prithvi Theatre, when I got the offer from Balaji. Actually, I used to do many plays and one of Balaji's executive's spotted me. Then, I gave the auditions for Preet in Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil and they liked my appearance.
Although my character was not the male lead, it did get a lot of footage because of the popularity. And you will not believe that I was almost about to leave for my further training in Film Direction in New York Film Academy but then, I got an offer from Balaji.
So now, being Manav in Pavitra Rishta, what's the response like?
It's good and I am happy with the way my career is shaping. Everyone liked the show and I am getting a good review.
It is always said and even we have noticed that the stars who Ekta establishes, if ever out from the show, have not able to establish themselves as a star again. So how's your relationship with Ekta?
I had heard a lot about Ekta before I joined her but seriously she is a genius, she knows what is going to work and what not? She knows from which actor she can take out what. Which is wonderful and I have a great rapport with Ekta. She gives a chance to everyone to establish themselves individually as a star.
The show is doing so well, have you encountered any of your female fans or women who tell you something about your character, especially the communication gap between you and Archana in the show?
(Laughs) Ohh yes! Few days ago itself, when I was at Lokhandwala, one lady suddenly came to me and said "Please Archana ke saath aisa mat karo, zara dono baat karke suljhalo jhagda". Many times,I have met ladies who love the show.
So, as you said, you want to make your career as a director, and now your show is doing well, will you not continue pursuing your career further as a director or try your luck in Bollywood?
See, both are close to me in perspective ways. I love both jobs, as in acting and directing. Let some days pass and once I am done with Pavitra Rishta, I will go further in direction and will also try my hand in films. But right now, I am concentrating on my show.
As it's a very common concept in Television, especially in Ekta's show, that it takes a leap, so will you be a part of the show, even it takes 10 years to 30 years leap till your grandchildren's?
If it's a matter of 5 years, I don't mind if I would just have small kids. But if I am asked to go old with grey hair, I will not continue.
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