’Being a sex symbol takes you places’

Anand Suryavanshi

You may not make it the first time, but there's always a second time. Never give up.'' — That's Anand Suryavanshi's philosophy in life. And it is all thanks to it that he's a telly star today.

Anand always wanted to be an actor. In the mid-90s, while he was finishing college, he was offered a TV serial called Beauty Parlour . That didn't take off, but Anand continued to assist Anand Mahendroo, who'd offered him the serial. ''I was passionate about acting and was determined to pursue it despite the roadblocks.''

However, when things didn't take off for a while on the acting front, he joined his father's business. ''But my heart was never there,'' recounts Anand. ''I was physically present at the office but mentally I was not really interested.''

Soon, with the support of his family, he decided to give acting a second shot in 2001. ''I was optimistic. I knew I had to do it. I just looked up and told God 'Look boss, you got to back me this time around!' And fortunately it worked out for me.''

Anand did shows like Kasautii Zindagi Kay, Naam Gum Jayega, Zameen Se Aasman Tak, Qayamat and is currently doing Sindoor Tere Naam Ka and Dekho Magar Pyaar Se .

He's a household face today and he's glad. But, he says, ''Popularity is secondary. What's more important to me is creative satisfaction. At the end of the day when I'm going back home, I have to feel good about the work I've done.'' On the personal front, things are going great too. Anand's happily married with a nine-month old baby, who's his world today. ''I'm a child too,'' he insists. ''I refuse to grow up. So, I'm good company for my baby!''

An actor's marital status does not hamper his popularity among his female fans, he believes. ''Besides, I don't think too many people know I'm married,'' he jokes. On a serious note, ''TV actors are more recognised and accepted because of the characters they play. The audiences eventually start liking the face portraying the character. But one's marital status shouldn't really matter.''

TV apart, films too are on his mind. And what does he think of the emerging trend of male actors being sex symbols? ''Why not? If being a sex symbol works for me, I am fine with it,'' he smiles adding, ''Look at Mallika Sherawat. She has reached Cannes today. Being a sex symbol takes you places.''