I hope I do not have to do any more serials"
Vikas Manaktala is creating waves as the fun-loving cadet Hooda in Left Right Left. His typical Haryanvi accent and sense of humour are a big hit with the audience. The actor has become so popular that he now screens all his calls before taking them. Sneha Hazarika gets to know television's favourite Jat.
Tell us a little about your background
I am from Delhi and have done a lot of fashion shows and print ads. In fact, I was modelling for last the four years before moving to Mumbai. In Mumbai I was actively involved in theatre, which taught me so many aspects of acting like scripting, make-up etc. It was a great learning experience.
From theatre to television, how did you manage the jump?
I was getting a lot of offers to do television, but I was looking for something worthwhile to start with. One day a friend of mind, who was working with DJs, the producers of Left Right Left told me about this show which was happening. Since I was a great fan of Tony and Deeya Singh, I just went ahead and auditioned. And here I am, playing Hooda.
Describe your character Hooda?
Well, he is a very chilled out character who is a compulsive gambler. He cannot ever resist betting but doesn't compromise on his values. He doesn't have to try very hard to win for he is a born winner, a born leader. It comes easiely to him unlike others who slog very hard. He lives life to the fullest.
How did you prepare for this character?
Apart from working out the nitty-grittys of this character, I, along with all my co-stars, went to the Raigad military camp in order to learn the basics of army training. We used to get up at 5.30 am and report for duty at 5.45 am. After rigorously training the whole day, we used to go to bed only by 9-9.30 in the night. This hardcore training helped us a great deal in getting disciplined.
How hard was it to copy the Haryanvi accent?
Oh, being from Delhi, which has so many people from Haryana, it wasn't a problem.
In your very first serial, you got to work with established stars like Rajeev Khandelwal, Shweta Salve and Puneet Issar! How was the experience?
Awesome. Rajeev is a really nice guy and is very chilled out. As for Puneet sir, everyone was scared of him and we all thought he must be a very strict person. I remember when I was shooting with him for the first time. I smiled at him from across the table, and that broke the ice between us. He smiled back and slapped me on my shoulder. As for Shweta, she is a very sweet girl even though I haven't had a lot of scenes with her. She is a fabulous actress.
And your co-star Priyanka Bassi?
Interestingly, Priyanka is also from Delhi, my hometown. We are very pally with each other. In fact, all the new kids in the serial are friendly with each other.
What about Tony and Deeya Singh?
Getting a break with them is the best thing that could happen to any new comer. Even before joining the industry, I was keen on working with them. They are really very sweet people.
Where do you see your future going?
I am happy with Left Right Left as of now. But after this, I want to work in movies, only movies. I hope I do not have to do any more serials.
source:Sunday chronicle
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