|  | | Manpreet has worked in serials like Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand | At the moment, he is busy wooing Mandy and is enjoying every bit of it. We are talking about the bubbly guy you see on your television screen — Manpreet Banga, popularly known as KS in Yeh Meri Life Hai — at 10 pm from Monday to Thursday.
"KS's character is quite like me in real life," he says, talking about his role in the popular serial. However, it has been no cakewalk for this actor. His first role in any television serial was a small part in Mehendi Tere Naam Ki in 2000, from where he went on to play the role of Karan Nath's friend in the film Yeh Dil Ashiqana.
It was a sudden turn to acting for this 25-year-old. "I was studying electronic engineering at Datta Meghe College of Engineering in Airoli. In my second year, I accompanied a friend to meet a model co-ordinator. "He liked my looks and asked me to give acting a shot. Within days of getting my portfolio shot, I got a role in Mehendi Tere Naam Ki and the Wrigleys Chewing gum ad," he says.
"I loved acting so much that I quit engineering next year," adds Manpreet, who is now studying advertising at Khalsa College, Matunga.
Manpreet has also worked in serials like Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand. Does he feel that being a Sikh has limited the roles offered to him? "I agree that there are limitations because I wear a pagdi and sport a beard but that doesn't bog me down. It's challenging when there are limitations." he says
"Also, people feel that wherever there is a Sardar there has to be a joke. But I have tried my best to avoid such cliche," he adds.
Manpreet loves acting but his dream is to become a director. Says he, "My friends and I have started 9A Productions, where we make ads and movies for our college. "We plan to start our production house by the same name in the future. I am really fascinated by direction but want to take formal training before I take the plunge. Till then, I will act."
So what can the audience look forward to from this aspiring director? "I'm working in a serial called Sidhant on Star One in which I'm playing a journalist. Then there is a film by ad filmmaker Sujit Sarkar starring Jimmy Shergill, where I'm playing the role of an army officer," he says.
Ask him about why he continues to live in Chembur while the TV industry is based in Andheri, he says, "I have been staying in Chembur for the last 15 years and I feel good when I come home after a long day at the sets. I am sure I'll stay here for the rest of my life."
He adds "I love Chembur. Often, I hang out at Barista. It's one of he most happening places in Chembur. You'll meet the young crowd of Chembur here." |
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