TOI: TV has no stars only char-Shashank

Shashank Vyas on why he doesn't feel the need to socialise, his penchant for cooking and what makes him a selfish actor

You track in Balika Vadhu is once again gaining prominence with a brand new female co-star. How is it working with Sriti Jha?
My current track is like my rebirth in the show — it is a fresh start for me. I am enjoying every bit of it. Sriti is a brilliant and hardworking actor. I can't say we are Friends because she is new and we will take time to settle. She is also a senior (in the profession) so I maintain a respectful distance from her.

You are share screen space with Siddharth Shukla who's extremely popular. Do you feel insecure as an actor about the kind of footage he's given in the show?
I am content with my work and character. The writers must have planned something when they introduced the current track in the show and I have complete faith in their capabilities. If I keep thinking about how many scenes Siddharth has, then how will I concentrate on my work? As an actor I am very selfish. I like to work on myself and improve myself rather than worrying about others. Siddharth and I share a cordial relationship on the sets.

Your former co-star Anjum Farooki quit the show. Do you miss working with her?
Anjum was very energetic. Acting is about transferring energies — I learnt a lot from her. I am not a great actor, but Pratyusha (Banerjee), Anjum (Farooki) and Sriti (Jha) are brilliant. They make me look good on screen.

You are one of the few TV stars who has no starry tantrums. What keeps you grounded?
There are no stars or superstars on television, there are only characters. I believe in the mantra that success shouldn't be taken to Heart and failures to heart. Every day is different for me. I just believe in learning from my mistakes and moving on.

You lost your mother before you got your big break. Has her death made you stronger?
Tragedies can make you vulnerable too. You have to chose the best path for yourself and move ahead. After my mom's death I had decided to go back home, but I changed my mind and decided to do what my mom wanted me to — be an actor. Today I have everything that I wanted to give her, but she isn't there with me. I begin my day with a prayer for her and then go to work.

You had a blink and miss appearance in Tees Maar Khan. Are you trying your luck inBollywood films?
The TMK role was much before I bagged Balika Vadhu. I was a struggling actor then — in order to survive I did whatever came my way. Now I am choosy. I can't randomly pick up projects. It is also too early for me to do Hindi films — I need to work on my acting skills.

You are unlike other TV actors — you cook well and you don't attend parties. Isn't socialising important in your industry?
I party less as I feel my work needs to do the talking. If I just party and don't give my best shots then who will entertain me at the parties? There are lot of actors who do not go to parties or attend award functions, but are stars in their own right. If you are good at your work, no one can beat you. As far as cooking is concerned, I learnt cooking as I love home made food. I make yummy dal tadka.

Most of your friends are from outside the industry. Why is that? Do you feel colleagues can't be good friends?
I have two close friends who are not actors. It is important to have friends from outside the industry as you can talk on different subjects. If I meet colleagues after pack-up then we'll be talking shop and it will get monotonous.

What's your relationship status?
I am a normal young man who likes pretty girls. But if I am going to date some girl then it would have to be someone who will understand me and my work. If I take a girl on a candle night dinner and talk about work, she might get bored. At this point of time with work dominating so much of my life, I think it's better if girls don't date me (laughs). I am enjoying my single status — I have no responsibilities nor am I answerable to anyone.