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| "I was destined to be in
show business" | The transition from cricket to acting has never been easy. Several willow-men have tried it, rather unsucessfully. Among these: Salim Durrani, Sunil Gavaskar, and Sandip Patil. But Salil Ankola seems to be doing very fine, thank you. He's got a clutch of television series under his belt and is also signing on films thick and fast. (see profile) And he looks set to break the hoodoo that has jinxed cricketers-turned actors by succeeding in new vocation. indiantelevision.com's Nupur Rekhy spoke to this cricketer-at- heart, and actor-by-profession, on his yesterday, today and tomorrow. Excerpts: Q. How did television happen? A: After my tumor operation I could no longer play. And one day I just got an offer to act. Let me tell you, I was not even thinking of becoming an actor. So I feel it was destined for me to be in show biz. Q: What does it take to be a good actor? A: I believe, that the only thing that matters is the 'eye' statement rather than emoting any other way. So I just let my eyes speak. Q: How much do you involve yourself in your work? A: See, I did not go to any institute so I have very little knowledge of camera angle or the technical side of acting. I do give my opinions and I do express my point of view, But only when asked! I laugh and enjoy my work. As for scripts I never say the same line in the same way twice. But, I have no clue about direction. | Q: What roles do you relate to most ? A: I relate maximum to intense roles and any thing to do with a hurt past. I love to emote emotions but I want to get into comedy also which will strike instant rapport. Not some slapstick comedy which dominates the scene right now. | Q: Who are your favourite co-stars? A: Pallavi Joshi as she is very helpful and lets you grow a lot. Renuka Shahane is nice, even Mahima Chowdhary. Q: Who are your favorite directors? A: In films its Gulzar and Hrishikesh Mukherjee. And B.P Singh, the director of Khaki. Its not that I don't like others. But Singh treats his plot so well. He is the camera man himself. So he is very involved. Q: How much have you achieved? A: I would say not even one percent. Because if I feel I have got what I wanted, then I would not be able to find fault, and improve myself. Q: Do you have role models? A: No role models as such but yeah! I do admire Amitabh Bachan, Paresh Rawal and Al Pacino. | Q: Which is your favorite channel and why? A: I like Star Plus, Zee, Channel 9 and B4U as it has excellent quality. I wish India should also get good concepts like Hallmark. I would love to be in it, because I want to do new things all the time. | | Q:Which are your future movie releases ? A: Kurukshetra has been released recently. Then there is Deva and Shiva. The others still have to get a name. Q: How important are religion and family values? A: Religion should be practical and not imposed. I am a Hindu and read my shlokas everyday, as there's some force behind them. But I believe in all religions. As for family values, I am not a disc or a pub person. I like to go to my club or be with my family or be with my friends. | Profile | | | Salil Ankola
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New Innings on the silver screen
His Greek God like well chiseled looks and physique made many a young lady's heart throb as he strode across the ground to hurl his outswingers at international cricketers of the likes of Steve Waugh. These days, however, Salil Ankola is seeking to make a mark of a different kind: as an actor both on the small and the wide screen. | The 30 year old good looker hails from Karvar in the Konkan district. , But he was born in Solapur, Maharashtra. A commerce graduate from Pune, he started playing serious cricket when he entered the 11th standard. By 18, he was in the Indian cricket team. And he did leave an impression with his pace. He looked like he had a long cricketing career ahead of him. But a tumor developed in his leg. An operation followed, and it forced him to abort whatever cricketing ambitions he nursed. It is said that when fate closes one door, it opens another. With his good looks it was no surprise that he started receiving offers for films and television. His first serial Chahat Aur Nafrat attracted instant attention. Then came Kora Kagaz, which continues it's successful run on Star Plus. He is also there in recently launched TV serials Khaki and Kurukshetra. He signed his first movie with Mahesh Manjarekar recently, and has acted 5 movies so far. He candidly admits that he has never planned anything in his life. He takes life as it comes to him. As a true family man, he likes spending time at home with his wife, and two children.
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Anupamaa
Naagin 7
