TOI: Ppl dun pay 300 to watch six packs-Nishad

Telly newbie Nishad Vaidya on playing by the rules of showbiz and lots more

Jamnagar's Nishad Vaidya is not your average 'accidental actor'. By his own admission, he's always nurtured the dream of marking his presence in showbiz and now that he's playing the lead role in Amita Ka Amit, he's close to living his childhood dream. In Ahmedabad recently on a promotional tour, Nishad was 'in character' and sported a bottle green shirt teamed with cotton trousers and rimless spectacles. He's also quick to point out his local connect as we settle down for a chat. "I've lived in Ahmedabad for three years. I am coming back after a long time and all the happy memories are coming back to me," he says. Excerpts from a chat:

Like every aspiring actor, did you have to struggle a lot to make it till here?
Since childhood, I've always known that I wanted to become an actor. I was very bad at studies, so, my focus was clear — that I would have to concentrate on extra curricular activities to make a mark for myself. I moved to Mumbai in 2006 and struggled for six years to get a toehold in the TV industry. I did Gujarati plays for three years to learn the ropes of acting.

You play a Gujarati businessman in your first show. Does the connect make your job easy?
I am thankful that my debut show portrays me as a Gujarati. Mera 50 per cent kaam aasaan ho gaya. But even if I have to play a Punjabi or a South Indian guy, I will work towards my language and diction and give my 100% to the character. The main challenge is to keep audiences hooked. Television audiences want 100% drama.

It is a trend on television for TV stars to flaunt
six-pack abs and a perfectly sculpted body. You are very different from them.
(Laughs) I knew this was coming. For an actor, having abs or biceps don't really matter beyond a point, you need to show off your acting chops as well. People don't pay '300 to see stars with great physique. The audience wants an actor who is a powerhouse performer and also has the ability to entertain. Having said that, after this show, I'm planning to work out and get a good physique.

Like your counterparts, are you also keen on reality shows?
I want to do a Bigg Boss. I don't understand why people criticise it so much. As an entertainer I'd like to do a show that's so entertaining.