Amit Sadh’s interview

Life hasn't been easy for 26-year-old Amit Sadh, the actor who became a household name post his appearance in a popular reality show.

He may sport that devil may care attitude for the world at large, but Amit Sadh is a rather caring guy. For further details, please refer to a certain lady called Neeru! Having established his credentials as an actor in serials like Kyun Hota Hai Pyaar and Guns 'n' Roses, Amit shot to fame with his appearance on a reality show. The youngest participant in the show, he became the viewers' darling for his emotional outbursts and unabashed declaration of love, for Neeru Bajwa. In town recently.

Watch him interact with his fans and pose for photo ops, and you know at heart, he's a simple guy. Though he's from a defence background, Amit's parents passed away at a young age, leaving him to fend for himself when he was barely in his teens. "After having completed my standard 12 from La Martiniere College, Lucknow, I moved to Delhi where I took up odd jobs to make ends meet. I have earned my meals by working as a security guard, waiter and a newspaper vendor," he recalls. After dabbling in various careers, Amit finally found what he terms as "my true calling." Elaborating on this he says, "Prakash Bhatia introduced me to acting when he gave me a break in his play, Ek Salesman Ki Maut, an adaptation of Arthur Miller's play. The play really had me hooked to acting. Then I shifted to Mumbai, where I trained in acting and then got my first TV serial Kyun Hota Hai Pyaar."

Amit recalls fondly the momen-ts spent in shooting Gu-ns 'n' Roses. Why is that? "Because that is where I met Neeru," replies, the besotted man adding, "Neeru has brought stability to my life. She's my anchor." But question him why his lady love is denying any plans of a shaadi which, he's clearly so keen on, and he's quick to jump to her defence: "Neeru had said that because in our line of work, a married woman isn't considered very happening."

Coming back to his profession, how has the experience of participating in this reality show helped him? "It has certainly mellowed me down. But I have also learnt never to plan anything in life. To take each moment as it comes," he replies sagaciously. But didn't he feel that the anger and emotions expressed on the show would dampen his chances of getting lucrative offers?

"Inside the house, things can be very disconcerting what with halogen lights, mikes and 40 cameras trained on you all the time. Let someone spend 11 weeks in that situation, then I'll ask them how they feel. They will react just as I did. As far as my saleability is concerned, I have got good offers and hope things work out," he says though right now, he's not willing to talk more about those "good offers".

Amit is most inspired by Hollywood actor Al Pacino. "He is a phenomenal actor and I loved him in Scar Face." Among the desi heroes, Amit has several role models: "I love Aamir Khan's dedication, Shah Rukh for the way he conducts himself, and Hrithik for his humility."

itishree.misra@timesgroup.com