Three years ago, 26-year-old Arhaan Behll moved to Mumbai from Ajmer, his hometown in Rajasthan, dreaming the dream that thousands of youngters who come to the city dream – making it big in the world of glamour. Today, he plays the male lead in the popular Star Plus soap, Mann Kee Awaaz
Pratigya, the story of a middle-class girl who fights against stigma and discrimation.
Behll plays Krishna, a spoilt brat from an affluent family who falls in love with Pratigya. "I am the exact opposite of what my character is," says Behll. "Unlike Krishna, I am shy, introverted and prefer to be left on my own."
So when he found a one BHK apartment in Khar, Mumbai, six months back, he couldn't have been happier. "The flat was big, spacious and airy and I really needed a change from my old place, so I moved in immediately," he says. But doesn't staying on his own get boring and lonely? "Not really," he says. "Because there's always so much to do! I've got really hectic shooting schedules (we can vouch for that: we had to chase him for over six days to get this interview) and then, my friends keep coming over, so it's not that bad."
The best thing about living alone
Nothing beats having my own space. When I enter my house, it's my own world. I can listen to music as loudly as I want to and dance (I dance a lot!). Also, I LOVE dogs, so I can keep one without anyone else having a problem.
The worst thing about living alone
I hate having dinner alone! That and the fact that if ever you fall ill or get a headache or something, you just have to grin and bear it on your own.
What I changed when I moved in
Funnily enough, I love to do interiors, which is quite ironic for a bachelor. When I'm in my apartment, I keep thinking about what colour I should paint a certain wall, what kind of wall hangings to buy and things like that. I bet I'm close to a professional interior designer!
What rocks – staying alone or staying with a roommate?
Roommate? No, never ever!
Who cleans up?
Thankfully, there's a maid who comes in every morning and cleans the whole house! My schedules are so hectic that it's impossible to find time to clean up any clutter on my own.
Three things in my bachelor pad I can't do without?
The first would have to be my PlayStation 2 video game console. I am a hardcore gamer and I literally spend hours playing. The second would be my TV – I watch lots and lots of movies on DVD and also watch a lot of movie channels – HBO, Star Movies, etc. The third would be…umm…you know what? A bachelor and his belongings cannot be separated, so I can't do without anything that I have in my house right now!
Ever had a problem with the neighbours while partying?
(laughs) Nah. In fact, my neighbourhood auntyji actually takes good care of me.
So who cooks?
I have a cook. Being stuck in the kitchen is my worst nightmare. Hate it.
My dream house…
…is a large, Punjabi house designed by me and it would be in Bandra, because I love the area!
One actress I'd love to share my bachelor pad with
(Scandalised tone) Actress? No no, no one apart my girlfriend!
If I had to spend an evening alone in my pad, I would…
..be hooked to my PlayStation, what else? I tell you, I'm hardcore.
My favourite place in my bachelor pad
For some reason, I love sitting on the floor, so there is this corner in my bedroom where I always sit and play chess, read and talk on the phone for hours on end.
My house is a mess: True or false?
(laughs) Umm...it's partly true. I mean, I do try and keep it as clean as possible. You know what, ever since my mom came to visit last month, my place has never been the same again! I don't know what instructions she gave my maid, but she now cleans the place like her life depends on it!
What's in your fridge?
Lots and lots of diet coke, chocolates and ice cream!
So where do you keep your beer?
(Awkward pause) Err…I don't really like beer, you know...
My landlord is…
…Very strict! But he watches my show regularly and is a big fan, so it helps!
