To Actors.. Professionals

Engineers and doctors are known to become managers or government servants. But there are some professionals, who choose to become actors. My Times Ulhasnagar profiles four such celebs, who left their professional fields to turn into professional actors. Hotties Payal Rohatgi, Arzoo Govitrikar, Harshali Ziine and cool dude, Ravi Dubey, all have the same passion for acting, which led them to change their career paths.
Payal, who has worked in several movies, is a computer engineer. The actress has worked in flicks like Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai, Plan, Police Force, Rakht, 36 China Town, Corporate, Ugly Aur Pagli, Dhol and Dil Kabaddi.
"I am a Scorpio and like a true Scorpio, I got bored of studies and the glamour industry seemed more like my place. It is my impulsive nature that made me take the plunge. I loved every bit of it and got an inner calling that I was meant to be here. Coming from a middle-class family, I guess this decision came as a surprise even to my family, especially because I had completed my technical degree," she says.
Recalling her computer engineering days, she says, "Like any girl from a traditional family, my parents too wanted me to get into something more fulfilling and I was pretty good at my studies, hence I chose to study engineering. It was lot of books, studies, hard work and sleepless nights. But the glamour world definitely looked more interesting."
The initial struggling phase was not easy but it was not horribly tough either for her. "It is scary as you want to make it big in the industry and may be tempted to take everything that comes your way. I have made a few mistakes and have done work because I was getting paid well. Now, I am more mature and I can say no to offers. My hard work and honesty have got me here and people recognise me today. It is what I have worked for and it gives me a high. It's been a tough but a fulfilling career and I feel it is only getting better with time," adds Rohatgi.
Ravi Dubey, wanted to be an actor since as long as he can remember. What led him to realize this latent desire was a failure in engineering despite being a good student.
"Honestly, it was quite a roller coaster ride. I felt like quite a misfit from day one. When I failed, I did not want to lose one entire year. After a lot of praying, I got the determination to pursue this desire passionately. I am practicing Buddhism since the last seven years and my chants played a major role in turning this failure into something positive. I did not want to leave it midway. Eventually, I gave it my all and got through," tells the electronics and telecom engineer.
Like all struggling actors, Ravi initially went through a period of criticism, mockery, lack of funds, less or sometimes no work at all.
"I got rejected several times but backed with prayers; I took it all in my stride and keep my belief intact. Without a severe struggle, one cannot truly relish victory," he believes.
Like most other actors, Ravi's goals are to play unprecedented roles, get acknowledged and respected for his work and become a yardstick for being a good human being. "I want to give my best, play all roles in my personal and professional life beyond the best of my ability. I have just about started and have barely reached the first milestone. I have miles to go before I sleep," he adds.
The gorgeous Arzoo Govitrikar is an electronics and telecom engineer, who went into modeling following the footsteps of her equally beautiful elder sister ' Aditi. Arzoo started her career with a Malayalam movie called Kakakuyil, which was directed by the famous Priyandarshan.
"I also did Manasutho besides a cameo in Manmadhan. In Bollywood, I have worked in Baghban, Lets Enjoy, Mere Baap Pehle Aap," informs the lovely lady, who has done several advertisements and fashion shows with all the leading designers.
It all started when she was doing her engineering in Pune. "I saw Aditi and the glamour really attracted me. I was drawn to this field instantaneously. However, my father said that I have to complete my education, only then can I do what I want. So I finished my degree and started this career. My engineering days were very memorable. There were forty boys and only nine girls. I used to live in hostel and life was fun. I miss those days," reminisces the pretty lady.
But she too had to struggle initially. "At the outset, I thought I was really lucky but then it was difficult. Luck plays an important role in an actor's life. I used to go for auditions every single day, meet people, workout. I look forward to working with big banners," adds Arzoo.
Harshali Ziine has been working in Hindi and Marathi film industry. She comes from a typical middle-class Maharashtrian family and always aspired to become an actress. However, she did not have it easy. She did her hotel management and worked in UAE for a few years before she had enough money to survive in the industry as a new-comer.
"I was a born actor but I knew my family would not support me since even the thought of becoming an actor was a crime in my family. So, instead of wasting my energy in convincing my family, I chose to complete my education, stand on my own feet and then get into acting. That is when I decided to do hotel management and landed in Ahmedabad."
After a three year degree course, she landed up at a multi-cuisine chain of restaurants in UAE. "I saved every bit of my earnings and when I thought it was enough to survive in Mumbai, I returned home. I am very proud of myself now that I could do this on my own. I feel very blessed that I met the right people at the right time, who helped me reach where I am today. There is a long way to go and it has been a good start," says the glam gal.