chat transcript of vipul

Transcript of LIVE INDIATIMES CHAT with TV actor, Vipul Gupta at 3pm (IST) on Monday, January 23 2006, in Mumbai

Vipul Gupta
TV actor

"After my MBA I was working for a multi national company. I just wanted to give acting a shot. Thankfully it worked for me"


Lovelikudii > You are a really great actor. I watch your TV serial 'India Calling' and (watch it) only for you. Do you bear any similarities with your character, 'Aditya?' Are you married?
Vipul Gupta > First of all, I want to thank you for appreciating my work. I feel, Aditya is a very contemporary character so there are some shades (in him), which are similar. Like his attitude towards life is like mine. And, I am very much single.

Taniia > Tell us something about your role in the movie Anjaan . Have you signed any more films besides this one?
Vipul Gupta > I am playing a character who is quite mature and is a sensible guy. He doesn't speak much, has seen success and failure in his life. I am doing another film with Red Ice Films. It's called Saturday Night. Starring opposite me is Neha Dubey.

Ishyy > Hi Vvipul, Ishita here. How did you get your first break? I am interested in acting. Can you suggest, and how do I start?
Vipul Gupta > When I came to Mumbai from Delhi, within a month I got to work in a gig commercial for Pears soap and Lakme. I got it through auditions. Slowly, I started getting other commercial projects too. I believe you should start doing your preparations in terms of working on your acting skills, your body, groom yourself and a get a good portfolio made.

Tania > Why did you quit K - street Pali Hill? If you are given an offer by Ekta to act again in one of her serials, will you do it?
Vipul Gupta > I am open to do any good show. It was a mutual decision to quit, as I had my previous commitments and the dates were clashing.

Rekha > Hi Vipul. Was it always your ambition to be an actor? You want to be in films or TV?
Vipul Gupta > It was not always an ambition. I have studied MBA and I was working for a multi national company, besides that I was modeling too. I just wanted to give acting a shot and thankfully it worked for me. I am open to anything good that comes my way, whether it's TV or films.

Tania > How is it working with Manasi Parekh? Who's your favourite co-star?
Vipul Gupta > Manasi is a very hard working girl. It's fun working with her. My favourite co-stars are Neha Dubey, Manasi Parekh, Mehak Chahel, Nisha Sareen ('Dweep' in k street Pali Hill)- all of them, as they have been terrific to work with.

Mikki > Is your character, Aditya going to fall in love with 'Chandni' in Indian Calling ? The two of you are being shown always fighting with each other. When and how is the cupid going to strike?
Vipul Gupta > Wait and watch!

Sony > Hey Vipul, what are your future plans?
Vipul Gupta > I just want to work, work and work, and enjoy my work more.

Rimmi > How did you bag the role of Aditya in India Calling ?
Vipul Gupta > The producers saw my commercial for Siyaram Suitings and I suppose they were looking for someone like me so that's how they called me up. They had already auditioned 400 people before that.

India-backing > You are doing films like Anjaan and Saturday Night with a lesser known cast. Now that you are well known because of your TV role, do you regret signing for such a role? Honest answer please....
Vipul Gupta > The movies are quite good so I don't regret signing them.

Tania > What is it that excited you to sign India Calling ? What is it that usually makes you want to sign a project?
Vipul Gupta > The character of Aditya. It's the package of everything from script to director to the production house, the character and the channel.

Mohan > Anjaan and Saturday Night - do you think they will be a hit with the audience in the theatres? Do these films have a popular appeal?
Vipul Gupta > I know that both are good films, irrespective of their outcome. Let's hope the audiences appreciate it.

Sony > Who is your role model? And please tell me something about your personal life.
Vipul Gupta > I don't have any particular role model. The good qualities of different people, which I try to imbibe is my inspiration. For instance, Aamir Khan for his dedication, my parents for their values etc. When I see a rickshawallah or a labourer, they are struggling but still have a smile on their faces - that inspires me. As a person, I am down-to-earth. I enjoy life. I love traveling. And I am from Delhi.

Jigs > Are you superstitious? Do you believe in astrology and such stuff?
Vipul Gupta > I do believe in astrology. But I am not overtly superstitious.

Kali > If you were marooned on an island, who would you like to be with?
Vipul Gupta > Salma Hayek. She is gorgeous!

Lili > When is your birthday? What do you do in your spare time?
Vipul Gupta > Birthday - 17 Sept. I party a bit, work out and catch up with my friends in my spare time. But working in a daily show, hardly gives me time to do all this (regularly).

Tania > If given a chance, which other television character would you like to play?
Vipul Gupta > I haven't thought about it. You tell me which role you would want to see me in.

Sign Off Message > Enjoy life to the fullest, have fun and make the most of all the time you have -whether good or bad. Life is too short, so enjoy. Love, Vipul.