Acting lets you fake emotions'

Bringing in relief to the angst-ridden tale 'Vaidehi' (Sony), will be actor Manav Gohil, as Neel. The suave Manav is naturally excited. He says, "I am playing a regular, good-looking guy who returns to the Jaisingh clan of which he was once a part. He was a five-year-old when his father died. The Jaisinghs are his guardians."

The soft-spoken host of 'Fame Gurukul' is also working in a children's film. "It's a South movie. There are no big stars nor is there any dance. But it's interesting," he reveals reluctantly.

Manav who had the tall, dark and handsome essentials to make it big in the glam world, confesses, "I haven't marketed myself well. I have spent five years in this industry and have realised that it has no grass. People here may not be qualified as in the corporate world. But they are street-smart and self-made."

The shy Manav elaborates on how acting has helped him express himself. "You learn to shed your inhibitions. You can even fake emotions. It gives you control over articulation," he ascertains. The 30-year-old also reveals that it's difficult for him to check the child in him. "I get into the kid mode easily. I don't act grown-up."

Being married to actor Shweta Kawaatra has tamed this self-professed challa (footloose fancy free). He shares, "She taught me how to speak and behave and open up as a human being." He adds in jest, "The wedding ring on my finger is not comfortable. I keep playing with it. Also I wish I could cook. As of now I can't even pour milk in a glass without spilling it."

That he seems easygoing is a misconception. "I am ambitious. Or else I would have given up and given in long ago. I have promised myself to make it no matter what," asserts this boy from Baroda. And what are those dreams? "They are mine, not to be shared," he smiles.

k_farhana@dnaindia.net