What are you doing in an all-woman serial Ek
Packet Umeed?
(Laughs) I'm the eye candy. Jokes apart,
you learn a lot when you're working
with distinguished actresses like Neena
Kulkarni and Sulbha Deshpande.
As for my role, I play a happy-go-
lucky orphan who finds love at Umeed
Bhavan when he meets the daughter of
the house dean. But he's too shy to
express his feelings for her.
What drew you to the show?
I have loved all the shows made by Hats
Off Productions like Sarabhai Vs
Sarabhai and Khichdi. Aatish Kapa-
dia, the writer, is very talented. That's
why I accepted the project as soon as
the narration was over. The USP of the
show is that it is real. You actually end
up laughing and crying with the actors.
How appealing is a weekly in this era of
dailies?
Dailies have become predictable. Even
though Ek Packet Umeed is a weekly, if
you give the viewers something dra-
matic they will keep coming back. It is
easy for us too because we shoot two
scenes in a day, which is unheard of in
today's scenario.
Where is your Saat Phere role going?
I have no clue. Personally, I want them
to knock me out as the Sadma track is
over. Saloni has recovered her memo-
ry. There is no need for me to hang
around.
Your film career never really took off.
I agree. After Tum Bin which was a sur-
prise hit, I could not work in other pro-
duction houses due to contractual obli-
gations with T-Series.
By the time I was free, I lost out on all
the good roles. Also, I made a few wrong
choices. I have learnt from my mistakes
and hope to return to Bollywood soon.
By staying on television aren't you harm-
ing your prospects?
I don't think so. Even big stars are
doing television. Let's face it, the idiot
box is really big today.
Are you working towards building a six-
pack?
I have no choice. It's sad but when
you go looking for work, producers are
only interested in your waist and chest
measurements, not your talent.
You're quite the playboy. So, who are you
dating now?
After a series of affairs, I am happy
being single. Getting into a relation-
ship distracts you from your
main course. Painting, sculpting and
horse-riding take up all my free time.
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