TALKING POINT with Srman Jain

How has playing the flamboyant Silky Kumar changed your life?
The offer came during the initial days of my acting career. It was a big project and it was the first time I was doing something so huge. I learned a lot working with people like MTV’s Cyrus Oshidar. My life changed almost overnight after playing the character. I was still doing my graduation then. Even my teachers and classmates would ask me about the role. Once,my uncle from Singapore called and told me he had watched me on the Singapore MTV. One thing I’ve realised is that in life,opportunities always come but you have to recognise them. Once you utilise your opportunities,your life totally changes.

What’s your role like in the new Star Plus show Bure Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum?
It’s a funny family drama. I’m playing the role of Babli,who is a television actor. Everybody’s forcing me to get married but I don’t want to,because then I’ll no longer be a “stud”. This one role has given me the opportunity to play a variety of characters. For example,I’ve played the role of a cowboy,a Maharajah and even a pundit where I sported a long beard. People recognise me from the show. Once,a man told me that he saw my performance and started watching the show.

How different is the experience of playing Babli from that of Silky Kumar?
It’s very different. Silky Kumar is a glamorous character. A sort of Casanova. Babli is a wannabe,dumb and mama’s boy who mixes up the actions of Shah Rukh Khan and Dev Anand. In another show called Dadagiri,I played the role of a genius or a geek who abuses and shouts at the contestants.

You’re still doing your MBA. How do you balance your studies and acting career?
Managing college is a big task for me. After I return from college,I go to a shooting site and stay there up to 11 pm. Sometimes,I carry my books to the shooting site and read them whenever I get time.
Recently,I had my exams,so I used to study in between takes.

You were also offered a role in Bhaskar Bharti. Why did you not take that up?
I acted in the show for one day. But then,the shoot got delayed due to some problems with the set. Then I got so busy with Bure Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum that I had no time to act in another show. Besides,the people at Hats Off productions are extremely creative. They do good work so I’m happy working with them.q