No kidding

My character in the movie, Sam, is yaaron ka yaar and his life revolves around his gang of friends, who are always playing pranks on people, by throwing eggs on them and jumping in the lake. While Sam participates in all the fun, there is another side to him, which he has kept a secret from his friends. Except for Siddharth’s (Tanuj Virwani) mother, played by Rati madam (Agnihotri), no one knows about his troubled family life. It’s a beautiful journey of a fun-loving person who, in the end, transforms into a mature human being.

Casting coup

I was spotted by my director Tanushri Chattrji Bassu’s husband in the Mountain Dew advertisement that was telecast during the IPL a couple of years ago. He felt I was fit for the role and I was called for the auditions. The only thing I knew when I went there was the director’s name. I had not taken it seriously and went there as I did not want to refuse anyone. I was called for the second round. That was when I was told that it’s an Eros production.

Stepping stone

My first film was Ek Choti Si Love Story with Manisha Koirala around 12 years back. It was a very hyped up film and had controversies surrounding it. I knew I would not be recognised after 12 years, till I mention that I was the kid in the film. Besides Mountain Dew, I have also done Ponds and McDonald’s advertisements. Ads were only to keep me polished and keep me in touch with acting skills as I had taken a break to complete my education.

First shot

My first scene was with Rati ma’am, and I was very nervous but she kept encouraging me throughout. She has been my support system, both on and off screen. It is her character in the film that makes me realise that problems are a part of life and advises me to face them. I also have a dialogue in film like “M(Monica) I don’t want to grow up”. It was a very emotional scene.

Stumbling block

After Ek Choti Si Love Story, I took a break to complete my studies. But, acting was the only thing I always wanted to pursue, and as soon as I completed my studies, I got the offer to work in Purani Jeans. I had a strategy in mind and luckily for me, things have shaped the way I expected them to happen. Signing a three-film deal with Eros has boosted my confidence, especially since I am an outsider trying to establish myself in the film industry.

The takeaway

I have grown as an actor and as a human being because of this film and the credit goes to my director Tanushri. The character that I play in the movie is actually based on a real-life character that she knows, and she would keep giving me details about this person in order to help me play the role better. I have learnt to feel the character through this movie. I clearly remember a scene with Sarika ma’am where I am angry after a fight with my friends. Things go terribly wrong in my life. As I was unable to inflect the right amount of emotions into that scene, Sarika ma’am helped me. She held my hand and asked me to take time and feel the character. She said the moment I was ready I had to just press her hand and she signalled the cameraman to can the shot. For an actor of her stature to help me, really boosted my confidence.