Behind the Mask

It has taken Dharmesh Vyas seven years to fulfill his dream 8212; being accepted as a versatile actor in Gujarati theatre and on television. quot;I have finally reached a stage where I am busy round-the-clock,quot; he says. A gold medalist in Dramatics from the University of Baroda, Vyas began his stage stint as a replacement artist in Homi Wadia8217;s play, Shakya Ashakya. After that he worked in several other Wadia plays including. But his life took a dramatic turn when he started working with Rajendra Bhutala, a stalwart in Gujarati theatre. quot;I have done six plays with him and luckily, all have been big hits, from Antarpat to Sugandhnu Sarnamu,quot; he says.

He also landed a role in the popular TV serial, Hasratein. And now he has half-a-dozen TV assignments in his kitty including Chutki Bajake and Padosan. Recently he received the Maharashtra State best actor award for his role in Biji Najarno Prem at the Awards. quot;In my latest play, Sugandhnu Sarnamu, I decided to play a negative role of a corrupt criminal lawyer. I was a little worried about how the audiences would react. But now that my role has been appreciated, I know that I can play any kind of character,quot; he says.