Who can forget Shakti of one of the longest running college serials, Campus or the chweet pal of Akshaye Khanna in Doli Sajaa ke Rakhna. Yes, we are talking about the man who has taken the tele scene by storm ever since he ventured into it - the indefatigable Ninad Kamat. hE certainly isn't a newcomer to Pune, having studied in National Model School, near Aga Khan Palace till standard III. ``We stayed bang opposite Aga Khan Palace,'' he reminiscences. In town after ages to star in the play, Whose Wife is it anyway?, The Indian Express caught up with him at The Pride Hotel for a tete-a-tete.Excerpts from the interview:How did it all begin? (Those of us who have seen him on Movers and Shakers have an inkling)Actually, I wanted to sing but there were no avenues open for singers then. So someone suggested I try acting and if I got lucky I might land a role that'll need some singing. This was while I was in college (Mithibai College, Mumbai). I started getting acting awards so I thought well. I can act. That's when I signed Tunnu Ki Tina. Later, Campus came my way.What was it like to face the camera?Although I had signed Tunnu Ki Tina first, I faced the camera for Campus first. I was quite nervous during the rehearsal but once the director said `action' and the camera was on, I relaxed. In fact, I got jittery after the shoot, wondering how I couldn't have got nervous during the shoot.On doing different mediums.I take every role in my stride. I don't feel it to be a big change or a different experience. The audience is the same, only the medium changes. I don't have a big feeling like I've arrived but the feeling that, yes I'm there is what matters more. Whichever medium calls me, I'll be there.Your dream role.I don't have a dream role. Every challenging role I get is in itself a dream role.What about starring with the big names ?Doli Sajaa. was a big movie with Anupam Kher, Amrish Puri, Moushami Chatterjee. I told myself that I shouldn't get awe struck because that would affect my performance and I didn't want that to happen. I was to play Amrish Puri's son. Before the shot, I introduced myself and that made the eventuality of the scene easier.Actors idolisedI don't really idolise anybody or feel that my acting style should resemble that of any particular actor but performance wise I do appreciate Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Om Prakash was one person who could make you feel the emotions he felt.Greatest influence in life:My parentsHis idea of an ideal woman (read qualities he'd look for in a wife):Someone who is simple and one who can guide me and stand by me. She shouldn't be too flamboyant, try to show off, artistic, talented and basically a good human being.How does he handle adulation?I smile and go ahead and talk to people. I don't run away. I make them feel that I am a normal guy. If I feel that someone is genuinely appreciating my work, then I'll go and interview the person to know what they think of my acting and where I need to improve.Favourite co-stars:Sachin Khedekar and Manoj BawaFuture plans:I plan to direct someday. Anyway, I keep giving so many suggestions that at times I guess it irritates the director. But I don't want to cause any ego hassles. I'm just a humble guy offering suggestions.Ninad is most likely to say.Well..Ninad is most unlikely to say.Oh! That was a great shot!!
