After Uttaran, you did only one serial Maayke Se Bandi Dor and then disappeared from the small-screen...
That’s because I did a couple of Punjabi films. I wasn’t getting interesting offers on television and I didn’t want to do similar roles. As Vansh in Uttaran my character was negative. He was a drug-addict, an alcoholic and suspicious by nature. He died but I was brought back as Vansh’s lookalike. That character could have continued for another six months but due to some unfortunate circumstances that didn’t happen. A leap was in the offing and the character had to be done away with.
Would you have been part of the leap?
It was an 18-year leap and at this point, I don’t want to play older characters. If I shave off my beard and have a crew cut I can still pass off as a college kid!
Your other serial Dor did not work. What went wrong?
I loved my character Bhaskar in it. He was a greedy, good-for-nothing guy. The serial had a different concept but I guess the production house couldn’t handle it.
What prompted you to play an ugly guy in Dil Ki Nazar Se Khoobsuorat?
The fact that I had to play an ugly guy who falls in love with a beautiful girl! It’s the biggest challenge. Very few actors would take this risk in their career. Every guy wants to look hot or be a cool dude. Also, this is the first time I am playing a positive and romantic role. Besides, there are shades to him as Ehsaas and I believe in this character.
How do you feel when you look at yourself in this avatar?
Early in the morning I take a shower, feel and look good. Then I apply makeup to become dark, paint a scar and put on the ungainly spots. When people come up to me and ask ‘what happened to you’ it feels nice.
How important are looks to you?
Personally, if you ask me I like to wear decent clothes and look good. But external beauty is momentary. If the thinking and the attitude is not right, good looks are immaterial.
You have done Punjabi films. When will we see you in Bollywood?
Frankly, I haven’t got any interesting offer so far. I don’t want to do a Hindi film for the heck of it. In the past I have done South films and played every role from a hero to a villain. Even in my recent Punjabi film Singh Vs Kaur I have done a negative role. For me, the length of the role doesn’t matter, what’s important is people should remember my character when they leave the theatre.
For a long time, you kept your married status under wraps...
I wasn’t hiding it. It’s just that I am a very private guy and don’t like to talk about my personal life. I am a normal guy who likes to go out with family everywhere including a restaurant for dinner.
Chaya Unnkrishnan
