Vishwa Gulati the new entrant in Star Plus’ popular show Imlie is an actor with a strong theater backing, and this is clearly seen in his performance. He is very much at ease playing the role of Kunal Chauhan, the parallel lead who has been brought in as the new guy in Malini’s (Mayuri Deshkumh) life.
The actor received an extremely warm welcome from the loyal fans of the show and bagged all the limelight on social media even before his entry could happen in the show.
In a candid and exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Vishwa Gulati talks about his theater journey, his love for acting, and this big role in Imlie.
Excerpts:
Tell us about yourself.
I am somebody who comes from a very strong theater background. I have had 10 years of theater experience in Delhi. I was also working as a teacher at a private school in Delhi, teaching Music and Drama. Simultaneously, I was learning the nuances of theater from Sri Ram Centre for Performing Arts. That was when I decided to have a career in acting. Later, I moved to Mumbai and started my journey as an actor, as I felt the need to shift to television and cinema.
How have your initial days in Mumbai been?
I have been in Mumbai for three years. I have done few cameo roles in TV shows, but not much of it though. I had done many ads, corporate shows etc.
Meanwhile, I also started working as an actor, anchor, voice-over artist, assistant director, and podcast host. I also did an independent feature film as the lead. I have done a short film titled Nargis.
I had given myself five years and wanted to see where I reach as an actor. But the journey in these last three years has been so beautiful that I want to be here for a long time.
How does it feel to be part of a show like Imlie?
Imlie is a very good show. I am almost like a fresh face for TV. All the hard work that I have done over the years has paid off with this role. It is a golden opportunity for me to prove myself and make my space on TV.
Tell us about your role in Imlie?
Kunal Chauhan is a very qualified lawyer, a barrister. He is serious about his work. But at the same time, he is very playful when out of his work zone. He is a cheerful and positive guy. I will say that I got this character because it is very close to my personality. It is going to be a long track. Fans have been very eager to see this track blossom. They want Malini to be loved (smiles).
How important is this role in Imlie to you?
This role is very important for me. I am coming to TV after a very long time. I have never played a very major character; I have never played a parallel lead on TV. TV is big. The kind of fan following the show has is something very exciting. Even before I entered, fans went crazy and I started getting messages. I have trained all my life to become an actor. Every actor gets one big golden chance. If I do well in Imlie, I know I will get more offers. This is a very big platform for me. I really have to prove myself. I want people to realize that I am a good actor. There is a lot of pressure, nervousness, and excitement too. I am trying to harness all of it and confident in giving my best.
Take us through the manner in which you gel with the co-actors?
The team of Imlie is very nice. They made me feel so comfortable. Sumbul, Gashmeer, Mayuri helped me a lot and gave me a warm welcome. All of the actors in Imlie are so talented that I love to sit and watch them being in action. I came to Hyderabad for the first time. I had the pleasure of shooting at Ramoji Film City.