Anshul Trivedi, the talented actor has been engaging one and all in the role of Khimji in Colors’ Balika Vadhu 2. Successful in both the Hindi and Gujarati circuits, Anshul has managed to challenge himself as a performer with the roles that he has accepted.
In a candid chat with IWMBuzz.com, Anshul talks about his journey with the show Balika Vadhu 2 and also on the success he has reaped in the Gujarati industry.
Excerpts:
You have had a good journey with Gujarati films recently. Tell us about it.
My last release, ‘ Oxygen’ did exceptionally well and has been already remade in Telugu. Now the Hindi remake is on its way. I also won the ‘ Best Actor award for the same which felt great. Two more films are in pipeline as well. One is titled ‘Kesariya’ followed by ‘Love Atrangi’. I have realised that good content goes beyond language barriers. It’s universal.
Balika Vadhu 2 has seen you in a very beautifully etched role. Tell us about the journey of playing Khimji?
I was not sure of taking up the part of Khimji. There were two main reasons, one was that I had to play a young rural father of a girl child and the second was I couldn’t imagine myself playing Khimji. I guess that’s exactly why I ended up taking it. When I am not sure as to what I would do with the character is when I always attempt it. It pushed me to explore the unexplored aspects of myself as an actor. I am glad I did it. I have gained a lot as an actor. My director Mr Pradeep Yadav is the reason you see what you see on screen.
The friendship of Khimji and Premji has been beautifully portrayed in the show. How was it to shoot with Sunny Pancholi?
As I said, it’s our writers and directors who had already prepared the necessary ground for us to create that bond on-screen. The reality is that we put in that kind of effort to become good friends so that we could portray it authentically. I think we did a fab job. Sunny is one of the very few co-actors with who I could bond naturally.
As an actor, we have seen you trying out new things. What are the kind of roles that attract you?
I’ve realised one thing about myself, every time situations push me to operate out of my comfort zone, magic happens. I always choose to rely on the acumen of my makers. When they see me playing parts, I haven’t imagined myself playing, it always works. So makers’ vision attract me, not roles!
Do you believe in being a Director’s actor or do you go with the flow, or you have your own kind of preparation? Explain.
I come prepared. I believe, preparation is a privilege you get as an actor. At the same time, I do not rigidly stick to my version or interpretation. For me, my director’s vision is supremely important. I always rely on and keep room for the magic to show up at the moment. I work to make my director happy. He is the only person who matters to me. I want my director to fall in love with me ( and my craft).
How is it to shoot with the kids Shreya and Vansh in Balika Vadhu 2?
I believe, art has nothing to do with age. Yes, the experience can be of great help when it comes to the expression of art. Vansh and Shreya, both are gifted talents. If one observes keenly, kids’ performances are something to learn from. Their craft is not corrupt.
Is it a bit disheartening to see that there is no big rise in the ratings of the show? How do you take numbers in your stride as an actor?
If the standard of performances and ratings were directly proportionate, we would have broken all the records. Having said that, I detach myself from the rating part of the business as zillion other factors are contributing to that, other than performances. I pour my heart and soul into my work, that’s the only part I control and pray that the other parts are taken care of.
What are your expectations from this cult show Balika Vadhu 2?
I think it would be unfair if I talk about my expectations. The entire team has been quite brave to have attempted recreating one of the cult shows of Indian Television. I feel, the team has done a phenomenal job. I hope, wish and pray that it’s received with the same love that we felt while mounting it.
What are future goals?
When I had started my acting career, I had dreams. I still don’t have goals, I have dreams and I am on the path of living them. That’s all I can say!