Actor Vishal Vashishtha shared his struggle, career and personal life experiences in a conversation with Dainik Bhaskar. He told about his experience of coming to Mumbai from Kolkata to start acting, his initial struggle, the popularity of Baldev character of ‘Veera’ and working with Sara Ali Khan and Ayushmann Khurrana in ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh 2’. He also talked about shifting to Goa, wife’s support and social media pressure. Question: Recently your film ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh 2’ has been released. How was it playing the role of Sara Ali Khan’s boyfriend? Answer: When I came to know that I was going to be a part of such a big project, I felt overwhelmed for some time. The film featured big names like Sara Ali Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Tigmanshu Dhulia and Mudassar Aziz. But I reminded myself that we are all here to do our jobs. If I got lost in the fan moment, my work would have suffered. In the last few years, I have learned to control myself. Question: What was the funniest scene on the set? Answer: In one scene, my character kidnaps Ayushmann Khurrana’s character and I had to kiss him several times. We met for the first time on the shoot, but Ayushmann was very supportive. He said, “Whatever you want to do, do it freely, it makes the scenes fun.” His words were encouraging and the scene became quite funny. Question: Was there any special scene with Sara Ali Khan? Answer: I did not have any direct scene with Sara Ali Khan. Our characters in the film communicate through letters. Only at the end was there an airport scene. Most of my scenes were with Ayushmann Khurrana and Tigmanshu Dhulia. Question: How did your journey from Kolkata to Mumbai begin? Answer: I was active in stage and performing arts since childhood. There came a time during my studies when I could not understand what to do. I took a break for a few months. During that time he used to watch movies and play. That’s when I felt that performing arts should be my career. Question: What were you studying at that time? Answer: I was in the second year of B.Com Hons. Tried many things before that, but I didn’t like it. Acting was the first thing that I was happy doing. Question: When did you tell your family about acting? Answer: I had applied online to Anupam Kher’s acting school “Actor Prepares”. After that told the family members. He immediately supported and never stopped. Question: Have you also learned martial arts? Answer: Yes, I have taken martial arts training for many years. I have reached red belt and after two steps I will get black belt. Had to stop midway due to injury, but has now started training again. Question: When did you come to Mumbai? Answer: I came to Mumbai in late 2012 and work started in 2013. Initially, he took training in Anupam Kher’s institute and started understanding the industry from there. Question: How did you get your first break? Answer: An audition call came during the B.Com exam. I stayed up all night with a friend, shot the audition and sent it. A week after the exams were over, I was shooting the pilot of “Crazy Stupid Ishq”. Everything happened very quickly. Question: How were the initial days in Mumbai? Answer: Initially I lived in Thane with my sister and cousin. Later took a house with friends in Andheri. 10-11 of my school friends were also in Mumbai, though none were actors. Someone was a CA, someone was a photographer and someone was a lawyer. Question: How was your experience in the TV industry? Answer: TV taught me a lot. I was not afraid to work 18-20 hours. At that time, learning and economic stability were essential. But after a few years I felt that now I should move forward. Question: Which character is still close to heart? Answer: Baldev of “Veera”. People still remember that character. Wherever I go, people call me Baldev. Question: When did you turn towards films and web series? Answer: “Ghar Wapsi” was the turning point of my career. After this I got John Abraham’s film “Diplomat”. Director Shivam Nair offered me the role after seeing my work. Question: Why did you decide to leave Mumbai and shift to Goa? Answer: I was tired of the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. Felt there was a need to change lifestyle. Goa has peace, clean air and a slow pace of life. That’s what I wanted. Question: Your love story is also very interesting? Answer: We have known each other since fourth grade. Started dating in 11th and married in 2021. We have been together for almost 18 years. My wife is a photographer and graphic designer. She also helps me in my work. Question: People say that your looks resemble Ranbir Kapoor? Answer: Someone said this for the first time during school days. At that time “Bachna Ae Haseeno” was released and I got a haircut like Ranbir Kapoor. Then friends said that I looked like him. Question: Tell us about your upcoming projects? Answer: My web series “Summer of 76” is coming, which is directed by Sudhir Mishra. This is a special project for me. Apart from this, another series is also coming in which I enjoyed working. Question: How do you spend your free time in Goa? Answer: I wake up in the morning, take sunlight, drink coffee and go to the gym. Then I read books, sometimes go to the beach. The best thing about Goa is the peaceful life there and the simplicity of the people. Question: What do you think is the most beautiful thing about the journey so far? Answer: My journey has always been slow and steady. I never tried to become a star overnight. Family and friends always kept me grounded. This is the most beautiful thing. Question: What was the biggest challenge? Answer: I am not very extrovert. The social life of showbiz and constantly being around people was difficult for me. But gradually I learned to handle myself better. Question: How much pressure is there regarding social media followers? Answer: Nowadays the importance of social media has increased in casting. Many times the number of followers is asked. But some projects require only a good actor. It is beneficial to have a strong social media presence, but it is not necessary for everyone to do what everyone else is doing.



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