Groomed on television

Siddharth Shukla, a household name thanks to popular TV show ‘Balika Vadhu’ says it is television that groomed the non-actor in him and helped him get noticed for films

Siddharth Shukla, television’s much loved hunk is all set to make it big on the silver screen. Flush with the excitement of his much awaited debut film ‘Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania’ which released last Friday he takes time out to chat with Seema Khot Mattoo about how he became an actor, balancing work in films, TV and more.

How do you feel about making your debut in Bollywood?

I am excited and happy now. I was a bit anxious before the release of my debut film ‘Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania’ but that has passed and all is well as of now. It is an important part in the journey of my career and the best thing is that I got to work with such a big banner for my debut. Working with Karan Johar was the best thing to have happened to me and I will always treasure it and more than a professional association I think I will always cherish the friendship for the rest of my life.

What has been the reaction of your friends and family?

They all were more than happy for me. They have seen me doing well for myself on television and now are expecting much more from me as I get into films. As a youngster I was not sure what I will do with my life and the future seemed hazy. Ultimately I thought I too will do a typical nine to five job since everyone around was doing it, but then it was not destined to be so.

How did you get into acting?

I was not sure as to what career I would choose. I would see my sisters drooling over models so I thought let me also give it a try since it seemed something worth doing. I did ramp walks and was good at it. Then I represented India internationally at Turkey for the Best Model of the World in 2005 and was declared the winner. One thing led to another and I landed on television with ‘Balika Vadhu’, went on to do ‘Jhalak Dikhla Jaa’ last year and then bagged this film.

Did the process start last year itself while you were doing Jhalak?

Yes, the process had begun last year when I was doing ‘Jhalak Dikhla Jaa’. Karan had given me a hint but nothing was finalised at that time. Things moved on later and once they did I was more than happy.

We see actors who switch over from TV to Films quitting the shows they are doing on TV but you continued with ‘Balika Vadhu’. How did you manage that?

As a producer Karan Johar has been kind in putting things at the right place at the right time. It is because of him and his support that I have been able to make adjustments. My producers and generally all the people around me have been understanding so I think I am fortunate for being able to work the way I want.

From going underground, to having an affair with a senior actress and also throwing tantrums, there have been lots of rumours and gossip surrounding you. Do you think you are an easy target?

All I will say is ultimately none of the stories came true since there was no substance to any of those stories. When, as an actor, one is popular and has bit of an audience, some people want to make a story to cash in on that popularity which is sad but then that’s the way it is. I think these kind of people are really bored in life, otherwise!