Shashank Vyas: 'I Gave More Than 100 Auditions But Never Gave Up Hope'
The actor gets candid on his journey so far in the industry.
Actor Shashank Vyas’ first tryst with super-stardom was when he was chosen to play the role of the grown-up Jagya in Colors’ Balika Vadhu. His portrayal of the various characters of Jagdish in the show earned him lots of accolades and after playing the role for 5 years, Shashank quit Balika Vadhu. He then entered Star Plus’ Jaana Na Dil Se Door as an army officer and again, his role was very much loved and appreciated by the audience. Currently, the actor is ruling hearts in Colors’ Roop: Mard Ka Naya Swaroop. Shashank Vyas and Donal Bisht to Romance Each Other on Roop – Mard Ka Naya Swaroop After the Show Takes a 12 Year Leap
We got chatting with Shashank about his initial days in Mumbai and about how acting happened to him.
You were a young boy from Ujjain who was very passionate about his studies. How did you get into acting?
I was passionate about my studies but I also had some acting talent in me which was well recognized by my friend, who suggested me to try my luck in Mumbai. I gave more than 100 auditions but I never gave up the hope until I bagged my first show Balika Vadhu. I was determined to prove my mettle as an actor and just had to be patient, as opportunities take time.
You are from a small city, did you find any difficulties or hurdles adapting to Mumbai's environment?
Of course, it took time to adjust to this city and in this space. But there is a saying- If Mumbai accepts you, it accepts you for life, and that’s what happened to me. Travelling was an issue, especially when you don't know the place, but the people were helpful and with God’s grace, the journey has been fantastic so far.
You have always enjoyed a very big fan following ever since your debut show. Do you feel the pressure of maintaining that stardom?
I have never ever experienced such pressure. Because I don't take stardom and the celebrity level very seriously. My main focus is to improve my skills day by day and give my best shot to my work. So I don't take the pressure of maintaining stardom.
What was the most interesting thing about the story of your current show Roop?
It’s a story of a brother/son/husband/ son in law. The show revolves around the character Roop. The basic norms we follow in the society we have divided some work to the men and some to the women. The character doesn't believe in these norms and he believes in equality. He is breaking the rules which are going against the society and the women. This character talks about women empowerment and feminism which was the talk of women in other shows.
Speaking of Ujjain, we have another hunk in the industry who belongs to the same city and no prizes for guessing, he and Shashank are good friends. We are speaking of Asia’s 2nd Sexiest Man Vivian Dsena.
Says Shashank, “Vivian is a very good friend. His set is in the same compound as mine, so we keep bumping into each other. We both hail from Ujjain and that is a pleasant coincidence. What also adds up to our close bond is that we both are big foodies. I think it's an achievement and a compliment for his personality, that he has been bestowed with the title of Asia’s 2nd Sexiest Man.”
Now that was a nice trip down memory lane for both Shashank and us readers, wasn’t it?
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 07, 2019 04:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).