Saahil Uppal is a determined actor and he believes in the value of hard work. After making a mark in the industry with an impactful character in Swabhimaan and Shakti.. Astitva KeEhsaasKii, actor Sahil Uppal is set to play the lead protagonist in COLORS’ upcoming show PinjaraKhoobsurti Ka. Excerpts from a conversation with him.
How did you decide to become an actor?
You will not believe it, but as a young boy, I was quite an introvert. I did not do theatre or anything. I was a shy kid. But when I grew up, people around me kept telling me that you look good and you should act. But I never took it seriously, until my father told me that I should give it a shot. At the time, when I was 21 or 22, there was a modeling competition and I participated in it. I got selected among the final two and I was quite amazed and proud of myself. That gave me the confidence that yes, I could do it and I decided to give a shot at becoming an actor and moved to Mumbai.
What was your initial life like in Mumbai? How did you land your first show?
Well, while my father supported me, he gave me two years to give my best shot at becoming an actor. I was apprehensive initially, but I thought I just had to try it. So initially, when I reached Mumbai, I had a tough time. There were several auditions a day and I faced all the problems that a young actor mustgo through. I was a part of several test-shoots and so many times I was just about to be finalized and things didn’t work out. But I was determined. I thought that if I am being shortlisted, there is definitely some talent within me that is taking me however far I went at the time. Finally, my persistence paid off and I landed a part in a television show and since then I have never looked back.
Tell us about how you bagged a role in PinjaraKhoobsurtiKa,?
I had auditioned for PinjaraKhoobsurti Kabefore the lockdownand I gave six to 7 look tests before I got this role. But the strange thing is when I got a brief for the character, I knew that I would be able to do complete justice to this role. I knew that I would bag Pinjara. With this belief, I kept on giving test shoots and the process went on for months. Finally, I was chosen and there was this sense of relief. The thing is that I have struggled quite a bit for two years before I landed my first television show. So, I learned from my own experiences and kept moving ahead.
Tell us about your character in PinjaraKhoobsurti Ka
I am playing the role of Omkar. He is someone who grew up in poverty but today he is a multi-millionaire. A self-made man, he cannot see anything that is substandard. He values beauty over everything else. While he does have shades of grey, he really cares for the people around him. He just has this very intense desire of capturing beauty for himself. When he comes across Mayura, a beautiful girl, he wishes to marry her. I have never seen such a character on Indian television before and it is a joy to play Omkar.
How did you prepare for the role of Omkar?
When I first heard the character narration, I was determined to make it look different and appealing from all other television characters. I sat with my director and my producer and understood every minute details. Omkar is a very intense character and I had to learn a different way of delivering dialogues. Also, this character is not entirely negative. He has a good side to him as welland my challenge was to bring that out.
What are your expectations from the show?
I am extremely confident about the fact that people are going to love PinjaraKhoobsurti Ka. It has amazing characters and a unique story that a lot of people will relate with. The entire team has worked extremely hard on creating character graphs that make each one of us stand out. The audience will be thrilled to be a part of this journey and witness some incredible moments. They will connect with Mayura’s journey, Omkar’s intensity, and Piyush’s determination. So, there is a lot to look forward to in the show, and I am very excited about it.
How does it feel to be associated with COLORS?
It is a great opportunity to be working with COLORS again. The channel always offers something unique and is known for showcasing interesting and captivating stories. With PinjaraKhoobsurti Ka, COLORS has once again come up with a concept that will excite and engage our viewers. I am looking forward to this new journey.
Do you agree being beautiful helps a person get ahead in life?
I’ve always been a strong believer in the fact thatlooks fade, but your character is what stays with you, till you die. People even today focus more on a person’s external appearance instead of their characteristics and talent, that in my view, needs to change.
What tips do you have for aspiring actors?
When I entered the industry, it was a difficult journey of finding befitting roles and notable work. One must understand that it is important to constantly innovate and work on your craft. Watch great films and read up on acting. That is very important as they help you hone your skills. You also need a lot of focus and even if things don’t work out, one should never give up. Keep trying and keep learning as you go along andit will definitely help you in the long run.
