He cannot stop biting his nails. Nor can he sleep well.
It's obvious Vatsal Seth is very, very nervous.
And with reason.
His debut film, Taarzan: The Wonder Car, is just a few hours away from the public's verdict. Directed by Abbas-Mustan, the film costars Ayesha Takia.
Vickey Lalwani
chats with the young actor. You started with television but didn't pursue it. Why?
I started with a television serial, Just Mohabbat, when I was in the first year of my graduation. The serial and my character Jai became very popular. There were plenty of television offers subsequently, but I declined them. I did a few ads, though, like the Pepsi one with Shah Rukh Khan.
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It is very important to pitch yourself in Indian cinema. Had I continued doing television, I would have been coming into bedrooms and drawing rooms virtually 24/7. Then, would people shell out Rs 100 per ticket to see me on big screen?That means you always wanted to become a film actor?
(Smiles) Who doesn't want to take a quantum leap in life? I want to become famous and be known as Vatsal, not Jai.
How did a big banner like Baba Films take the risk of teaming two newcomers like you and Ayesha in their film?
You should ask this to the producer and director. Guess we are blessed!
So how did you land the role in
Taarzan?Abbas-Mustan had seen my pictures and said they wanted to cast me in a project. At that point of time, they did not have a script which suited me. When the opportunity arose, they called me. They didn't even take an audition.
Taarzan: The Wonder Car is a dream come true.
Even though the makers have insisted that the car is the hero of the film?
The car is indeed hero of the film. It is an attraction which will bring the public into the theatres. Today, people are not too keen to watch a new pair unless they are offered an additional attraction.
Tell us about Abbas-Mustan.
Both are in absolute sync with each other. If one doesn't like it, he does not ask the other. They seem to know each other's likes and dislikes thoroughly.
Tell us something about the wonder car.
Taarzan can do everything a hero does and much more. It can swim, fly, cross fires and fight villains.
What do you play?
An automobile engineer.
Ajay Devgan plays your dad. It's being said that his ghost makes the car fly...
(Interrupting) I knew this was coming. Many people have asked me this. But I am not going to tell you. Watch the film.
Hindi cinema is known for debutantes falling in love. Did you get attracted to Ayesha Takia?
We were definitely very friendly. But I have no time for love. I am concentrating on my career only.
You look like the cute boy-next-door, very unpretentious…
I like myself the way I am. I have no filmi background, no godfather.
Do you work out?
I am a regular at the Juhu Gymkhana, but just for keeping myself fit.
I am not here to build biceps and triceps. I am no beefcake. I want to act, not model.
What next?
Nothing at present. A lot depends on the public's response. Pray for me.
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