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'I watched Punjabi Superman to get the accent right'
Pulkit Samrat, the 28-year-old actor-model, who rose to fame as Lakshya Virani in Ekta Kapoor's Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, will be making his debut with the forthcoming film Bittoo Boss.
He had filed a case against Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms for non-payment of dues and then disappeared from showbiz.
It took him four years to bounce back, but bounce back he did, with his first film, Bitto Boss.
Pulkit tells Rajul Hegde how he was determined not to give up, and how he managed to bag a solo-hero movie.
Bitto Boss also stars Amita Pathak, and will release on April 20.
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'After I quit Kyunki, I was asked to come back to Delhi to join the family business'
Where were you all this time?
I did a course in web designing, and then started working as a graphic designer. My advertising background helped me during this brief stint.
I did Vaibhavi Merchant's Broadway musical Taj Express where I had to act, dance, and sing. That experience gave me a lot of confidence to prepare for films.
In the meantime, I was also working on my diction and voice quality. In short, I was waiting for the right film offer; I had offers from TV but nothing excited me. Bittoo Boss was the first good project to come along and I grabbed it.
Did your parents help you financially after you quit Kyunki?
When I quit Kyunki, I was looking for opportunities. I was asked to come back to Delhi to join the family business. But I asked for some more time and a second chance.
My parents have always supported me and I have never worked for money. I have always wanted to act in films. That is the reason of me being an actor.
Even when I was working in Kyunki, I kept on hoping that one day I will get a chance to show my talent in films. I accepted Kyunki because Lakshya was a substantial role unlike the male leads in most serials who have little to do.
'I have nothing personal against Ekta Kapoor'
You were supposed to shoot for Fauji 2, and later it was canned.
Yes, we had to shoot some vital sequences of the show at the Indian Military Academy, but they couldn't get the required permission from the government because of the terrorist threat then.
How is your equation with Ekta Kapoor now? Any regrets for what you did?
Ekta and I parted ways over a professional difficulty but I have nothing personal against her.
Whatever happened was in the heat of the moment. I have forgotten about it now. The problem wasn't with her but the people around her. She's a sweetheart and there is no ill feeling.
Whatever is destined to happen will happen. We wished each other for Diwali. She will be the first person I would want to show my film to (smiles).
'I was constantly rejected as the role required me to look rugged'
How did Bollywood happen?
I was called for auditions, but was constantly rejected as the role required me to look rugged and director (Supavitra Babul) thought I had a soft look.
I was determined not to give up. To convince my director, I had to take him to the pind (rural Punjab) and show him that there are boys there who are like me. Finally, he was convinced that I fit well into the role.
So, what kind of preparation did you do to play a small-town Punjabi videographer?
Actually, I watched Punjabi Superman and Spiderman films to get the right accent, which is funny and entertaining. The fact is that the accent of Punjabis in the pind is different from Delhi.
For a month I got hands-on experience of being a wedding photographer from my friend in West Delhi, who runs a joint called Johar Studio.
My character is supposed to have used the camera for 12 years. He had to be comfortable with it. My friend taught me about focus, holding the camera right and other things.
'I want Salmanbhai to watch my film'
Is the film similar to Band Baaaja Baarat?
The comparisons are bound to be made because of the Punjab mohal (atmosphere) and the weddings, but it is completely different you will realise when you watch it.
Bitto Boss is about an arrogant but charming wedding videographer in a small town in Punjab who thinks he is the last word in his work till he meets a tough match in a character played by Amita Pathak.
How is the equation with co-star Amita Pathak?
We have a good equation; we used to fight all the time, like kids.
What did Salman Khan say after he watched the promos?
Salmanbhai loved the promos. That's why he agreed to come for the music launch of the film.
He also liked the song Bittoo Sabki Lega. I want Salmanbhai to watch my film but he is very busy with his own films.