Don’t bat an eyelid
Mona
He was this doting husband playing Prem Bhardwaj in popular soap Sasural Simar Ka...get ready to Dheeraj Dhoopar play a new innings — a star cricketer aka Karan in the show Kundli Bhagya, which goes on air this Wednesday. This-model-turned actor, having had about a decade in the glamour industry, feels fortunate to have made it this far.
Why Kundli Bhagya?
Everything about the show... it comes from Ekta Kapoor and Zee, and as I was narrated the script, I could imagine playing this IPL star with a huge fan-following.
Will Karan beat Prem?
That’s the challenge. I have got immense love as Prem, I am so hoping to replay a successful innings as Karan. Karan is everything that Prem was not. He is this Casanova living life on his terms. Hard working he is, but a star at this young age and his elder brother to manage life for him, he is enjoying his super success
Playing a cricketer
Like any Indian, cricket is in my blood too. I was my school’s cricket team captain and never lost touch with the game. But to play a cricketer on screen, I did watch loads of videos to see how a batsman actually plays different shots, ties his pads, goes down the ground...to get that professional touch.
Well begun is half-done
I was born in Bareilly, did my schooling there and in Nainital before calling Delhi home. I did my fashion designing while aiming to be a ramp model, which was not to be given my height or lack of it. But print modelling clicked. Stroke of luck and I was called from Rajan Shahi’s office and got to debut on Colors with Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg.
Designs on big screen
Like any actor, I too wish to become part of film fraternity. In fact, there have been couple of offers and projects that somehow did not fall in place.
My favourite telly star
I love Hussain (Kuwajerwala). As an actor, anchor he has been phenomenal and he is a friend too. I have also followed and appreciated Ronit Roy.
In my leisure time
I love to watch action-thrillers, which my wife, by the way, hates! But then she is by my side, always; as I am when she is enjoying her chic flicks. I love cars too. There was a time when a scratch on my car could spoil my entire day. I have gotten over that and I am super-excited as I gear up for my new Audi.
Same industry
I feel fortunate. Since my wife is an actor too, she knows what I am doing; when, why and how. She is a very understanding person and it is a huge plus to have a compatible partner by your side. mona@tribunemail.com
