I carry the salt-pepper look well, says Jai Singh

‘I carry the salt-pepper look well’

In a candid chat with us, actor Jai Singh talks about his initial days in Kolkata, his foray in TV industry, the key lessons learnt during the pandemic and his career goals…

How did you get interested in acting?

My mother has been a school teacher for 51 years and my sister is a teacher too, while my dad is a good singer. During my growing up years in Kolkata, I have been drawn towards cultural events. I have an affinity for performing arts as I happily took to stage at any given opportunity. I’ve anchored many TV and stage shows, and did theatre as well.

Have you done an acting course?

I did an acting course from Anupam Kher sir’s institute in 2008. It was a three-month course. I owe it to my mom for giving me the wings to fly to Mumbai and my guru, Yashraj Jadhav.

Share your journey from Kolkata to Mumbai.

For 10 years, I was successfully running a performing arts academy called Applaud. In 2018, it seems the universe conspired as I got opportunities to do TV commercials with bigwigs like Sourav Ganguly, Dabbu Ratnani, Meghna Gulzar and Shoojit Sircar, and here I am today doing what I’ve always wanted to do.

How did you get your first break in Pavitra Bhagya?

I was in Mumbai for an ad shoot and had just sent my pictures to the creative head of the production house. I remember I was watching Bala when I got a call from them the very next day. I left the film in-between, gave the audition, and had a gut feeling that I would get the part. And that’s exactly what happened and I am thankful!

What about your latest role as a billionaire dad in Ishq Par Zor Nahi’?

Ishq Par Zor Nahi is my second show and by the grace of God, this also happens to be with a big banner. My entry happened after the leap, and I am overwhelmed with the love that I have received from the audience for my role of Viren Mehta. Initially, my character was of a loving and caring man but after Ahaan (played by Param Singh) mistreated my onscreen daughter Rhea repeatedly, my character turned negative.

Your show is going off air. Your comment.

All good things come to an end. But the journey must go on!

Have you always maintained the salt-pepper look, or you did it for the role?

I adopted this look in 2018. I am told I carry it well. It goes well with characters too and it stands out, I guess.

What is your learning from the pandemic?

Less is more. It has taught us all to appreciate the smallest things in life; to be more kind and helpful towards others.

If not an actor, what would you have been and why?

If not an actor, I would have been a teacher, something I still am. Dramaturgy is my subject and I have travelled all over India to different schools for that.