Finding the me in me

Jasmine Singh

The big city of dreams Mumbai, its insane traffic, the strong stench of unhealthy competitiveness, lurking insecurities... nothing ruffled actor Vikramjeet Virk’s faith in his beliefs, even the fancy surroundings could not prick a pin in them! He decided to just flow along, following the routine that he had stuck to in his growing up years in Tharwa Majra, a village 30 kms from Karnal. “I still get up early, go to the gurdwara regularly and hit the sack at 10.30 pm, and I stay in Mumbai...”, he hints at his regimental life making us wonder why does he have to be so strict with himself, especially when he has just started to spread out his wings? But Vikramjeet wonders, “Why not. I am just trying to keep the me alive in me, nothing more to it.”

Nevertheless, there is certainly more to this actor from Karnal, Haryana who jumps from chaste Punjabi to flawless English during the conversation. “I was struck by the idea of modelling when I was in tenth grade. Later, in July 19, 2003, I got my first modelling assignment with Lakmè India Fashion Week, a big thing then,” shares Vikramjeet who slowly and explicatively takes us through the whole accidental landing of a role in Ashutosh Gowariker’s film Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey.

Even today, Vikramjeet doesn’t understand how, without any know how of acting, he managed to get a strong role in the film, through just an audition. “I was taken aback when Ashutosh sir asked me about the kind of role I would want to do. I told him, I didn’t know acting, but he was way too convinced with my audition.”

It was ‘maybe’ an honest answer that won a director’s heart, and it is with the honesty that Vikramjeet approaches his work, whether it is acting in a TV serial or working down south in films like Casanovva, playing some strong characters. “I can only approach my work with sincerity and honesty, and nothing more.” And flowing with the flow now fetches this handsome actor an important role in an Indo-Chinese film, Buddies In India, a sequel to Lost In Thailand. The shooting of which is already underway. Vikramjeet is also the captain of the Ludhianvi Tigers team in the upcoming BCL Punjab. His team is owned by Sonu Sood. “I want to do strong roles; I am in no hurry to reach anywhere. In fact, I have been choosy about my roles from day one. Many a times, I had to leave certain projects because the roles were not convincing enough. I don’t regret doing it though.” Vikramjeet would love to work in Punjabi films if given a strong role, rest he feels the ardaas of his family is and will keep him afloat, “And I will be me always,” he goes quiet...