Talking of role reversal: Sahil Vedoliyaa does not mind household works

Manpriya Singh

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Mumbai is Mecca for those aspiring for a career in showbiz. And, it’s Disneyland for those who’ve made it. “But if somebody were to ask me how is Mumbai, I’d say it’s good for 10 or 15 days but after that, maybe I am used to more open spaces,” by now the Chandigarh boy in Sahil Vedoliyaa takes over. Speaking of which, he anyway plays a Punjabi in the Mrs and Mr Kohli, currently dropped on MX Player, a Punjabi web series that he feels is both true and relevant. “I play a husband, who stays at home, cooks, cleans while the wife goes out to work.” While playing a Punjabi and speaking the language came naturally to the actor, we wonder how much could he believe in and relate to the character. “I can totally cook, clean and look after the house. It’s actually sad that we consider jobs gender specific.” Any observation on how the subject has been dealt with before in films like Ki and Ka or how roles are shedding gender tags, fetches a disagreement.

Role reversal is nothing new, but it’s just that things like these would be covered up because society didn’t have the confidence.

“Role reversal is nothing new, there would be ample instances in society earlier also but it’s just that situations like these would be covered up because society didn’t have the confidence to accept things.” Coming up are two new singles one of which he makes his singing debut with and then there’s Hunar Punjab Da, a talent hunt and a reality show.

Seen in Shoojit Sircar’s October, roles or recognition certainly didn’t come overnight. “I started anchoring, did corporate shows, been the host of Voice of Punjab for several seasons now, stayed connected to casting directors in Mumbai, so it’s all taken time,” adds the actor originally hailing from Moga.

The mention of the town brings us and him to Sonu Sood, which is when he lets us in on little trivia. “By the way Sonu Sood’s mother has been my English teacher.” And as for the actor himself, he adds, “If one guy from your town goes and makes it in the industry, you too can make it.” But to make it in an industry which with each passing day is being exposed of its inner workings is easier said than done. He agrees, “But then that’s difficult in any job or career, insurance or banking. There are targets, deadlines. All you need is hope, zero expectations and emotional strength.”