‘I am boisterous’

Growing up in vibrant Punjab, Nitish Gupta knew that he was going to do something to ensure that no one around him ever had a dull moment. Frequenting Aarti Cinema in Ludhiana gave him the direction.

But like many from the typical Indian family, his road to acting too went via engineering. Let’s know more about the Kundan of Pinjara Khubsurti Ka.

Playing Kundan

My character values inner beauty in a show which explores our society’s obsession with good looks. Kundan goes against the tide picking a girl for her inner beauty rather than her appearance in Pinjara Khubsurti Ka.

Growing up in Punjab

I lived in Haibowal in Ludhiana. It was a typical childhood with friendly neighbours. My childhood was full of love and warmth, something that one yearns for in the metros. I get the same love whenever I go there. I gorge on cholle bhature and lassi to my heart’s content. A visit to a Verka booth always gives a high.

Moving to Mumbai

I wanted to be an entertainer. Parents ne ladke ko engineer banana tha and that’s what they did. Now, going to the sapno ki nagri scared me. I knew no one in Mumbai. I feared that the moment I landed there either I would be conned or murdered. Having done my engineering from Delhi, I tried theatre under Ratan Thakore. A year and half and I was ready for Mumbai.

The struggling period

Yes. I took my time. I decided to wait and watch till I got something that I would absolutely love. The role of Kundan fitted the bill.

Lockdown lessons

Like everyone else, I too learnt a bit of cooking. But I ate even more. However, I was mindful of burning the extra calories. The audience would have rejected a misfit Kundan. Also, this period made me take my spiritual journey ahead. I delved deep into the Gita and the Upnishads, and found some handy tips for everyday life.

Most prominent Punjabi trait

My loud voice. Like every Punjabi, I am boisterous and loud. When doing theatre, I always got 10/10 for each one could hear me loud and clear. In fact, if I speak softly, my friends and family think that I am sick or something.

Looking ahead

Many who come to Mumbai promise to replicate Shah Rukh Khan’s success. I too dreamt of that and more. My real inspiration, however, comes from my father who established a successful business from scratch!

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