"Films are like exams"

He’s got the looks, the charm and that chivalry of a gentleman. Amit started his career as an Indian television actor after he quit his studies to pursue his acting career. His first major television role was in the Neena Gupta production's ‘Kyun Hota Hai Pyarrr ‘ and now he’s won the hearts of many with his commendable acting in the film – ‘Kai po che’.Dressed in a smart check shirt and jeans Amit had no difficulty connecting with the audience as he merrily talks about his love for Gujarati food and his film – ‘Kai po che’. Experts of the interview
How were you as a child?
I don’t talk about that because I’m planning to write a book one day and then you’ll know. (Laughs)
Before getting your first break in television you spent two years on the footpath. How did that change you as a person?
When I was in Delhi I stayed on the footpath for almost two years. It was a major learning period in my life. When I came to Mumbai I didn’t have to struggle and within six months I became a household name with Neena Gupta production's ‘Kyun Hota Hai Pyarrr’. When I left television to start films, that struggle was very long and tough. I didn’t know that I’d take six years. But now when I look back I get a more aerial view, it becomes more peripheral than tunnel and now it makes sense and this has made me a better person, a better actor and so I wouldn’t have wanted it in any other way and I’m very happy for it. It gave me a better understanding of life, of people and probably humbling me down and keeping me grounded. I learnt to value everything and everyone around me. I believe when you value everything around you become submissive and humble. And I think that’s a good way to live life.
Would you still want to be a part of television?
I wouldn’t want to be diplomatic here. I just want to do movies and I want to continue doing movies and I hope producers give me work and I hope audiences come to watch my movies, so far so good.
You tasted success with your Bollywood debut with ‘Kai po che’. Are you choosy with your roles?
I was always choosy that’s why it took me so long to get offers. I want to do meaningful work and I want to be pure and honest to my craft. I want to try and be honest and not get persuaded by consumerism in films, specially the rat race and glamor. I would try to get through to my audience so that they can connect with my character and I believe films are like exams. Even though you study equally for all your exams, in the end the marks still differ.
What is your take on a number of television actors entering Bollywood?
I think it’s great. But you know we should change the way we look at it. It’s not television actors, it’s simply actors. An actor or an artist will work wherever they get a chance and platform to work. An actor is an actor and I believe we shouldn’t classify them ki television ka actor hai ya film ka actor hai ya stage ka. This is a golden period for the Indian cinema with such visionary film makers who have an endless vision for cinema and they are genuinely redefining cinema. Such directors are opening gates for new faces and actors. For example Gattu sir of ‘kai po che’, he didn’t have any need to take me, he’s from the industry, but he took me, so I’m really grateful to him. The times are changing and it’s just going to be about talent now.
Do you feel that novels that transform into films are able to justify the novel?
A movie is a good movie or a bad movie. I have nothing against movies being made from novels. I think it’s great. It’s the readers or viewers perception and they should have one, especially when you pay Rs. 300/- you should have a perception. I think it’s absolutely fine.
What are reality shows to you?
In India, I think we are yet to be more real in life. It’s all a facade. It’s fake. In fact we should call it fake T.V. Nothing is real.
Your Gujarati connect?
For me my Gujarati connect is huge! I started my career with ‘Kai po che’ what more could I have asked for? I was here last year in Gujarat and this is my first visit to Surat. The people in Gujarat are full of love and they are so calm and patient and happy with life rather than cribbing about setbacks. One thing that I absolutely love about the people of Gujarat is that they are full of the spirit of life. I love the energy and vibe in Gujarat and yes the food is amazing. I always manage to grab a Gujarati thali when I’m here (Laughs).