I trained in sword fighting for Buddha's role: Himanshu Soni

Jaipur boy Himanshu Soni will soon be seen on-screen playing the role of Buddha on a TV show by the same name. On a recent visit to the capital, he told us about his journey from the Pink City to Mumbai. Excerpts from the chat:
I read a lot of books for this character Everybody comes to Mumbai to become an actor. I auditioned for this role in December last year and then I got a call telling me that I have been shortlisted.I was informed that I would be called for a look test. There was a gap of two months in between so I started researching on the character – by reading books,meditation, etc. I thought that I should be fully prepared from my end. There was a look test and then another look test followed. It was in April that I was told that there is another actor who is in contention for the role along with me. Another audition followed after which I was finalized and then the shooting began.
I learnt sword fighting For the role, I trained in sword and stick fighting. Maine Vipassana kiya. Since I used to play polo in Jaipur, I knew horse-riding. Par teen-chaar saal se ghode nahi chalaye thay.Shooting ke ghode alag hote hain, Argentinian ghode hote hain. Yahaan uski bhi training leni padi.
I came to Mumbai in 2011 Acting ka shauk 4-5 saal se tha. I also attended NSD workshops and even acted a play Andha Yug in Ajmer. At that time,I was pursuing MCom from Rajasthan University.I came to Mumbai on May 13,2011.My parents were quite supportive. I am here because they are quite happy.In the two years, I have lived in Mumbai, I have my share of struggles. Mumbai ko main jaanta nahi tha. Jis jagah ko jaante nahi hain us jagah ko jaanney mein hi chheh-saat mahine lag jaate hain. Abhi tak main Churchgate nahi jaanta hoon. I have travelled in local trains and buses, even walked long distances. Before this show, I have worked in Ramayan where I played Lord Vishnu’s character. I also worked in Yeh Zindagi Hai Gulshan on DD and I had done a cameo role in Parvarrish. But Buddha is my biggest role ever.
I miss Jaipur Jaipur ka toh chappa chappa hamaari nazron mein rehta hai.Whenever I am alone and worried in Mumbai, my thoughts wander to Jaipur and I start thinking, ‘At this time,I would have been with my friends in Jaipur’.I miss my family and friends a lot.
My cousin is a line producer My dad Rajkumar Soni is an artist, but I can’t paint. He has an export-import business but I never had any interest in family business. I wanted to do something creative and found my calling in acting. After completing my Class XII, I worked with my cousin who was working as a line producer. He would help people in shooting their films. Maine kaafi shooting dekhi thi.
My fave hangout places in Jaipur I would hang out with my friends at Nahargarh Fort and Jal Mahal.Most of the time,the film shoots used to happen there. Jaipur ki toh bahut saari yaadein hain. Sabse zyaada Nahargarh Fort jaate thay. Raat ko poora Jaipur wahaan se dikhta hai. I don’t think Nahargarh se koi behtar jagah Jaipur mein ho sakti hai.