Ram Kapoor can look like my father today: Aman Verma

Aman Verma on his contemporaries at work and his ‘mystery girlfriend’ who isn’t willing to tie the knot as yet, in a chat with Seema Sinha
Who is this mystery woman in your life you have been talking about for the past two years?
Let her remain a mystery, it sounds better that way even if there is nobody (laughs). We have loads of ups and downs and therefore she is taking her time.Since my name keeps getting associated with lot of women in the industry it is hard for me to convince her to tie the knot.
You’re not seen in soaps anymore. Is it difficult for senior actors to survive?
I have kept myself physically fit. I still look like what I did about 12 years ago. Hence people are wondering which category they can fit me in. Guys in their early twenties play father, girls at 18 play the role of mothers while 32-year-olds play mothers to 20-21 year old. Ram Kapoor played my younger brother in Ghar Ek Mandir, but it is strange that today he can look like my father because of his sheer size. Ram and Ronit are my contemporaries but on screen if we stand together they will look much older. This is a transitional period for me and I have to give serious thought to the career decisions I take now. It makes me anxious.
At your peak, you and many other actors were doing more than one show at a time… Today, when a channel introduces an actor they expect your loyalty to stay with them. But as an actor, I have the right to do all kinds of roles. At one point of time, I did five shows on one channel, and when I got Indian Idol on another channel there were many issues against me. That’s how when Khulja Sim Sim happened again, it was given to Hussain to get back at me.
What about reality shows today... we hear you have been approached for Bigg Boss? Somebody asked me whether I would be interested. Well, it all depends upon what I am doing those days. The danger of reality shows is that your real personality comes out and if it does then you have to face it all your life. I lost about 13 kilos while on Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao in 49 days. They give us less food and put you under pressure. When your stomach is empty, your real personality comes out.
You were offered Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa a few years ago?
Yes I was, but now when I look back I regret not doing Jhalak. Had I taken it up, my career would have shaped differently, as a dancer, entertainer, performer because I had already proved myself as an actor in soaps.
Does the sting operation still haunt you?
Yes, it does. A lot of people were waiting for me to fall flat on my face, they thought I am over now and all my work will go to them. Instead, I got better shows and because of my negative image, I started getting negative roles which were far more interesting. That is how I bagged Kumkum.