Exclusive! "I quit my lucrative job at the UAE immigration department to make my acting comeback," says Dhruvanth Talwar

Dhruvanth Talwar is back in action nearly after a year. The actor has been roped in to essay the character of Manas in the daily soap 'O Muddumanase, which is the extended version of the show Muddumanigalu (earlier aired as Muddulakshmi as season one). In an exclusive interview with ETimes TV, the actor got candid as he spoke his heart out about his ongoing daily soap, his passion for acting, and much more. Read on...

Muddulakshmi had already struck a chord with the viewers for its compelling story earlier. So, when the makers introduced Jhanvi's character (Muddulakshmi's reincarnation) in the extended version of the show, one question that was frequently asked about, was the return of Dhruvanth. That's when the makers thought of bringing Dhruvanth back into the show. Now, with this third season of Muddulakshmi which is now retitled as 'O Muddumanase', I am back to acting. I essay the character Manas in the show.

During my briefing of Manas' character, I was given a reference to Arjun Reddy from the Telugu movie and the lead character from the English series 'House'. It is a blend of both characters. The intelligence of Dr, Gregory House from the House series and the mannerism of Arjun Reddy from the Telugu movie is made goes into the making of Manas's character in O Muddumanase. But, it was left up to me to carry it in my way. Playing a doctor on-screen, I really cannot go overboard in terms of acting. I had to sober it down. I watch Home and Arjun Reddy before starting my shoot for O Muddumanase.

Well, I had taken a break from acting. It's been a year now. I was working with the immigration department in the UAE. So, when I was offered a chance to return to acting, I quit my

Having acted in seven daily soaps as a lead, I was looking forward to doing something different. I wanted to bag a challenging role in my acting carrier. But, that did not happen anything soon back then. So, just when I was wondering what next? I was offered a job in immigration from private aviation in the UAE. I had earlier worked as a cabin crew during the initial days of my career. I did give this a thought as I had to look after my economic status as well. I took up the offer and worked there for a year. But, my love for acting did not fade out. Again, when I was wondering what next? Destiny brought me back to acting. I am now back to my roots and working in the place where I love the most.

I never plan for my future. I just go with the flow. When it comes to taking a decision about my career, I have always been that daring gambler who loves to test luck in everything I do. Of course, I am aware of the fact that an actor's career is very uncertain and that's what I even advise any newbie. Acting as a hobby is fine. There should also be another source of income in your career. To me personally, every time I decided to quit a particular job, there were thousands of thoughts running behind in my head. But, to me, no matter any options I try in my career, acting has always pulled me back. I feel very fortunate. Again and again, destiny is showing my route to acting. I feel I am destined to be an actor.

I hail from a very small town in Mangalore. My father is a poor coffee planter and none from my family have been in the entertainment industry. So, when my parents got to know about my interest in acting, they never wanted me to become an actor. They are very naive. They did oppose my decision as well. Like every parent, they also wanted me to settle down with a job with equal economic security. It did take some time for my parents to accept me as an actor.

Growing up in a lower-middle-class family, I have seen the hardship in life in a very close way. I hail from a joint family which consisted of many members. So, eventually, seeing everyone, the elders wanted me to settle down with ease. There was a time when my parents barred me from dancing. That's how strict they were with me during childhood. I have always craved that applause after my performance on stage since a little boy. The artist inside me has always been there for a long time. Nevertheless, I did try to balance my passion for acting and my parent's wish together. But, acting has always had the upper hand in it. I tried my best to make them understand the same. Now, after quitting my lavish job in Dubai, it's a very tricky situation for me. I have to prove myself as an actor yet again.

A had a very painful past. I wanted it to wash out from my life. Hence I decided to change my name. I believe a lot in astrology. So, I consulted a numerologist. When we were thinking of a new name. I wanted to know if Dhruvanth would be ok. The numerologist also gave a thumbs up after considering all the facts. I wanted to change my name to Dhruvanth only because that particular on-screen character got me close to the viewer's heart.

Acting is my place to be. Being an actor is how I would always want to be recognised. No matter what I try to do in life, acting has always pulled me back. Had I not accepted doing O Muddumanase, I would have always had that guilt of what if this project would have given me another break. So I did not want to live with that guilt. Acting gives me that peace of mind. I don't think so I could swim through if you leave me in any other occupation. I'd be that fish that is out of the water if I am not an actor. Right now, I am looking forward to my new innings as an actor. I will always give my best as an actor in every project I take up even in the future.