I work hard and leave the rest to destiny: Sumit Vats

Sumit Vats, who is currently playing the role of Rishi in Zee TV’s Hitler Didi (Trilogy Krikoi) is one humble and down-to-earth actor in the TV industry.

This journalist turned TV actor talks to us to speak on his take on contemporary journalism, his character in Hitler Didi, his co-stars and many other interesting topics. Excerpts:

Once you were a journalist. What goes on in your mind when you find journalists interviewing you now?

Nothing much, I speak my heart out and simply tell the truth.

What do you think of the current scenario of journalism?

According to me, the standard of journalism is improving. I admire the way journos work and source news; I like their eye for authenticity. I think they have been doing a good job especially with issues like the Jessica Lal case.

You come from a theatre background. Do you think that helps to hone one’s acting ability?

I was very actively involved with theatre and feel that indeed theatre helps one improve his/her acting skills. I would say that doing theatre is a very good and regular acting practice.

Can you identify with Rishi, your character in Hitler Didi?

I can somewhat identify with Rishi, but not too much. For instance, I am not a happy-go-lucky guy like him. Unlike him, I have to know a person well before making befriending him or her. I simply can’t make friends in a jiffy. That is something that I don’t do.

What advice would you give to Rishi if you had met him in real life?

There is so much to learn from Rishi. How can I advise him? Unlike me, he is so tension free and tries to make others smile and is against any wrong doings; he is perfectly a nice guy.

Your show has had themes like amnesia, lookalikes and returning from the dead. Don’t you think that these are subjects which have been done to death?

As this is a daily soap, the viewers expect these techniques. We have to come up with these kind of devices to make the story move forward and also to make the plot interesting. It’s the delineation of these techniques which matters.

For instance all heroes and heroines say, “I love you.” That doesn’t make it a clichéd device though. Why? simply because it can be said in many different ways and therein lies the difference.

Of all the roles you have played, which is the one that appeals you the most?

It is Rishi’s role as I have been playing it for more than one and a half years now. I was also fond of my role of Jimmy in Mukti Bandhan, but I had to discontinue with it as I fell ill.

What kind of roles would you never do?

I don’t know as I simply don’t know what will happen tomorrow. All that I can say is that I like entertaining people and want to continue to do so as long as possible.

Your dream role is like…

Gone are those days when Hrishikesh Mukherjee and Basu Chatterjee would make films. The 1980’s decade won’t come back. My dream role would have been in one of their kind of films. I regret that I have been born so late.

Would you like to participate in reality shows like Bigg Boss or Fear Factor?

I will think of it if and when I am offered those shows. Currently I am concentrating on giving my best performance in Hitler Didi.

What do you want to change about the TV industry?

I don’t think that I am the right person to make changes in the TV industry. I would rather change myself.

Please tell me a few words on your co-star Rati Pandey…

She is a very senior actor. In fact, I feel blessed to be working with many senior actors in Hitler Didi. They give me invaluable acting tips and I learn so many things by merely observing them.

A few words on your child co-star Shruti Bisht?

It is great fun working with her. In fact I don’t have words while describing an adorable darling like her.

What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses as an actor?

I really can’t say that exactly. I get nervous and jittery when I get the dialogue sheets; and wonder whether I will be able to do justice. Nevertheless, I put in my best. I work hard and leave the rest to destiny.

You seem to be a very nice and modest human being…

Oh really? Yes, people have told me that before. I thank God for compliments like these. I feel blessed when journalists interview me.

What are you looking for in a soul-mate?

I need to be compatible with her; we should be in love and have similar passions and more than anything, our souls should match. Whether she is from the TV industry or from a different profession, I just want her to be a nice human being.