New Delhi: Saqib Saleem started as a model and turned to acting with ‘Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge’. He agrees that modelling is an easier job but says he enjoys facing the camera for movies more.
The 24-year-old made his Bollywood debut in 2011 and says the variety of different characters that one can play is what excites him most about acting.
"When I was a model, I used to enjoy it. But now, I feel acting has given me so much to do... there is so much more to perform. As an actor, I get to do so many characters in various films. It is, of course, tougher but much more enjoyable," Saqib said.
He did TV commercials for brands like Pepsi, KFC, Tata Docomo and Bar One before he stepped into filmdom through Yash Raj Films. Saqib says it was his visibility in these advertisements that helped him get noticed.
"The ads I did helped people to start noticing me and I got calls for audition. To audition with big production houses, you have to have a good background with commercials. I think I got noticed through television," he said.
Asked if he has any dream role in mind, the actor said: "If a script comes to me, I read it and I see what I can do to it. Everybody does a role differently and I give my touch to each role. I can`t say that something is my dream role."
Saqib is now ready with his second movie - debutante director Ashima Chibber`s ‘Mere Dad Ki Maruti’. The movie surrounds the life of a Chandigarh-based Punjabi family. Saqib plays Raj, who loses his father`s (Ram Kapoor) car.
The promo of the movie looks fun and it seems the movie is loaded with great comedy.
Saqib says a good equation with the director and preparation helped him for ‘Mere Dad Ki Maruti’.
"I just feel that if you and your director are on the same page, then things become a lot easier. The other actors of the film had a lot of extensive readings. So, once we started shooting, everything got into pace. I did not feel any pressure," Saqib said.
The young actor is all praise for his on-screen father Ram Kapoor, who is a celebrated name on Indian television.
"I think he is just phenomenal. Of course, he played my father in the film but off sets I had a great time. We had a pretty good time shooting (together). He is very supportive.
"I am new and he was very helpful with how I should be facing the cameras and how I should be in front of the light. When I did something correctly, he appreciated it. So it feels great that an actor like Ram Kapoor liked my work," Saqib said.
IANS
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.