EXCLUSIVE: Udaariyaan actor Ankit Gupta OPENS UP on his FIRST lead role and bond with Sargun Mehta, Ravi Dubey

Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey’s brainchild, Udaariyaan is all set to premiere on TV from tomorrow, March 15. The couple has for the first time turned producers, and are as excited as nervous for it. Udaariyaan is a story of hopes and dreams. It stars Isha Malviya, Priyanka Chaudhary, and Ankita Gupta in the lead role.

We, at Bollywood Bubble, got in an exclusive chat with Ankit Gupta who plays Fateh Singh Virk in Udaariyaan. We asked him about playing the lead first time, his journey in Telly world, chemistry with co-stars, and excitement. We also asked him about his bond with Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey. Over to him:

1. What attracted you to take up Udaariyaan?

The concept of Udaariyaan is very fresh and new. It’s something we have not yet seen on Television. The characters are also written very innovatively. There’s a girl who dreams of going to Canada, and a guy who is madly in love with the girl who does not want to stay in her country. The guy has to represent his country internationally in the Olympics. So, the story revolves around them, how they meet, their bond, and will they fall in love. The concept is quite unique, and characters have many shades to them. The show is a perfect mix of romantic, action, drama, and emotions.

2. You’re playing a Punjabi role first time onscreen, how did you get into the skin of your character?

I’m playing a National Level Boxing Champion in Udaariyaan, Fateh Singh Virk. He is all set to represent India in the Olympics. It was not difficult to get into the skin of the character. We did not have to speak Punjabi a lot, as the show is catered towards Hindi speaking audience. However, we have given it a Punjabi touch with our accents and have used some words, to give it a flavour. So, it was not that difficult, as Sargun (Mehta) has a firm hold on Punjabi language. Also, our crew is from Punjab. So, they’re always there to help us.

3. How is your bond with first-time producers, Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey? Did the duo become your guiding force for the show?

It’s fun to work with Sargun and Ravi, and we also get to learn a lot from the two. When actors make a show or film, their major focus is creativity, they work on the characters and story more, as they are well-versed with the different aspects of filmmaking. So, the scope to perform in such situations is larger, so it is a fruitful working experience. I might have a different perspective of the character, Sargun has her own, while Ravi has his own. So, we have a lot of discussions to come to a conclusion, and all this is quite entertaining.

Sargun has written the character, and she was the one to brief me about it. Both Ravi and Sargun are very helpful.

4. How is your bond with your co-stars Isha Malviya, Priyanka Chaudhary?

Our chemistry is just amazing. It does not feel like we’re working for the first time, rather it feels like we’ve been friends for ages. Not only Isha and Priyanka, but I’ve also formed a good bond with each person from the cast. Not work, but it seems like we’re on a paid vacation as we all have so much fun while shooting.

 

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5. Are you nervous to make it to the TRP charts, considering the competitiveness on the small screen?

No, there is no such nervousness or pressure, as we know what we are making. I wouldn’t say there’s pressure, but rather there’s a lot of excitement in each of us associated with Udaariyaan. We’re eager to see the reactions of the viewers, once the show goes on air.

6. You’re playing the lead role for the first time, how does it feel?

I’m playing the solo lead role for the first time with Udaariyaan. The entire show is on my shoulders, it is a different responsibility altogether. Obviously, career-wise it is at the top of the chart. There’s no nervousness, as I have worked so hard. I believe that your hard work always pays off.

7. You stepped into the industry back in 2011, and it’s 2021, how has the 10-year journey in the industry been for you?

Back in 2011, I did Balika Vadhu and I did not even know acting that time. Also, I was not even serious back then regarding my acting career. Though I wanted to become an actor, I did not want to put in the extra effort. In 2014, I got my first show, Saada Haq for Channel V, I learnt a lot from that particular show, and got serious in my acting career. I have always tried to do something different and experiment with characters and stories. I keep trying and today, I have got what I wanted, my first big break as the lead of Udaariyaan.

ALSO READ: Ravi Dubey & Sargun Mehta come together for a new project; Couple turns producers for upcoming show Udaariyaan