Exciting new year for Vatsal

HE may have delivered winning performances across film and television, but this looks like being one of the biggest years in Vatsal Sheth’s career.

He has big movie projects on the way, including multi-language blockbuster Adipurush and his debut Gujarati film.

Eastern Eye caught up with the versatile actor to discuss this exciting new phase, lockdown life lessons, hopes for 2022 and what his work means to him today.

How are you choosing your projects?

It is very important to see the character that I’m playing and the story overall. I actually step outside the project and look at it with the thought, ‘if I’m not part of this project, will I watch it? Will I enjoy this character on-screen?’ So, that’s how I look at it, and of course, how challenging the role is. What is so different about this new character and story?

What are your hopes for the next year?

Well for me every year, whether it is 2020, 2021, 2022 or back in 2000, is important. I look forward to every year because it offers something different and new. As far as 2022 is concerned, I have some amazing films coming up like Adipurush and another I’m currently shooting for that’s going to be releasing next year. Another two projects, so it looks interesting. Even my first Gujarati film is slated for 2022, so I’m excited.

Will you make any New Year’s resolutions?

I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. I used to earlier, but now I’ve given up and don’t make any resolutions. I just take it day by day.

How do you feel being part of mega-blockbuster film Adipurush?

Well, being part of Adipurush is such an honour and privilege. I honestly can’t really talk much about the project, but it is something that I’m super-duper excited about.

What about the other confirmed projects?

Apart from Adipurush, my Gujarati film is set for release. Then there are another three projects, for one of which I’ve already started shooting. I’m just waiting for the formal announcement to happen and then I will talk about them.

Has lockdown changed you in any way?

Well yes, lockdown has not only changed me, but I feel everyone and everything around us has. We’ve started valuing a lot of things more. Simple things like spending time with loved ones, enjoying your vacation and just going outside. We started valuing the small things a lot, like things we used to take for granted, but now we don’t.

What is the best advice you ever got?

I value a lot of advice I have got in my life. I’m a good listener and like listening to good advice. Anybody who gives me good advice, I actually listen, think about it and try putting it into practice. There have been lots of good people and well-wishers around me, who always give me great advice. I’m really thankful to them.

If you weren’t an actor, what do you think you would be doing today?

I would have been a geek with thick glasses, in front of a computer screen, coding. I would have been a coder or doing something, definitely, in the IT sector.

Your idea of happiness?

Well, my idea of happiness is spending time with loved ones and sharing a good laugh. Having a great time and enjoying the moment with your loved ones, friends or even by yourself. You know that is happiness at the end of the day.

What does acting mean to you today?

Acting means a lot to me. It has changed my life completely and gifted me a lot of amazing things. So, for me acting is the ultimate thing. Now, I don’t see myself doing anything else but being an actor.