‘I want to be progressive’

ACTING wasn’t part of the plan for Nikhil Arya, but then he met creative people like acclaimed actor Boman Irani and this landed him a role in a Pankaj Udhas music video.

It led towards further acting opportunities and falling in love with the craft. He hasn’t looked back since then, starring in TV serials like Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai, Kumkum Bhagya, Chandrakanta and Haiwaan: The Monster. Eastern Eye caught up with Nikhil to talk all things television.

Which roles have given you the greatest joy?

Most actors would say the (perfect) role is still coming. I am never going to be happy with whatever comes my way because I want to experiment with roles and take on as many challenges as I can. Rabba Ishq Na Hove gave me a lot of critical acclaim and although the show didn’t do well because of technical reasons, the role was great and I got great feedback.

Does your approach change with each project?

Absolutely, it changes right from when an actor gets a bound script to taking into account the vision of the director, writer and creative team. When the actors are in sync with writers, directors and creatives, that’s where the preparation for the actor actually starts. There are also different ways of approaching a character like method acting. The luxury of time to prepare for a character varies from medium to medium.

What is the master plan?

My master plan is to reach out to people and showcase all my abilities. I have been stuck in a particular genre. I want to be progressive and try more different stuff because television has slightly become monotonous. So my goal is to look for opportunities and if I don’t get them, I will get a portfolio made with a lot of experimenting through which people out there would be able to know about my skills.

What’s your dream role?

People have complimented my versatility. I want to experiment and challenge myself to do something unique. I wish to play a person from the army as they are really close to my heart. So being in television since 19 years now, I want to break barriers and try as many characters as I can.

What are your passions away from work?

I am a crazy sports person. I love playing badminton and soccer. I love listening to music and travelling, but sports is something I keep engaged with.

What shows do you enjoy watching?

I enjoy watching suspense thrillers. My favourite shows would be Sacred Games season one, Made In Heaven and Criminal Justice.

What inspires you?

Acting in itself is an inspiration. I feel acting inspires me most.

Why do you love being an actor?

I love being an actor because it gives me a way to express what is inside me. It’s a craft, which gives a medium of expression to all kinds of feelings and emotions. Acting releases a lot of things inside you. The process is difficult, but the outcome thrills me and that moment when you see the outcome of your hard work, it’s a different kind of satisfaction that you feel.