The first time: Seeing myself on screen for the first time is definitely by far the most memorable moment. It was in my first show Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg. The whole process of how I got the show to my first appearance was special and this was a sign of things to come. I was into modelling and this offer to audition came as if it was destined for me. It was not only a special moment for me, but also for my family.
Kundali Bhagya beginning: The launch of my current show Kundali Bhagya was also something very special because I had manifested this dream of working with Ekta Kapoor. It was like a dream come true! It was only three months after I quit my previous show when I got this, and from the very first week it was the number one show. The show is also doing very well in the UK and that gives me immense pleasure.
Friends: The final episode of Friends was something that I couldn’t get out of my head. I had watched the show in a very short span of time and was really attached to every character of the show. The final show and scene made me teary-eyed and I still can’t believe it is over.
Game Of Thrones: The episode where Jon Snow with his small army wins back the House Stark from Ramsay Bolton. This comes with a little help from Sansa Stark and Petyr Baelish. The way the whole war is shot is amazing and the sudden entry of the other army at the right time gives me goosebumps. It also is special because of the performance given by Ramsay Bolton, which made me hate him to the core.
SRK hosting KBC: I am a big Shah Rukh Khan fan and when it was heard that he will be hosting a season of Kaun Banega Crorepati I went crazy and decided to watch every bit of it. I don’t remember how much I watched, but it was so awesome to have someone like him right on your TV at your home. Right from his style to wit, I am a big fan of him. I can definitely call him my inspiration.
Fun Times during vacations: When I was in school, India only had one channel initially and that was Doordarshan (DD). During our summer vacation at school, DD showcased a show called Fun Times, which aired between 4pm to 6pm. It was mainly a mixture of shows for children with ones like The Invisible Man, Stone Boy and many more. It was a treat to watch these shows, and now when I think about it they all taught us so many values and were so touching. I guess those were the days when content was the key and not quantity.
Jungle Book: Watching Jungle Book on TV in Hindi was very special to me. I had earlier watched the whole film but this along with the title song was amazing. I don’t know if I watched the whole thing, but yes I definitely used to not miss it when I had a chance to see it. I remember my sister and I sat and watched it together.
One Tree Hill: This is a show that aired in around 2006-2007. Amazing cast and amazing screenplay! A story about two step-brothers and their lives around each other. The whole concept was initially based around basketball, and when sports and TV collaborate the results are usually amazing. So this was one of those TV shows that I watched without fail and waited for it every week.
World Cup 2011: Another TV moment that will be a part of me till the end is when India beat Sri Lanka to lift the 2011 World Cup. TV moments cannot be without a sporting spectacle in it. This win was perfectly set up to be the best finish ever. Sachin’s last World Cup and winning it in style made it a perfect sporting event that the country needed.
My first scene with Vinny Arora, who is now my wife: We met on the sets of my first show Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg and never knew that our friendship will end up in us getting married to each other. We did not have an ideal first meeting, but eventually we became closer and the rest is history.
- Actor Dheeraj Dhoopar is currently playing a lead role in popular television serial Kundali Bhagya. Follow him on Twitter & Instagram: @DheerajDhoopar and Facebook: @DhooparDheeraj
