Actor by chance

telly talk

To be a television actor is no mean task. Gruelling work schedules, demanding hours and a lot of hard work is something one needs to get used to. To be able to pull it off for over a decade is certainly a story of dedication to the profession.

Sachin Shroff, apart from being an anchor and dancer, is among the most recognisable faces on television. Currently acting as the male lead in the show Rishton Ke Bhanwar Mein Uljhi Niyati on Sahara One; he also plays a part in Balika Vadhu. He has been part of soaps like Grihasti, Sangam, Kammal, Naaginn, Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai, Waqt Batayega Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya, Saat Phere, Sinndoor Tere Naam Ka and Banoo Main Teri Dulhann among others serials. He has participated in several reality shows as well.

With so many shows under his belt, one would think acting was what he always wanted to do. “I belong to a business background and never thought I would become an actor.
In fact, I joined the family business at a young age and acting happened by chance. I remember that day; I was at Mahalakshmi in Mumbai and a friend of mine had an audition at Famous Studios and asked me to accompany him. I went along and being in formals, was asked to audition as they felt I fit the bill. That audition got me my first commercial for Moser Baer. Gradually, I got a call from Balaji Telefilms and did two shows for them and from then on, there was no looking back. I became the lead in several soaps across channels. However, a year and a half back, there was a lull for all television actors as there was an influx of new faces and I focused heavily on doing ad-films.  In fact, I took a break for about nine months and then came back as a lead actor. I really can’t imagine playing a father to a 16-year-old now,” says the 32-year-old actor.

In the show Niyati, Sachin, in fact, replaced the main lead recently. So how hard is it to fit into a role essayed by another actor earlier? “Actually, I do it my way and follow my own instincts; that has worked out well so far. In fact, I have actually replaced three main leads in three different serials, so I think producers think of me first when they want a replacement,” he jokes.

With wife, actor Juhi Parmar, Sachin has worked in reality shows like Hans Baliye and Maa Exchange. He says that while they are offered several reality shows together, they would act in a soap together only if the offer appeals to both of them. After Juhi won the fifth season of Big Boss, rumour is rife that Sachin will appear in the next season. So, would he be a part of Big Boss 6? “Well, if I am offered to be a part of the show, I would love to do it as it is not a regular show. It can be a whole new experience.” Will he take tips from Juhi? “She keeps telling me that if I get a chance, I must be part of the show, but really, the format is so unpredictable that you can never really prepare yourself as nobody knows what will happen next.”

Acting in films is certainly on his agenda and he is waiting for the right time and the right role. “I was offered two roles that unfortunately did not work out and since I have done many commercials, I understand the technique, camera angles and location considerations. So, films are something I would like to do.”

Likewise, anchoring is another favourite (he anchored Shabash India). “It’s the best thing to do as you need to have a terrific presence of mind and be quick. I’d love to anchor more. I am probably not approached as often as I am a part of two daily soaps.” With his character all set to return in Balika Vadhu, Sachin has his head firmly fixed on his shoulders, “I am enjoying what I am doing and hope to do better with each passing day. It is important to work hard and keep trying to do well.” Well, he certainly is!