'I'm right where I want to be'

Dheeraj Dhoopar had a combination of lucky breaks and sheer talent work for him in the industry. He came to be a model but his good looks and charming attitude soon got him on the small screen. He rose to fame with his role in the television series ‘Sasural Simar Ka’.

He recently quit the show and is now working in ‘Kundali Bhagya’, an Ekta Kapoor series. He shares his rollercoaster journey in the industry with Anila Kurian.

You’ve been in the industry for a long time now. How has it been so far?

I came to the industry to become a model but I wasn’t tall enough for the ramp so I became a print model. This led to Rajan Shahi recognising me and giving me my first television role. And now with ‘Kundali Bhagya’, I get to play a romantic lead in Ekta Kapoor’s show. I’m right where I want to be.

What’s working in the new series like?

I quit my last show for better opportunities and to broaden my horizon. I’m really happy that I achieved both with this show. I’ve discovered a new side to my personality through this project and I get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

You’re known to be quite stylish. What’s your go-to outfit?

Thanks for the compliment! I prefer dressing up in something that I am comfortable in. However, I don’t mind wearing something uncomfortable if the situation demands it. I have a huge collection of shoes and jackets and I mix and match them in my outfits.

Any plans of entering Bollywood?

I was about to sign a three-film deal before the show but it did not work out as I was not very happy with the script. But I am still keen on entering into Bollywood. I would love to play the quintessential Bollywood hero, running around trees and romancing the heroines in a Karan Johar film. I think this is what I would be best at.

How’s your interest in photography progressing?

I’ve grown as a photographer but it’s hard to follow a routine with my new schedule. I’ve understood the technicalities of it but I’m yet to discover my genre.

When do you get to take a break nowadays?

We usually get a day off in a week and I prefer to spend that time with my wife. We usually have our friends come over for dinner.

There are many struggling actors out there. What’s your advice to them?

It’s a very tough industry and you have to be prepared to face rejection.
One has to work hard. Know that even when you get a big break, the hours will be long but you will still have to look fresh and fit. So be prepared to experience all this and more.