Namik Paul: I ended up in ICU twice because of my hectic schedule

Dehradun boy Namik Paul is all set to make a splash on television with his upcoming show Ek Duje Ke Vaaste. The young actor’s foray into the telly world has not been without its share of struggles. In an exclusive chat with SpotboyE, Namik bares his heart out:

Tell us about your journey from journalism to acting.

After finishing my college in US, I went to Delhi and joined NDTV. I was trained to be a reporter but I couldn’t handle the hectic pace of the job. I ended up in the ICU twice due to the crazy schedule. More importantly, I was under the impression that once I join a news channel, I will be on television within 5-6 months. But then reality hit me. I was told that I would graduate to appearing on TV only after 3-4 years. I couldn’t wait that long.

Is that when you switched gears to acting?

I started pursuing modelling and also did theatre in Delhi. People would see my work and advise me to go to Mumbai to pursue acting. That’s how I landed up in this city 2 years ago.

How difficult was it to get a foothold in the industry?

People think it’s easy in the glamour world but bahut mehnat karni padti hai. Auditions, acting classes, working out to stay fit...many things are involved. And a lot depends on luck too. There are some who don’t have any acting experience but bag a film in no time, while there are others who have theatre experience of many years but are still struggling for a break.

How did you bag Ek Duje Ke Vaaste?

Auditions, auditions and some more auditions. You have no idea how many auditions I had to go through before being finalized for this role.

With only a few days to go before your show goes on air, you must be excited…

I have been so busy and tired with the shoot for the past 2 weeks that I haven’t been able to think much. I remember, at the launch of the show, I was standing on the stage and could hear my heart beating hard. Honestly speaking, I couldn’t have asked for a better launch.

Moving on to your personal life, are you seeing somebody?

I am single and happy. I have had a few girlfriends and after each relationship ended, I found it very difficult to move on. Lot of rona-dhona was involved. My parents used to come and console me.

What are the qualities you look for in your girl?

I want someone who is very independent and she should be career-oriented. Above all, she has to be someone who I can be myself with.

What are the 3 things you want the audience to know about you?

At 6’4’’, I am extremely tall (laughs). Unlike my character Shravan (in Ek Duje Ke Vaaste), who is uptight, I am very laidback and relaxed in real life. Lastly, I am short-tempered – my temper flares up quickly but I also calm down in no time.

Image Source: instagram/namikpaul