Ichcha and Tapasya may be the protagonists of Uttaran (Colors) but it's Veer, the love interest of the two girls, who still manages to steal the spotlight with his handsome looks and acting skills. The name is Sandhu, Nandish Sandhu. If his popularity with the female viewers is anything to go by then, yes, Sandhu has arrived! And not to forget his growing proximity to Rashmi Desai, who plays Tapasya.

TellyChakkar spoke to Sandhu to find out everything that goes into making the successful actor he is today.

Excerpts from an interview:

On his background
I am from Rajasthan and had come to Mumbai to complete my higher studies. I wanted to make a career in the service industry, so I enrolled myself for a graduation course in Hotel Management at IHM at Dadar. My parents and my younger brother, Omkar are my family.

On how he ventured into acting
I was always interested in acting, though making it a career never struck me. I used to spend hours in front of the mirror, striking the right pose, wear the right dress and even pretend to act. I used to dream of the 'Lights-Camera-Action' on sets, the clapboard, everything associated with a shooting. So, may be, acting was in my destiny.

On his initial days after passing out
While I was in college, I had walked the ramp a few times. After passing out, I even worked at the Taj President for a while. I was working and modeling and one day like most TV stars landed up at Balaji Telefilms for an audition.

On his first break
I got my first break in Kasturi. My producers liked my performance and I got a couple of other breaks in Kayamat and Khwaish. I also got some work in Hum Ladkiyan.

It happened all so suddenly. It was a dream coming true, but I was hesitant and nervous, nevertheless.After doing these shows, it had become a routine for me and I wanted a new challenge to stimulate me.

On bagging the role of Veer in Uttaran
The producers were looking for the right 'Veer' for more than four months when I met them. I auditioned for the role and got selected. I must admit I was apprehensive about the role. The story centered around two leading ladies, and a leap had happened in the show; I was not sure whether I would make my mark in the show. Ichcha and Tapasya were easily accepted after the leap, but with my role, it was not so easy. Looking back, I am glad I accepted the role.

On how the role changed over time
When I was given a brief of the character, it was that of a conservative, strict Thakur family heir. But over time, it changed into a much mellowed down and guy-next-door type because the audience wanted someone like that. It was challenging to change accordingly, but I guess I managed it.

On whether Veer will accept Tapasya
No way! Veer will continue to love Ichcha. However, the way Veer's nature has changed he will definitely become more sympathetic towards Tapasya.

On whether he has got his due with Veer
Certainly! It gives me immense pleasure to see how well the audience has accepted my character along with Tapasya and Ichcha. When my marriage sequence with Tapasya was being telecast, the show received record TRPs. These things certainly give me a high. I want to scale newer heights. I feel very happy the way Veer's character has progressed.

On his off-screen relationship with Rashmi
(Smiles) We are very good friends and have a lot in common. I feel, since we spend such long hours together on the sets, and if we have common likes and dislikes, it is natural to become good friends. We dine out together, shop together and spend a lot of time together. And believe me, this helps both of us in our work. The on-screen chemistry becomes easier to establish.

On whether the friendship will turn into courtship
I can't predict that. Only time will tell.

On his future plans
Movies are an option. Plus, I would also like to do some 'realistic'
shows like Uttaran. I want to show more of me as an actor.

desi**fo***s.com

I was apprehensive about Uttaran: Rupali Guha