I think there's a little bit of exaggeration here. Anyone who knows
me or has seen me in Bigg Boss, will know that I'm the last one to throw
tantrums. Everyone interprets the scene in their own way. In fact, my
writers have even complimented me on how I bring a lot to the character.
I think a normal discussion over a scene is a part of the creative
process in any show. Why would I throw tantrums? I've worked with the
best of the directors and have been around for so long. I am very
passionate about my work and I don't need to do such things
Refutes Rumours Of Being A Tantrum King
"I Don't Need To Throw Tantrums On The Show. I've Worked With The Best Directors In The Industry"
Not
everyone has the courage to switch from a flourishing banking career
and take up something as challenging as acting. But Samir Soni is one
guy who's driven by passion. So when he decided to take the chance and
bid adieu to his career as an investment banker, little did he imagine
that it would turn out to be the best decision of his life. His
impressive acts in films like China Gate, Baghban, Fashion and I Hate
Luv Storys are proof of that. Not to forget, his TV career isn't far
behind. Be it his portrayal of the suave Purab Mehra in the popular show
Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin or his much-talked about stint in Bigg Boss 4,
the actor has made his mark on the small screen too. And currently, if
there's something that's taking up most of his time, it is Balaji
Telefilms' show Parichay Nayee Zindagi Kay Sapno Ka. As the show is
slowly but surely making its presence felt, Samir talks to Showtime
about striving to make the most of his second innings on TV, his
marriage to Neelam and more.
After having kept away from the small
screen post Jassi..., Samir found his way back on to television with
the controversial reality show Bigg Boss. Though infamous for its
questionable content, the actor was yet again successful in winning the
hearts of the audiences with this show. No wonder then that soon after
the show came to an end; he was bombarded with TV offers. But even
amidst so many offers that came his way, it was the role of Kunal in
Parichay... that caught his attention.
Considering this is a
comeback of sorts for the actor, was this the role he was waiting for
all this while? He clarifies, "I was doing movies, so I don't think I
was waiting for a break on TV. But it was just a matter of timing. Bigg
Boss 4 got over and I had this offer in hand. I though it to be the
perfect vehicle because it's Balaji. It has the potential to be one of
the best shows. Besides I was strongly drawn to the character. You know,
I can't do saas-bahu soaps. But this is very different. Shooting
round-the-clock is hectic but the response has been very fulfilling."
The
show might have just taken off but rumour mongers have been busy
talking about Samir getting the part in the show because of wife
Neelam's friendship with Ekta Kapoor. "This is really funny because I
have known Ekta for longer than I've known Neelam. She's the one who
introduced me to Neelam. So it's the other way round. Ekta got me
Neelam. Neelam didn't get me the show," he clarifies sternly.
However,
it is not just this rumour that's creating a buzz in the TV industry.
Reports suggest that Samir's constant interference in the script has
left the cast and crew of Parichay... rather agitated. Moreover, it is
also said that his temper tantrums are taking a toll on the show. "I
think there's a little bit of exaggeration here. Anyone who knows me or
has seen me in Bigg Boss, will know that I'm the last one to throw
tantrums. Everyone interprets the scene in their own way. In fact, my
writers have even complimented me on how I bring a lot to the character.
I think a normal discussion over a scene is a part of the creative
process in any show. Why would I throw tantrums? I've worked with the
best of the directors and have been around for so long. I am very
passionate about my work and I don't need to do such things," he clears.
Since he already shares a warm camaraderie with TV czarina Ekta
Kapoor, I can't help but ask him if it's difficult working with a
taskmaster like her. "Ekta and I are both very passionate about our
work," he reveals, "I give every shot as if it's the last day of my
life. That way, I give it my best. That's the level of intensity I shoot
with. To me, the show doing well is not good enough. It has to be the
best. And that's the kind of ideology even Ekta has. Sometimes our
opinions clash, but at the end of the day, we both want the show to do
really well. On a personal level, she's my kid sister. I even bully her
around."
Now that the actor is more than content with his TV
career, I rewind to Bigg Boss 4, which naturally gets him all charged
up. Though he conducted himself in the best way possible, he was dragged
into what can be termed as one of the worst possible fights
Indian
television has ever seen. Viewers who watched the drama unfold would
know that it all started when inmates Shweta Tiwari and Dolly Bindra
were embroiled in a heated argument. It only got worse when Samir
stepped in hoping to make peace. Now that it's been a while to that ugly
episode, does he regret doing the reality show? "Not at all! I think
it's one of the finest things I have ever done in my life. I don't think
I can ever get an experience like that. I've always said that a show
like Bigg Boss will bring out the best and the worst in you. And I'm
proud of the way I conducted myself. I will never have a chalta hain
attitude in life. I stood up for what I thought was right."
Agreed
that it was a learning experience for him, but is it true that Dolly
and he don't see eye to eye even today? "I ran into her the other day
and gave her a big warm hug. You cannot judge a person on the basis of a
show. I believe she's a very honest person. And life is too short to
keep grudges. Salman Khan got both of us together and she gave me a hug.
She's a pretty nice person and I will always cherish some of the
moments I shared with her. At the end of the day, people don't even know
half the things that happened in the house. I think there's something
extremely likable about Dolly, but that's unfortunately not what's seen
by everyone on camera."
On a personal note, life couldn't have
been better for Samir. He recently tied the knot with Neelam on the 23rd
of January this year. And as he talks about her, the excitement is
palpable. "Right now, she's extremely unhappy with me. I'm not able to
give her much time. By the time I'm up, she's off to her office. TV
hours are extremely demanding."
Ask him if she's one of those
typically nagging wives and pat comes his reply, "You want me killed or
what! Poor girl, she feels sorry that I have to work so hard. It's not
like I'm partying with the boys na."
Though the couple is in a
happy place right now, Samir asserts that he is not going the family way
yet. "If you're asking me whether she's pregnant, the answer is no. Of
course we want babies. But the way I'm working, I doubt it will happen
soon. But it will someday," he signs off.
With a promising career and a happy marriage, this guy is certainly in a happy place. Touchwood to that!
*By Chandni Ghosh
The already shaky love story of Kunal Chopra (Sameer Soni) and Richa (Mona Vasu) inColors' Parichay Nayee Zindagi Kay Sapno Kawill go through a tough time with Richa getting engaged to some other guy.
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