Rohit Bakshi has wooed the small screen audiences in the popular soaps ‘Kahiin To Hoga’ and ‘Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ etc. With many other roles in his kitty, the actor is sure to make a mark in the entertainment industry and currently promoting his debut film Dehradun Diary. Here are the excerpts of an interview with him:
What was the reason to select Dehradun Diary as your debut film?
When I signed this film, it was totally a decision based on its strong script and good storyline. I wanted to do this film because it is a take on how system reacts when a corrupt politician’s daughter fell in love with a common man and how things change with that person. This film is based on a real incidence. Now, when all of us have witnessed this shameless act of Delhi gang rape case where not a single politician came out in open to support the victim or to take a stand for her and how we the common people are fighting against our own system for justice, it’s really unhelpfully complicated. It’s the time to change ourselves. I always wanted to start my carrier with such a powerful and relevant subject.
How did you start your acting carrier?
I used to do print ads in Delhi and came down to Mumbai to try my luck in modelling. I gave a lot of auditions but nothing materialized. I was never interested in doing shows, as I had never faced the camera before. However, even without giving an audition I was zeroed in for Titliyan on Sahara One. It was troublesome to mouth dialogues. Later I went on to do Choodiya, Tanhayiha, Sukanya, Lavynya and Tum Bin Jao Kahan. Balaji approached me for a cameo in Kutumb and I eventually landed up doing Kyunki, Kahiin Toh Hoga, Kahiin Kissi Roz and Kaisa Yeah Pyar Hai.
Tell us something about your role in the film?
I am playing the role of Anshul Sharma. Anshul is in love with the daughter of an MP with a criminal past. She is nothing like the image of her family members. Both came close with time and want to get married against opposition from her family. Anshul’s maturity made them decides that they would take marital vows only when both families oblige and accept the decision. Anshul is a peace loving being but at the same time believes in fighting for justice. Anshul is what most of us want to be.
What’s this film all about?
This film is about ordinary people who put up an extraordinary fight. People who become epitome of ‘standing for your rights’. The film is the journey of the mother who has lost the child she once held in her hands and dreamt of an old age holding his hands. It’s the journey of a brother who could have focused on his career, his future, yet decides to give it all up so that never again a brother loses his ‘bhai’ to an act of rage.
It’s also the journey of a soulmate who loses herself after the loss so much so that she takes any path she is guided to. Even turns supportive of her own brother when faced with legality. Dehradun Diary is a much needed film about the strength in common man, the fury that loss lends you and fearlessness that come only with unconditional love.
Why did you switch from small screen to silver screen and what are your future plans?
I have been working in TV industry for quite a long and now I think I am ready for films. As an actor one needs progression and after television everyone aspires for films. I surely want to do masala films in fact. I don’t mind running around trees. Why should I quit television just because I am doing movies!
