'I want to be where Amitabh Bachchan is'

Rahul Bhat, more popular as Sameer of television serial Heena is all set to make his debut in Bollywood.

He claims of having rejected over 70 serials for the fear of being over exposed.

Having done numerous ads like Ponds, Breeze, Newport jeans and music videos like Soni lag gayee with Pakistani singer Sajjad Ali, Punjabi Munda with Tips, has come a long way.

The 24-year-old actor believes that success is in the hands of God, man can only try.

Sheetal Seth finds out more about this Kashmiri lad.

How did Yeh Mohabbat Hai happen?

Director Umesh Mehra was on a look out for an actor for this film. So I offered myself and went through the screen test. But even before the results of screen test were out, he signed me up.

He had a lot of confidence in me.

How was your rapport with Umesh Mehra and co-star Aakanksha?

I really love and respect Umesh. In fact, I even confide in him. He is really good at his work, and very firm with his decisions.

As far as Aakanksha goes, she is very comfortable to work with. We had a good working atmosphere.

Do you think Aakanksha may overshadow you, considering she is the grand daughter of Prem Nath?

I don't think a performer is overshadowed by anybody's presence -- whether it is a politician's son or an actor's son.

To what extent do you believe it is imperative having family ties in this industry?

To get a break in the industry without any struggle it is important. But to survive in this industry it is only u, so no family ties, no godfather is then considered.

Tell us about your role in the film.

It is a perfect launch for a newcomer.

The role I play has all kinds of shade of emotions -- drama, comedy and action. The story is of childhood lovers. My character comes to Mumbai to play a cricket match where he gets trapped in something.

Tell us something about yourself

I am a devotee of Lord Krishna. I believe in universal peace, especially in Kashmir. I am an egoist and quite hot tempered. I'm quite intelligent also.

I like writing and have written a lot about Kashmir for their local papers. I even enjoy writing scripts and I look forward to direct the play I have written.

I also like cricket, mountaineering, horse riding, driving and watching movies.

What is the difference between acting in small and big screen?

For me, acting is acting whether on the small screen or the big or theatre.

One thing that differs is the style. To survive, one has to cope with the changes.

As far as action scenes are concerned, you need to have a brave heart to do the stunts. In comedy, an actor must play his role seriously.

How did you enter showbiz?

In 1998, I participated in Graviera Mr India and won the Mr Photogenic award. I was exposed to many ads and music videos.

It was during this time that Heena happened. I received immense popularity from this serial, which is aired on Sony Entertainment television. And now my debut film is all set to give me more opportunities.

Marriage plans?

Well, I've been on the look out for girlfriends! *laughs*

Jokes apart, I don't have a girl to marry yet. I would love to marry someone like Rekha.

Any ambitions?

I want to be where Amitabh Bachchan is.

I know that to be there, I have to work really hard. A person like me lives only for the present.

Future projects?

I have signed a film with Shakti Samanta, which will be shot in Switzerland. It is produced by Ashim Samanta.

I will do television only if the role excites me.