Performers are defined by the choices they make. Vijayendra Kumeria’s television career is proof that the actor has been particular about the kind of projects he associates himself with and most importantly the character he says yes to. Be it Chotti Bahu, Tumhari Paakhi, Udaan, Naagin 4 or his ongoing show Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha (ANNS), the actor has been making his presence felt in the industry. His fans love his both for the kind of actor he is and the way he conducts himself in real life. Vijayendra talks about his showbiz career so far and more in the heart-to-heart conversation:
From leaving a comfortable and successful career as a cabin crew to fulfilling your acting dream, how has been the journey so far?
I’ve worked really hard and even now I have the same passion of a newcomer. Thankfully my luck favoured and my hard work did not go waste. I’ve been getting great opportunities and hope the same shall continue in the future too.
You have evolved as an actor and it seems you are very particular about your characters and even how you look on screen. Is that true?
As an actor I’m always ready to experiment, I never get satisfied when it comes to my performance, even when working on the look of my character or anything I do. I always want to improve myself. My zeal to better myself every single time is my driving force. I’m competing with myself every day.
Your colleagues and fans feel that there is certain magnetism about your personality. Yet at the same time, you come across as an introvert. What do you have to say about it?
To be honest, I feel good when people give me good compliments, I humbly accept them. Deep down I know I can do better so I don’t let the compliments go to my head… I’m not introverted, I choose my friends, choose how much I want to keep things private in real life and even in social media space and prefer not to follow the crowd. I’m a little particular about how I conduct myself.
What makes you happy as an actor?
When I’ve lived that feeling of the scene between action and cut, I feel fulfilled. I’m glad that I wake up in the morning and look forward to do what I live for. I’m following my passion and happy to get paid for it.
And, what does it take to satisfy the Vijayendra as a person?
Small gestures and genuine love from friends and family make me happy.
Are you a short-tempered person?
I’ve worked on my temperament, so I’m a calm person mostly. But I still have an angry streak which can come out on extremely wrong things.
Amid the current raging pandemic, how do you keep your cool?
I’m busy working and keep myself occupied. I maintain a positive attitude within and a good atmosphere on the set. I don’t watch news more than 30 minutes a day. I am a positive person naturally, so it’s not very difficult for me to keep calm or be positive in most of situations.
What are your ambitions in the coming times?
I want to launch an OTT platform for the youth. Right now I am working on the concept and will soon make an announcement. I want to be a part of the A-list league of actors, want to direct and produce good content. The list of ambitions is never-ending.
Your performance as the visually impaired Darsh in ANNS is winning hearts. Is it the most difficult role in your career?
Yes, indeed. To perform a character whose problems, way of thinking, emotions, are unknown to you is quite tough. I’ve never done so much research for any character as I’ve done for Darsh. It is a fact that every day I experience something new while doing scenes and only I have to solve the doubts that arise while acting. So, I’m thankful for all the positive feedback we’ve been receiving.
What message would you like to give out to your fans?
I feel grateful to all my fans for giving so much love and respect. Their support has made me who I am today. I wish them good health always. Please keep bestowing the same love and I will keep working harder and harder to entertain you all. Stay happy, safe and healthy. In these times, don’t let your guards down.