I have no qualms playing negative roles: Vikkas Manaktala

When he enters, all eyes automatically seek him.

Looks of a Greek God, aura of a prince and a charm that will leave everyone blushing, that's Vikkas Manaktala.

He shot to an instant hit with Left Right Left, but personal issues forced him into a sabbatical. He returned with a bang in friend Yash Patnaik’s Main Naa Bhoolungi, where he played the anti-hero.

Many thought it was a deadly gamble, but his acting abilities and personality paid it off.

And now, after his sweet honeymoon period (he married actress Gunjan Walia on April 21), Vikkas is back playing the antagonist on Life OK’s Ghulaam (Saurabh Tewari).

Along with him, the cast boasts of young superstars Niti Taylor and Param Singh.

Tellychakkar.com recently got into a conversation with Vikkas where he spoke at length about his show, life and more.

Excerpts...

A good looking actor like you is sticking to negative roles. Why?

(Laughs out loud) You cannot judge a good role with its shade. As an actor, you need to perform and convince viewers that it is the most real character. Negative roles do give you an edge as there is a lot more that one can do as an actor. Luckily for me, my producers have been kind to give me author-backed roles. I know that Veer will now be remembered by one and all.

So prepped up to be hated once again?

Proves that I am a convincing actor, right? The love and appreciation that one gets for a negative role is calculated by how much he/she is hated for it. If I do receive hatred, means I have done a great job.

Your co-stars are quite popular on social media. Does that make you insecure of them hogging all the limelight?

Now this question makes me laugh! I think you all will know that I am not a social media junkie. So it doesn’t really matter to me. I am happy in my own space and I would be happier to see my co-stars doing well too. At the end of the day, it is our show and that’s what matters.

Tell us more about the preparations that you put in for Ghulaam?

Let me tell you that I was the first actor to get selected for the show. Thankfully, I got a lot of time to prep up. Playing a wrestler is not an easy task. Apart from my diet, I also had to work out a lot to get the perfect shape. Trust me, I rediscovered myself as a human during the period. I never knew I had so much patience (laughs).

Ghulaam is a tale of a place that looks down upon women. You are known to be chivalrous one, what’s your take on the subject?

Personally, I have grown up in a family that gives more precedence to women. I have sisters and cousins who have been given more opportunities to choose their careers and lives. I do not understand how people who worship Goddesses can go on to abuse women once they are out of the temple. I have been lucky to have my mother, sister and my wife close to me as they make my life an ideal one.

Did that thought not deter you from playing Veer?

As an actor, you cannot let your personal beliefs come in the way of your performance. We might be showing a world that does injustice towards women but in the course of time it will be proved that it’s wrong and how one should actually look up to them.

Life OK is currently working on male-oriented shows, did that interest you more?

I think it is a great attempt to explore the market and tap prospective audience. It will also lead to makers experimenting with varied concepts. I think collaboratively, this could lead to a new movement...it really sounds exciting.

How has your bonding with your co-stars been?

Well it has been a hectic time and we haven’t really got the time to bond. Yes, it is a lovely team and we are starting to know each other. I am sure it will be one rocking time on the sets.

Finally, give us three reasons why people should watch your show…

Firstly, it has me (winks)! Secondly, it is a never seen before content that I am sure will keep audiences hooked. And lastly, the collaboration with me, Niti and Param will just blow everyone’s mind.

Ghulaam launched on January 16 at 9 pm.