The right dose of talent, spirit and determination

ACTOR NAMIT KHANNA REVEALS HIS INSPIRATIONS, PASSIONS AND HOPES

by ASJAD NAZIR

MODEL turned actor Namit Khanna has  made an instant impact with back-to-back successes Yeh Pyaar Nahi Toh Kya Hai and Sanjivani.

Both drama serials have quite comprehensively demonstrated his acting talent, an impressive range and ability to win over audiences. With a growing fan base and big ambitions, the popular small screen star has his sights firmly set on the skies and is set to soar further when self-isolation finally ends.

Eastern Eye caught up with Namit Khanna during lockdown to talk about his time on television, inspirations and hopes.

How have you handled lockdown and what have you done to cope with it?

I have managed to make the best of it and have looked at the entire situation as turning poison into medicine. Besides learning and bettering all the household skills, I have managed to take my Spanish skills forward through Duolingo and I’m really proud of it. I have also dug out my travel videos from over the years and started to edit them, making that another skill added to my cap. The video call frenzy got me closer and more connected to my family and friends.

How did you feel making your acting debut with Twisted and what is the biggest lesson it taught you?

Twisted was a big success when it was released and is still a show many have seen and loved. As it was my first outing as an actor, I was learning and observing a lot on the job. The biggest lesson it taught me was that anything is possible when you are new. My voice was dubbed in the show without even informing me and the reason given was that there is some issue in my voice. I have to accept it with a pinch of salt.

How have you evolved as an actor since your debut?

Every day on set is an opportunity to learn and grow. My confidence started to increase as more and more episodes were aired and appreciated. By the time I finished Ye Pyaar Nahi Toh Kya Hai, I had learned so much not only about acting for the camera, but also the skills needed to deal with the number of people and departments on a set. One will never stop learning these things, but the first show really kick starts it all.

Sanjivani got a lot of attention. What was the experience of doing that popular show?

Sanjivani was the biggest show for me so far. Besides the cult recall, top-notch cast and best network, the love I have received for Dr Sid has been phenomenal. It has shown me the power of true fan love and support. It has been a great step up for me in my career.

You have worked with some amazing people in a short space of time, but who did you enjoy working with most?

The names that come to my mind instantly are Anurag Arora, Manish Chaudhari, Mohnish Bahl and Gurdip Kohli Punjj. I mean the list can go on and on. They all have added so much to my acting skills and also me as a person. It was a pleasure working and being around them.

Have you got used to your rapidly growing fan base?

I am still getting used to the fact that there is this beautiful relationship that tends to form with your fans. They have an amazing power to uplift, motivate and fill you up with complete gratitude. I feel totally blessed with their love and support.

What is the master plan going forward?

Being patient and choosing the right project, and people that really resonates with me. When you work with determination on the same goal you are bound to succeed. As an actor, every project you associate yourself with adds up to becoming your career and the career is what you are left with in the end, not a single project.

You have done web series and TV; is movies the next step for you?

I would love to be a part of a film. It’s what everyone wants in the end. It’s only a matter of time and persistence for everyone. If you give up it will not happen, so let us not give up.

Do you have a dream role?

Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate.

Who is your own acting hero?

Marlon Brando is my acting hero. He broke all the norms and made his own trail. He listened to no one, but himself or maybe his higher self, resulting in performances that will last forever, including A Streetcar Named Desire, The Wild One and The Godfather.

Who would you love to work with?

I would love to work with Zoya Akhtar and Imtiaz Ali. I am a huge fan of their films and their sensibilities.

What do you like watching as an audience member?

I love watching comedies and old classics. I’m a big fan of series like Narcos, The Crown, Breaking Bad and This Is Us.

What would be your big passions away from work?

Travelling and photography. I have been shooting for over a decade now and have finally decided to get my work out there for everyone to see. I have been working on it during the lockdown and shall be launching it soon.

What is the best advice you got?

To continue to work and better yourself. To do your best and forget the rest. Never give up.

What inspires you?

I get inspiration from various things, people, and situations. But mainly when I am in nature everything seems to be in place and I get a lot of clarity.