'Comedy comes naturally to me'

Kabir Sadanand, the comedian of Family No 1 aired on Sony Entertainment Television, the good guy of Shagun on Star Television Network and the fickle-minded weakling of Abhimaan on Doordarshan Network Television is on his way to Bollywood.

After a theatrical stint during his school and college days, the green-eyed actor became an organic agriculture consultant. But he finally returned to what he loved best -- acting.

After staging his first play with sister Kunika, he was offered the role of a drug addict by Manish Goswami, in the television serial Darar.

After that, there was no looking back.

He appeared in several television serials like Tamanna, Ajeeb Dastan, Aur Phir Ek Din, Kahan Se Kahan Tak, Yeh Hai Mere Apne, Sparsh, Gardish and Hadh Kar Di. Quite a few modeling assignments like Close-up, Luxar-pen and five star also came his way.

The actor spoke to Darshana Dube at his newly acquired apartment.

How did you get this role in Diwanapan?

My secretary approached Vashu Bhagnani for his new film. Since he had seen me on small screen and liked my performance, he immediately agreed to give me a role.

What is the film all about?

I can't reveal the story now. Vashuji is a bit superstitious about revealing the story beforehand. It will be made public just before the release, which is in August. All I can say is that it is a positive role.

Arjun Rampal and Diya Mirza play the lead roles. Vinod Khanna has a very significant role.

How does it feel working for a film after television?

Good! Everything is larger than life in cinema compared to television. Vashuji lends a very personal touch and treats his artistes very well. Director Ashu Naik is great.

Are you doing any other films?

I am doing another film with Vashuji called Koi Mil Gaya, the shooting for which is on.

Actually, Jacki Bhagnani, Vashuji's son, who happens to be the youngest producer in the industry, insisted on taking me on, after watching my performance and discussing with scriptwriter Vipul Shah.

Madhavan, the Tamil star, plays the lead.

Is there any particular role you would like to do with any particular banner?

I would like to do varied roles for different banners. But I want a good role in Mahesh Bhatt's film. I am his great fan and admirer.

I must share this incident with you. Once, Bhatt saab telephoned me out of the blue and said, "I have not laughed so much in years as I did after watching your television serial, Sparsh."

That was the best compliment I had ever got. I was overwhelmed that he appreciated my performance. What's more, he went over the minutest of details during our first personal meeting itself. He also said that he hoped to work with me in future. I am waiting for that.

Did it help to have relatives in the industry, like sister Kunika and brother-in-law Deepak Tijori?

Kunika has always given me moral support, nothing more. I have struggled on my own a lot.

What is the most memorable moment of your career?

I still remember my first day on the sets of Darar. My first scene was with Kanwaljeet, who really boosted my confidence when I was nervous. I will never forget that moment.

Even today I feel very nervous when I play a new character -- I don't want any kind of duplication in my characters, not even the mannerisms.

Now that you have entered Bollywood, will you stop acting on television?

Television will always remain my first priority, as that has helped me the most.

How do you rate yourself?

I think I am a clown -- I make my wife, who is my best friend and critic, laugh a lot! I must be dumb -- comedy comes naturally to me! (laughs)

What is the secret of your success?

I have been lucky to meet very nice people, especially my directors who have gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable. They have been very supportive.

Besides, I work diligently on my character, am very punctual, never throw tantrums on the sets and always build a good rapport with everyone around me.

I firmly believe that if you are committed as a professional and genuine as a human being, you last longer.