Talktime | Upen Patel
Model-turned-actor Upen Patel, who is in news for dating Karishma Tanna, feels that this is the best phase of his personal and professional life. He talks to Sangeeta Yadav about his experience working for a Tamil movie with ace director Shankar and how life has changed post Bigg Boss
How was your experience working with director Shankar in his I movie released down SouthIJ
It was a great learning experience. Shankar’sI movie turned out to be super hit and crossed Rs200 crore at the Box Office. Shankar is like an education institution in cinema. I learnt a lot about the craft of cinema from him. He has an amazing vision about filmmaking and considers himself and his work as a challenge. He tries to overcome it every time.
What was the biggest challenge for you in IIJ
Shooting the action sequences on a moving train was a tough ask. It was a 10 day shoot and Shankar had already made the bookings for the train and got the permission. There was an international stunt director from Iron Man 3 fame who came down from New Zealand to assist us. During that time, I was suffering from malaria and although the doctors advised me to take complete bed rest, I decided to go ahead and complete the shoot. Throughout the shooting of this particular sequence, Shankar was concerned about my health and gave me enough time and space to give my best.
Moreover, language was the biggest challenge. Shankar kept telling me that language isn’t a barrier. It’s the emotions through which you can communicate and express yourself. Emotions are universal and he asked me to work on it.
How has life changed after Bigg BossIJ
Bigg Boss gave me a never before platform. After doing this reality show, I came into the limelight and millions of people got to know what kind of person I am. TV is a great platform to showcase your talent. I love dancing and when my girl friend Karishma Tanna and I were approached for Nach Baliye, I couldn’t say no. The preparations have already started and it’s going to be an interesting competition.
How does reading help in you in shaping your lifeIJ
I’m reading a book titled Complete Chanakya Neeti by Vishwamitra Sharma. The book talks about his philosophy on various issues that are relevant in today’s time. I’m a very spiritual person and books like Excuses Begone by Dr Wayne Dyer and The Power of Now are a great source of understanding. I think the best way to get life philosophy is opening up the horizon and looking at things in a different way by reading as much as you can. Scholars say that ‘people who read in life, lead in life’. For me, reading is a lifeline and a source to my quest for knowledge.
What does spirituality men to youIJ
life is beautiful. The more you’ll accept what’s coming to you and celebrate that, the more it will give back to you. I believe that everything in life happens for a reason.
What concerns you the mostIJ
My main concern is education. It’s the key to freedom for everyone. India has a huge population and not many people are spending money to provide education to their children. Instead they are sending their child for work or get them married at a young age. The more we’ll educate our children, they’ll not only do better for themselves but also for their family. It’s time to create value for education.