18-year-old Siddharth Nigam, who plays Aladdin in Aladdin: Naam Toh Suna Hoga on Sony SAB, speaks with SHAlINI SAKSENA about why he chose to do TV instead of films after his Bollywood debut in Dhoom 3
How does a gymnast become an actorij
I would not say that I wanted to get into acting. It is not something that I had planned, no one in my family is an actor but destiny stepped in. I was a gymnast, I still am and will always be one.
What was your reaction when you were offered to play Aladdinij
When I was given this character I was thrilled. The role is varied shades. The way Aladdin walks, his attitude, his demeanour is very captivating. The respect that this character has is amazing. To play this role is an honour.
Have you tried you to put in your interpretation of the characterij
This character has many shades. Aladdin is not one person. You will not see just one side to him. There is action, he is funny and he is kind.
Has your background as a gymnast helped you hereij
The sport always helps everywhere, in any field. It has taught me to be patient, to focus and be confident. The best part is that I can do all the stunts myself because of gymnastics.
What were the challenges facedij
To get into the shoes of the character took some hard work. But we had a two-week long workshop where I learnt how to stand like Aladdin and his dialogue delivery were some things that I worked on. Earlier, I had done period shows like Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, as young Ashok and Peshwa Bajirao as young Shivaji. But Aladdin is different. So, yes getting this character right was tough since there are some fun elements as well. To do comedy was challenging.
What is the best part of this characterij
The character has taught me that nothing is impossible. This is what I love about him. I believe that the character itself is such that it can’t be replicated by anyone. Therefore, to even essay him feels fantastic. In every scene, I try to put in my best.
How is the atmosphere off-screenij
When I was offered this role I was thrilled because in real life I am a fun-loving person. I love to have fun. So even when we are not shooting, we are having lots of fun. And I love this aspect.
You debuted with Dhoom 3 playing a double role of young Aamir Khan. But switched to TV. Whyij
I have met a lot of people in the industry who have advised me that an actor gets typecast and people form an image of that person depending on the kind of roles that he does. I am young — still 18. At present, I am not likely to get a lead role. At most, I will get a role of a student or do a smaller role. Till now, whatever projects that I have done has been my mother’s decision. Hence, I am doing TV which can offer me different roles including a lead like in Aladdin... I have many more years in front of me before I launch myself as a mature actor in movies to do varied roles. Also, many actors do theatre before doing films. TV offers me the much-needed exposure.
There is an on-screen romance with Yasmine. Would you be uncomfortableij
Not at all. It is a family show. Yes, there are some romantic moments but these will be very subtle since more children will watch this serial. My co-actor, Avneet Kaur, who plays Yasmine, is a fantastic actor; she is very talented. We help each other when we get stuck.