I regret being choosy about my assignments - Ruslaan Mumtaz
It is easy to lose faith and give up when things are not turning positive. In those gloomy days, to find a reason to work harder and stay positive is a challenge. And Ruslaan knows how to do it best. Yes, we are talking about the cute guy who made his Bollywood Debut with Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar.
Things were not always bright for Ruslaan who has embarked a new journey with Colors TV longest running show‘Balika Vadhu - Lamhe Pyaar Ke’ after waiting for two years. The show has taken a generation leap and he is seen essaying the role of Krish, a NRI from U.S.A who has got medical internship in Jaipur based hospital.
Quite pepped up about his new assignment, this handsome actor informs "To be frank, this character is so similar to real me. I am also very modern and do not believe in caste and status. Yes unlike Krish, I am not a NRI. Haha.”
Balika Vadhu is running for years and had been ruling TRP charts since then. Talking about the expectations and pressure to continue the same legacy
"Well, I have been part of projects which were not commercially successful. So I always wished for that one kick where my performance is applauded and yet at the same time the project is commercially a big hit. However, I have been fortunate enough to try TV and movies both. Yes, I feel responsible and if the TRP’s increase after the leap, then I can say I am a part of the successful project. I wish the show runs for years. Fingers crossed…”
Ruslaan was last seen in the TV show Kehta Hail Dil Jee Le Zara as a lead and also appeared in few episodics forYeh Hai Aashiqui and MTV-The Big F.
But not many people know that Ruslaan did six small movies between his last show Jee Le Zara and Balika Vadhu, “I am sure not many people know but yes, I have done six small budget movies in two years. They will release sometime soon. The problem with small movies is that they take time to release because one needs to find a partner to whom they can sell it which is a big challenge for small movies.”
You were seen only in selective movies and shows. Do you regret any of your choices in your entire career. “Well, I don’t regret about the assignments of which I have been part of. But yes, I do regret that I had been choosy with regards to shows, producers or directors I am working with. I said no to a lot of films. After a bit of introspection, I realise that there is no success mantra. You need to be working and experimenting. Also, I tried to find good content shows after Jee Le Zara but nothing clicked for some or the other reasons.”
So how you kept yourself motivated?
He smiles and says, “My inspiration comes from the three Khans. They have achieved fame and money. So why are they still hitting the gym and working so hard?
Well, the point is you never know what next is store in for you. You need to be prepared. I invested my time in keeping myself fit so that when I meet people, they are convinced that I am an actor. And now when I have bagged the role in Balika Vadhu, I am looking fit and I am happy about it.”
Lastly, he adds, “I thank all my fans for supporting me. They keep on asking me about my upcoming projects. But I would like to request all of them to watch my movies and show. The more they will watch, the more hits my projects will receive. This will help me in getting more work.”
Fun Time
What would you prefer: Being 4 ft 5 inches tall or 7 ft 7 inches?
Well, 7 ft 7 inches so that I can bully people. Hahaha…
If you had to take a rebirth as one of the animals, which one it would be?
Lion’s life is so interesting. He has two – three lionesses that do all the hunting for him.
If someone would offer free service for a lifetime, which one you would opt for among these: Cook, Fitness Trainer or luxury of not paying for shopping for a lifetime?
Well, a cook. I am already going to gym. So, I would prefer a good chef who can cook delicious and healthy food for me.
If there was a bag containing 1 Million Dollars and there is a tag of ‘Do Not Touch’ on it? Will you still take it?
The fact that I am an actor will stop me from taking it. What if there is a hidden camera? I do not want to make a fool of myself...Otherwise, it’s a big amount. Lol...
If you were invisible, which crime you would eliminate?
Hmm if I was invisible…I would like to stop corruption. I would leak videos of people who are corrupt, ones who indulge in bribery and other wrong-doings