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By Our Correspondent Š2008 Bollyvista.com |
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Nikitin Dheer |
Nikitin Dheer is as strong and suave as the new generation actors come. At 6'4, he is handsome and qualified. Being a third generation film man, he knows what it takes. Nikitin's father, Pankaj Dheer is a well-known actor-producer while his grandfather, C. L. Dheer was producer of as many as 19 Hindi films.
Nikitin, who is among only 10 civilians who have undergone black cat commando training in unarmed combat and black belt, makes his debut with Ashutosh Gowarikar's Jodhaa Akbar as the main antagonist, a character only third in importance after Hrithik's Akbar and Aishwarya's Jodhaa. Nikitin's second important film on hand is Popcorn Entertainment's Mission Istanbul, directed by Apoorva Lakhia for which Nikitin has already shot in the film's Turkey schedule.
Being an actor's son, was acting your only goal?
Yes, it was and is my only goal
When did you realize that you wanted to become an actor? What was your father Pankaj Dheer's reaction to your decision?
I think when I was around eight years old visiting the sets of Mahabharat, I just loved the energy. Dad was always supportive, but warned me that it was far from being a smooth and flowery road, that it was full of perils, ups and downs and that I should be the best I can be and that was most important.
Did you undergo any formal training?
Yes. I have been training towards my goal of films since I was 18. I have trained for 9 years in martial arts. I am the tenth civilian to do a course in unarmed commando combat training and am a black belt in it. I am also certified from the USA in Jeet Kune Do, a martial art founded by Bruce Lee. Apart from that I have learnt film fighting as well under Mr. Moses Fernandes, and dance from Sarojji's academy. As far as acting is concerned, I have had very hands on practical training, reading parts in plays, watching my friends enact plays and numerous auditions have given me immense self confidence in front of the camera. I was also trained in voice and diction under Mr. Mukul Shrivastava for a year. Above all, my father has been a guiding force.
What was your first step towards acting in Hindi films?
Well it is Jodhaa Akbar.
Why did you opt for Jodhaa Akbar where you play main antagonist to Hrithik's Akbar? You could have gone for a solo starrer. Do you think you've taken a right decision by debuting with Jodhaa Akbar?
Well, I could have, but the thing is that I did not get a film that I was looking for as a solo lead. While I was still looking for work, I met Mr. Ashutosh Gowariker who was casting for his film. I gave the audition just like very many actors and fortunately, I was selected within three hours of the audition. It was like a dream. Here I was getting a huge break, but then the happiness faded slightly when I was offered the negative lead as I always wanted to do a positive character for a start. But Ashutosh sir explained how it was a grey character and not the run of the mill villain. So, then, I thought about it, about sharing screen space with someone like Hrithik who is a phenomenal actor and being directed by an Oscar nominated director. I could not have gotten a platform like this in a solo lead film, so I think I made the right decision because I did not want to wait anymore and a film like this comes an actor's way once in a lifetime as not many historical are made nowadays. In fact, I am very grateful for getting such an opportunity, to be a part of such a vast canvas.
Tell us about your first scene.
The first scene we shot was the same one I had auditioned for so there was a certain level of ease as I knew the graph of the dialogues that was required, the pitch and I was comfortable with the dialogues. But I had these butterflies in my stomach because the day I had dreamt about all my life was finally here and I wanted to make my director feel he had made the right decision my casting me in such a strong character. I wanted to get it right from the word go! Fortunately I did and the whole unit clapped on my first shot. It was great feeling. I will cherish it for my lifetime. |
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