Abhinav Shukla: I resisted the pressure to change my personality to be more visible

Abhinav Shukla Picture Courtesy: PR

Abhinav Shukla has been part of hit shows like 'Geet Hui Sabse Parayi' and movies like 'Luka Chhupi' and it's his real avatar in shows like Rohit Shetty's 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' and Salman Khan's 'Bigg Boss' that have earned him a solid fan base. His music videos with wife Rubina Dilaik have also been creating a lot of buzz. The actor chats with midday online about work and life off set.

Having being part of the entertainment industry for over a decade is there any change you have observed in the way things function?

Absolutely, there has been a metamorphosis- Technically. We have advanced leaps and bounds. Entertainment of any sort has become very affordable but it reaches masses now so business is still in net profit. Social media was a big game changer, it gave platform to millions to showcase their talent which earlier was available to the privileged ones in Bollywood. Also money wise all transactions have become white on paper unlike earlier times.

With 'Bigg Boss' and 'Khatron Ke Khiladi' you have earned a solid fan base. Would you agree seeing the real you has connected with the audience?

What people saw of me as in Khatron… and Big Boss is actually me. I resisted all the pressure to change my personality to be more visible to audience. I hate small tricks to become famous or more visible or to gain more followers. If you stand your ground people can't push you behind.

Are you open to fiction shows and what kind of roles would you be most excited about?

Probably that's the only art I am most passionate about- acting . I want to play meaningful roles in which I look the part. I would love to play Good Will in Good Will Hunting kind of character

Your music videos with wife Rubina Dilaik have been well received. Will the audience get to see more of you'll together?

Of course but we also keep doing our individual projects as well which are received well by people.

You recently posted about your new bike and shooting outdoors…

I have always been a motorcycle enthusiast. I don't like speed though. I have done lot biking trips across India. I was looking out for a nice adventurer and toured motorcycle for long. Finally I got the Versys 1000

You also opened up about being borderline dyslexic which isn't something that is discussed as much as it should be. As a celebrity how do you deal with opening up about different parts of your personality.

Well it was telecasted in Khatron… that's why I had to come out in public and make an official statement before people start doing their guess work and start cooking conspiracy theories. I would not have divulged otherwise as I have learnt to live with it and I am comfortable with it!

What would you say were the biggest challenges on 'Khatron...'?

The biggest challenge was to live up to the expectations of my fans and friends. Which I did. But at the end it's a show and a lot is dependent on luck.

You are also known for photography. How did that interest develop and which are your favourite shoots?

Well, favourite shoots are where I have photographed Rubina. I consider photography as a process one that requires experience and technique but thanks to the cell phone and filters the process has become obsolete.

Also Read: Rubina Dilaik to Abhinav Shukla: One month of not being in your arms