Vikas Kumar has made his own identity by acting in web series like ‘Arya’ and ‘Kala Paani’. Recently, while talking to Dainik Bhaskar, he told that it was not easy for him to reach here. Initially, he had to face rejection many times due to his looks and complexion. Now he has also become a producer and is bringing new stories to the people through his production. Read some important excerpts from the conversation: The acting journey was made of difficulties There were many expectations as soon as I stepped into the dream city of Mumbai, but this path was not so easy. In the early days, I lived in other people’s houses, then lived in a 1 BHK with friends and did small jobs. Going around big production houses like Balaji with a copy and facing rejection again and again had become a common thing. Still, I kept a record of every meeting, struggled for six-eight months, but success remained far away. During this time, the sea shore of Mumbai became my support – this place gave me peace in loneliness and failures. Facing repeated rejections due to looks and complexion was a big challenge for me because of my looks and complexion. In Indian character-based serials, I was called unfit many times for this reason. Often the reason for rejection was my complexion. Many times I was told in clear words – you are not fit for this character. Once I even asked – what are you making in which people like me do not fit? Is this show from England? Facing such questions and rejections was not easy. Still, I never saw it as an obstacle. Actors like Mithun Da, Nawazuddin Siddiqui have also faced similar rejections and made their place. Thinking this, I also did not give up and kept walking on my path. Balancing family and struggle While doing theatre in Delhi, I did not get paid, I just joined the cast party. Even for big plays, I did not get more than Rs 500 per show. I had to bear the expenses of travelling for the play myself, but staying at my brother’s house provided some relief. When I told my family that I am a hero, they did not believe me. This journey was very difficult, but I continued to prove myself through theatre and small projects. First acting opportunity in Mumbai and recognition in CID After theatre and small projects, I got a chance to work with Yash Raj Television. I got lead roles in serials like ‘Powder’ and ‘Khote Sikkey’, but suddenly these shows were closed. Then I got a chance to work in ‘CID’. Initially, I was a little hesitant, but later I did not regret it. Even today people recognise me for the character of Rajat played in ‘CID’. This recognition is very special for me. New beginning as a producer and storyteller Now I have become a producer. I have also created an audio app named Velvet. Although, I am not earning much from it right now, but we are focusing on good content. I have produced three short films and some documentaries so far. Our first short film, Sonsi, has also won the National Award and qualified for the Oscars. We are taking our films to different film festivals and exploring new things.
