Amol Parashar, who played the much loved DJ Chitvan in TVF Tripling, is excited about its sequel. Tripling was a web series showcasing an epic road trip taken by three siblings. Tripling 2 is slated to go on the floors soon and fans are ecstatic. t2 caught up with the 28-year-old Delhi boy for a chat… 

You’ve worked in movies like Traffic and Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year. Which format do you enjoy working in more as an actor — movies or web series?

I think once an actor is on set and in front of the camera, he or she does not think about whether it’s a movie or a web series or a short film. In that moment, you’re only trying to achieve the truth of the character and striving to achieve the vision of your director. Where that story is going to be told eventually… it’s a factor that does not count at that stage. The things that I enjoy are new and interesting scripts, challenging characters, and working with directors that push me and help me create something that I haven’t done  before. 

Did you always want to be an actor while growing up? 

I took an acting course while I was studying mechanical engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. That’s when it hit me. I get so many requests from people at IIT who want to be an actor… I'm like their ‘godfather’ now! (Laughs) I went on stage for the first time during my second-year in IIT. When I started working in a consultant job in Pune after college, I couldn’t find time to juggle theatre and my job. I quit it and came to Mumbai but I wasn’t sure. It’s only when I started getting work and making money out of it, it slowly came to a point that I was sure of it. 

Do people use their favourite dialogue from your shows when they meet?

A lot! I get called ‘Baba’ so much. Many people I meet in public sign off with, ‘Baba, you are beautiful’ (the popular dialogue from Tripling). It’s fun!

What’s in your kitty right now?

Tripling 2 is coming up. I’ve already shot for another web series called Home for Alt Balaji, directed by Habib Faisal. There’s also a horror-comedy movie called Aapke Kamre Mein Koi Rehta Hai, where I star alongside Sumeet Vyas, Naveen Kasturia and Swara Bhasker. 

If we go back a little, who were your favourite actors or actresses growing up?

I had favourite scientists and researchers (laughs). I used to like Rishi Kapoor a lot. A couple of years back, there was an opportunity where I was supposed to play the young Rishi Kapoor, but the project didn’t happen.

What’s that one book you would recommend to everyone?

I am reading Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind  right now and it’s such an enjoyable read. Yuval Noah Harari is a master storyteller and the way he has charted the story of the human race is enchanting and exhilarating. He provides beautiful insights and counter-perspectives into things and events. I think everyone should read it. It’ll open your mind in imperceptible ways. 

Who’s your favourite character in history?

Leonardo Da Vinci. There is so much that is attributed to this person which transcends the boundaries of science, art and philosophy. I, too, believe that all these fields meet somewhere… and Da Vinci was striving for that common truth.

What does love mean to you?

An inherent trust and comfort with a certain person.

What are the three qualities that you look for in a partner?

I don’t like to have a checklist in these matters. 

Would you ever sing a song to woo a girl?

Why not? If she still gets wooed after my ‘singing’, I’d know she is a keeper!

What’s your idea of a perfect date?

Lying down and staring at the ceiling together. 

Should a man always foot the bill during a date?

The two people on that date should decide that for themselves. 

If you could possess one superpower, what would you want it to be?

I’d like to be able to fly!

What’s your personal style like?

I don’t think I have a set style. It depends on the mood and most importantly, the clothes that I can find washed and ironed on that day. 

Which reality TV show do you think you’d surely win if you participate?

I think I’d be decent at Kaun Banega Crorepati.

What’s your favourite pastime when you’re home?

Lying down and staring at the ceiling (laughs)!

What’s that one thing that fans don’t know about you?

Maybe some of them already know this, but I read every single message that I receive on all my social media platforms. And I want them to know that I love them too (smiles).

Delhi is home and Bombay is where you work — Delhi or Bombay?

Can we settle at DelBay or BomLhi?