New kid on the block: Avishek Rath

Avishek Rath, the chocolate boy of the ACP Sagarika team, is already a big hit among girls. t2 brings you more of the newcomer whose debut film, also starring Archita, hits theatres this Friday. Though he’s feeling the butterflies in his stomach, he’s confident about his entry in tinsel town

Your debut film is about to release. Tell us, how does it feel?

Well obviously, it feels great. The feeling cannot be described in words. I am extremely excited. To be frank, it’s a mixed feeling where on one side I am nervous about its reception while on the other, I am very confident about the work we have done. I just hope I live up to everyone’s expectations. So, my fingers are crossed.

Friends forever: Prakurti and Avishek

When and how did acting happen? Did you always want to be an actor?

Yes, actually being an actor is what I always dreamt of and, fortunately, I am doing that now. I discovered that I had a thing for acting. To be precise, acting is in my blood as my grandfather Sachidananda Rath had done few films and his work always inspired me. I am very thankful to the people who believed in me and gave me a chance to live my dream.

You are still in college, so how do you strike a balance between studies and acting?

College life has turned out to be one of the most beautiful phases of my life. I have some wonderful friends out there and I am glad I am not missing out on any masti. My teachers and the entire college management of KIIT University have always been very cooperative. I strongly believe that where there is a will there is a way. I want to act and also want to complete my engineering. So, I have prepared a schedule that lets me do both. I just follow the routine and the rest falls in place.

Tell us about your role in the film?

I am playing the male lead character Karan who is a cameraman of a private TV channel. He makes sure he covers every news story, which others miss out. He is the pride of his channel. As the story later reveals, he is an adopted son who had lost his parents in childhood. He is also in love and there is a twist in the tale surrounding him.

You worked with two of the most pretty ladies of Odia cinema— Archita and Prakruti. What was the mood like on the sets?

Well, I am lucky to have worked with Archita and Prakruti. Archita is from my college, so we had that KIIT-ian kind of bonding and Prakruti and I are about the same age and have previously worked together in other shows. She is one of my very good friends. So, I was very comfortable working with both of them. We shared some really good time. We laughed, smiled and had meals together but when it came to work, we got back into our characters right away.

Your friends and family must be happy to see you on the big screen?

Yeah, they all very happy as well as excited to watch me on the big screen. They are my support system. They motivate me in difficult times and also don’t leave a chance to pull my leg. I love them very much.

Some of the other star kids are making their debut this year. Does a filmi lineage help?

First, I would like to congratulate them all. See, being a star kid certainly helps one get a platform, but I believe ultimately it is the performance that counts.

What are your other upcoming projects?

Well, I have two more projects whose titles are yet to be finalised. So, I am looking forward to them but now just ACP Sagarika is on my mind.

Why should people watch the film this Friday?

One big reason — it is not a remake or copy. It has got action, romance, suspense, thrill, everything that people want to see. I have always believed that if your passion becomes your profession, no one can stop you from reaching your destination. This Friday, I strongly believe that people will like the film. Mostly, they will appreciate our efforts of making such a different film.

Pratyush Patra