Saahil Uppal: Rejections made me strong

Saahil Uppal, who is currently playing the lead in the

TV show Pinjara Khubsurti Ka

has won hearts with his performance. The actor opens up about his journey, struggles and impact of negative characters on his career. A commerce graduate, Saahil tried his hands at modelling in Delhi before he finally landed in the dream city Mumbai. Talking about his journey from Delhi to Bombay he shares, “I always wanted to be an actor but being shy I always had a certain phobia. So I thought of trying my hands at modelling for some experience. I participated in a talent hunt and won the Delhi round followed by winning the second runner up trophy in Mumbai. This got me a few modelling assignments in Mumbai. This also gave a boost to my confidence. After I came here, I felt like this is the city which can make my dreams come true. There was a strong pull and I decided to give it a shot.”

After reaching Mumbai he started giving auditions. “I was really naive in the acting field but did not want to pursue anything else after that. My father gave me two years to try my chance. My desire to act drove me, even during the darkest of my days. For two years, almost every day, I used to give 5-6 auditions. I used to carry a bag with different types of clothes, some snacks and a water bottle. Initially, rejections used to disappoint me. Slowly and gradually I prepared myself to deal with rejections positively and prepare for the next audition.”

Facing the camera for the first time was an experience that Saahil will never forget. He shares, “Thankfully I got selected for a TV show and was too excited as it was my first. As I appeared before the camera, somehow I could not do it properly. The director bullied me for being so naive and immature in acting. I felt shattered and cried for hours when I got back home. Next day, I went for the shoot and tried to be calm, composed and focussed. The shoot went well. Few years later, the same director met me at a party and he walked up to me and praised me for my work. I felt amazing that day. Looking back, I feel that my struggle has made me stronger. It keeps me going and it will motivate me for the rest of my life.”

Saahil has played a negative role in the

TV show Shakti- Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki

. Once again he is playing an antagonist in Pinjara Khubsurti Ka. Does he find negative roles more difficult than the positive roles? “Both require a lot of efforts and dedication. But yes, at times, playing an antagonist is a little more difficult. When you play a positive role you know the audience will like you, but when it comes to negative roles one needs to be convincing enough. So I had to make sure that the audience gave a green signal for a character like Omkar because not everyone would like to see the main guy flawed and backward-minded.”