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Meet TV's 14-year-old Maharana Pratap
Mumbai lad Faisal Khan, who shot to fame after winning DID Li'l Masters 2, recently made his acting debut on the small screen as the young Maharana Pratap in the historical show Bharat Ka Veer Putra-Maharana Pratap on Sony Entertainment Television.
The Class IX student of Meera's Academy in Mumbai, son of an auto-rickshaw driver, considers himself lucky to have got this opportunity.
During a break in shooting, an excited Faisal Khan talks to Rajul Hegde about the show and his dreams of becoming an actor.
How did you become an actor?
I am very passionate about dancing but it has always been my dream to become an actor.
Hrithik Roshan has been my idol and I want to dance and act like him. I want to be a star some day.
I auditioned for the role (in Maharana Pratap) and I got selected. I feel very happy to have got the chance to display my acting talent as people have always known me for my dancing.
'Initially I was shy to deliver the dialogues'
Which is your favourite Hrithik Roshan movie?
I have watched all his movies. I loved his performance as Rohit in Koi...Mil Gaya. He is a complete package with good acting, dancing, good looks and amazing body.
Since this is your acting debut, did you do any kind of workshop?
I have been taking lessons to handle the sword and sword fighting. I practise horse-riding every day. I like both, but horse riding is something I enjoy the most.
So what kind of preparation did you do to get into the skin of the character and deliver the heavy-duty dialogues?
I have to speak chaste Hindi with some Sanskrit words like avashya, kathin etc, which is difficult. I read the book of Maharana Pratap to understand his character.
Initially I was shy to deliver the dialogues, but the director supported me. He advised me to rehearse at least 10 times and then give the best shot. That's how I slowly got the confidence and got the hang of it.
I had to work on my body language to get the attitude of my character Maharana Pratap. For instance, the way he sits, stands, talks and carries the costumes -- all these are very important.
'My father still drives an auto-rickshaw'
How will you handle your shooting schedule and school?
My summer vacations are on, so I haven't missed school. After my vacations I am sure I will manage (smiles).
How has life changed after you won the reality show? How do people react when they see you act?
Everyone recognises me and appreciates my dance wherever I go. I feel happy when people want to get pictures clicked with me and ask for my autograph.
The rest is all the same. My father still drives an auto-rickshaw. I gave the auditions and got selected for this show during vacations, so I haven't met any of my friends or relatives to know their reactions.
To be honest, I haven't seen the hoardings of my show, which are put out in Mumbai as I have been shooting in Aamgaon (Talashri, Maharashtra). I will check them out once I go back to Mumbai (smiles). All of us are staying in a guesthouse next to the set.
Do you get to watch your show at least?
Yes, I watch it every day and it's one of my favourite shows apart from dance reality shows.
What did you do with the prize money?
I gave it to my parents and they have invested it. I have bought an ipad for myself.