We caught up with the laidback actor, who recently hit the pinnacle of success by being victorious in the singing reality show on NDTV Imagine, Say Shaava Shaava. Here we go:
Did you have the faintest of idea that you will win 'Say Shaava Shaava'?
Earlier, I was sure that I will win the finals, but once you reach the semi finals, chances become 50-50. I would not say that I was overconfident, but it becomes easy to foresee things after one stage. And in a program where public voting is involved, the results become quite unpredictable.
You were never a singer, so how did you manage to be so good with singing?
Actually I chose songs that suited my voice to the 'T'. As instructed by my mentor, I decided to go for songs which are not 'run on the mill', but still loved by people.
So which do you think was your favorite performance?
My performance in the last episode was the best according to me. I think I really gave it the best shot with 'naino ki mat maniyo re'.
Who was your favorite judge: Karan Johar or Simi Garewal?
I like Simi ji because she was mukhiya of boys' side. Our thoughts on a particular song matched. Whenever I used to sing any song, she praised it. But, it was fun interacting with both of them. Even Karan has a fantastic music sense. All I can say is both are sweethearts and I really like them.
How was the atmosphere on the sets of Say Shaava Shaava: competitive or friendly?
It was absolutely friendly. We used to cheer the others. Since it was a 11 day show, probably all went fine. If it had stretched to a longer duration, then all of us might have started bitching about each other.
Sahil in Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai is still remembered, so don't you want it to start again?
I would love to do, but the producers, director and the channel is bit skeptical about re-launching the show.
What is your role in U, Me aur Hum?
Primarily it's the story of Ajay and Kajol but me, Ajay and Karan are great pals in the film. All I can say is go and watch the film to get to know more on it.
How did you get the opportunity to work with Ajay?
All I can say is I owe my role in this film to Robin da who is the writer of U, Me aur Hum.
How is Ajay as a Director?
I have heard that Ajay always had an inclination towards direction. But really, he is awesome. But you got to see the film to believe it. Ajay has the kind of sensitivity and sensibility that is required for making such kind of films.
Ajay is known as a prankster, so any incident you can recollect that happened on the sets of the film, U, Me aur Hum?
In fact there are many. There is one such incident where there is a party like song sequence where Ajay is dancing with the dancers and I, Karan, Isha and Divya are having tequila shots. What Ajay did was he placed real tequila shots in place of fake ones.
So that was terrible for Divya, Isha and Karan, because they were not prepared for this. After the shot was done, we were told that it was a prank which became quite funny.
Do you agree with the statement that finally Sumit has arrived?
(Laughs) I would say that my best is yet to come, though I agree with you. Still there is lot more to do, I feel. And 2008 is the year which is a treat for me.
What is your dream role?
Earlier, I used to say that I want to do roles like Kamal Hassan in Sadma. But now, I think I will do roles which are not so common. If to mention, I would say that an emotional role is a kind which I would love to do.
Tell us where else can the audience expect you in future?
Apart from U, Me aur Hum, I am doing Nandita Basu's film which is based on Gujarat riots. As of now, it is titled 'In such times'. I am working with Naseeruddin Shah in that film. I am eagerly waiting for that release also. You haven't done serious roles as yet in serials, why?
I don't know why. May be people don't think that I am good for serious roles. According to me, even comedy involves seriousness, so I am doing serious roles.
If you are given a role in saas-bahu serial or daily soap, will you do it?
I would never do it. Honestly, daily soaps are meant for the ladies so there is not much to do for males. Yes, if they offer me a role of saas or bahu, I would take it. If ever I intend to take up saas-bahu serial, I would undergo sex change operation. - Sakshi Tiwari