Vijay Pushkar’s Inspiring journey from a photographer to an actor

His Twitter status says that he is an artist who is living the dream and who always loves to experiment new things. This is not just the status but the reality of this Pune born and brought up actor- model Vijay Pushkar.

Gossipganj had a long chit- chat with this young, dynamic actor- model Vijay Pushkar. Presenting the experts from the interview:

Gossipganj: Tell us something about your background?

Vijay Pushkar: 45 years ago, my parents migrated from Rajasthan to Pune. I was born and brought up in Pune. I always wanted to become an artist since childhood because I was always interested in dramatics, dancing and painting.  I love painting a lot. I have also won few awards in painting.  

I was also good in studies and used to score high grades. So, I thought of becoming an architect because of my creativity. Secondly my family is into construction business. I feel connected to the construction industry. But accidentally, I got hooked to photography and got myself admitted in one of the photography workshops. I learnt fashion and modeling photography for 2 years.

Gossipganj:  How did you think of getting into modeling?

Vijay Pushkar: While I was doing commercial shoots for our clients in Mumbai, people used to ask me, ‘why you are not in front of camera?’

And I used to wonder, ‘why should I be?’

Even friends and family also encouraged me to go into modeling. That triggered me. And on the recommendation of a female model friend, I did my portfolio from famous photographer Bunty Prashant. After that I thought of grooming myself.

Along with that I also wanted to get trained in photography. I joined the assistant photographer of Bunty Prashant as an assistant. I worked with them for another 3 years. During that period, modeling projects also came because of my portfolio.

I started shooting for magazines and catalogues along with my photography career.

Gossipganj: Which was your first modeling assignment?

Vijay Pushkar: Femina Men’s Issue Feb 2012.

Gossipganj: What are the prominent ads you have done?

Vijay Pushkar: Renault Car ,Hiranandani, Kotak , Paranjape Schemes, Bajaj Finserv , SETU , Flipkart , Brand Factory, Blue Mineral Water, Club Mahindra , Bajaj Bike, Atmosphere Forum, Helium…

Gossipganj:  How did you get into the entertainment industry as an actor?

Vijay Pushkar: During my photography career, I got exposed to filmmaking also. Bunty Prashant were also doing a lot of music videos, corporate shoots, short films, feature films. From that the idea of becoming an actor started hitting me. I discussed with them. They encouraged me to be a part of the whole team.

This way, I actually learnt acting on the sets with all other actors, watching the way they were performing, the way these people were directing them. So it was a great learning experience for me to become an actor. And with these baby steps my journey started in the world of modeling and acting……

Gossipganj: There is a saying that models cannot act… what’s your take on that?

Vijay Pushkar: That’s I am. When I was modeling for print ads, photographer wanted me to be in different moods with different expressions and body language according to the character. And it was also a kind of acting for these small print ads.

Audition lands me into commercial TV ads. I was fortunate to get into commercial modeling. Through that I gained experience in expressing myself in front of camera which is very important for an actor.

I do feel if you do long term fashion modeling like ramp walk or shooting for clothes or cosmetic brands, you get into that zone of stiffness and tight body language which luckily happened to me.

Gossipganj: It is said that models have to go through casting couch… what is your take on this?

Vijay Pushkar: Even if it’s there, I had never experienced that myself as I was not very desperate to get the work. I had that patience and waiting power. Because of my family backup, I never had any financial crisis. I have heard stories about casting couch but luckily I never faced it because I think people never saw that desperation in me to get the work. So, I was fortunate enough. And waited for my right time.

Gossipganj: Did you face any struggles in the film industry?

Vijay Pushkar: Yes of course… As I am not from this industry, I also had to face a lot of problems. I wasn’t sure how to go about it…I didn’t had any contacts in the industry so; I had to start from scratch. I have realized that passion and talent is also very important in this industry. You have to wait for your right time. I also waited for the right time with loads of patience… constantly improving myself, working on my body, posture, clothing, and polishing my acting skills.

Gossipganj: If not an actor what would you have been and why?

Vijay Pushkar:  Architect, as I said earlier that I was very good in academics along with drawing. So, this combination works for me to become an architect.

Gossipganj: Tell us about your current shows?

Vijay Pushkar: I am doing two projects. One is Jurm Aur Jazbaat for Shemaroo TV. Jurm Aur Jazbaat presents a series of spine-chilling crime stories and thrilling mysteries that bring forth the worst side of human emotions.

And second one is a web series Uddhamgarh directed by Saeed Khan, and it will be released under the banner of M.S. Films and Entertainment. Udhamgarh is a unique tale of people who let their ego destroys their lives to a length that it can’t be repaired.

Gossipganj: Tell us about your Character in Jurm aur Jazbaat?

Vijay Pushkar: The show Jurm and Jazbaat is an episodic show based on real life stories where each episode is unique in its own way…

You will see me in episode Rajni Ka Raaz. I am playing a character of an ideal son and a husband whose wife Rajni has a past… which leads to turmoil in his life… There are sacrifices but you need to watch the episode to see how it ends.

Gossipganj: And in Uddhamgarh?

Vijay Pushkar: It’s a character role in Uddhamgarh. I am playing big powerful leader’s son… It’s a negative character… In Uddhamgarh, I am looking very raw, stubborn… You can say Gunda.

Gossipganj:  What all preparations do you do for the characters?

Vijay Pushkar: When I read my script I always try to visualize the character and build a virtual image of how the character from the script would behave in a given situation… Also reading the background story helps a lot to make your viewer’s believe in the character you are playing… sometimes there are small adjustments you make which are very impromptu and that comes from the real life people you meet… I am keen observer…  that’s something inbuilt in me.

Gossipganj:  How excited are you for the project?

Vijay Pushkar: Acting is my passion so imagine… I am very excited.

Gossipganj:  Do you feel OTT platforms are future of entertainment Industry?

Vijay Pushkar: We are already living in that future isn’t it?

But I would like to say that OTT platforms have brought lot freshness to this industry by bringing the new talents which would otherwise go unnoticed. Hence I call it a fresh way to look at the industry.

Gossipganj: What are your expectations from the show?

Vijay Pushkar: Well of course, I want my shows to do well; I want people to notice me and my hard work.

Gossipganj:  What is that one message you would like to share with your viewer’s and fans?

Vijay Pushkar: To all my viewer’s and fans wherever they are, I wish and pray that they are safe. Follow your dreams and work hard for it.

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