Trishaan: Randeep joked that I should’ve played Sarabjit because of my similarities with Ash

The former model, who makes his acting debut with Sarbjit, is geared up for B-town

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Trishaan: Randeep joked that I should’ve played Sarabjit because of my similarities with Ash

Trishaan Singh Maini, the 29-year-old Delhi boy is all set for his Bollywood debut with Omung Kumar’s Sarbjit. He will be seen in the role of Sarabjit Singh’s (Randeep Hooda) best friend Maninder Singh. In an exclusive chat with SpotboyE, the green-eyed Trishaan spoke about his journey to Bollywood and much more. Excerpts:

How did Sarbjit happen?
I auditioned for different characters in the film in December. A few weeks later, I got a call from the production house that I have been selected for the role of Maninder.


Image Source: instagram/trishaan_singh

How was it working with Randeep Hooda?
I am playing his best friend and we both have great chemistry. He is a very dedicated and hardworking guy. Randeep didn’t make me feel like I was a newcomer or that he is a star.


Image Source: instagram/trishaan_singh

Share your experience of shooting your first scene with Aishwarya Rai.
My first scene was with her. I had to ride a scooter with her sitting behind. There were about 500 people gathered to get a glimpse of Aishwarya. So you can imagine the chaos! I was so nervous that I fumbled while delivering my lines. I couldn’t even start the scooter. Seeing my nervousness, Aishwarya cajoled me saying, “Maninder (she called me by my character name), kinna sona munda hai tu.” That calmed me down.

Any memorable incident from the sets of Sarbjit?
The entire journey has been a great one. Randeep jokingly used to say that I should have played the character of Sarabjit because of my facial similarities with Aishwarya. In fact, everybody in the team used to say that.


Image Source: instagram/trishaan_singh

Did you always want to become an actor? Was there any parental opposition?
I always wanted to act but wasn’t sure of coming down to Mumbai and facing the struggle. I didn’t do my graduation as I wasn’t good at academics. Instead, I just started working with GE Money in Gurgaon. After a couple of months in the job, I told my dad that I wanted to go to Mumbai and pursue Bollywood. It took me months to convince him, but he finally gave in.

Tell us about your initial struggle in Mumbai.
It wasn’t easy for a person with no solid background in the industry. I started out as a model – I became the official model for Lakme for two years. I worked with Manish Malhotra, Tarun Tahiliani and many big names. But somehow, I wasn’t happy being just a model. I started questioning myself, ‘What I am doing with my life? Where am I going?’ That’s when I stopped taking modelling assignments and joined Nadira Babbar’s Theatre group. I have been a part of many plays.


Image Source: instagram/trishaan_singh

Did you find it difficult to survive in the modelling industry?
It has been difficult. Modelling doesn’t require any certificate – it just requires good height, face and attitude. Now, the influx of models is so high but the number of designers is less in comparison. There is an imbalance.

Had you faced casting couch during your struggling days?
Advances were made towards me, but I have handled it the best way possible. That’s all I would say.


Image Source: instagram/trishaan_singh

Coming back to Sarbjit. Even though it’s your debut film, you’re not playing one of the leads. Don’t you think that will affect adversely?
When you are part of a big project, it reaches out to the masses. People want to know what happened to Sarabjit and even a small character related to his life is of big importance. Be it a casting director, director or producer, they will notice my character. I am an artist and an actor shouldn’t categorise roles.

Being a rank newcomer, do you believe that it’s relatively easier in Bollywood if you are a star kid or have a Godfather?
Being a star kid is a bonus. But there are so many talented actors all around. One can’t just sit around and think ‘Oh, I need a big banner launch.’ You need to start somewhere. You are bound to get noticed for your talent.


Image Source: instagram/trishaan_singh


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