Vishal Kotian: I’m lucky that even after 15 years in showbiz, I’m still not playing a father

From playing a bad guy to a mythological character to tickling people’s funny bones with his comic capers — Vishal Kotian has done it all! After dabbling in modelling, acting and production, the actor is currently busy with sitcom Akbar Birbal and has recently turned presenter of a reality show designed specially for kids — Chhota Birbal.
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COMIC CAPERS Akbar Birbal is a unique historical comedy.It has a different kind of an appeal because of the set-up. There is no mindless comedy in this case like we see in other ‘comedy’ sitcoms. It is a mix of comedy and a bit of knowledge. It was very difficult for me initially because of the costumes and jewellery. I am a typical Mumbaiker so getting a hang of the Awadhi Hindi with a bit of Urdu for the dialogues also took some time. But comedy is my forte. It is easy to make people cry but it is very difficult to make them laugh. The whole team (Kiku Sharda, Delnaaz Irani, Kishwer Merchant and many others) is great and some of the young actors are so good that they keep us on our toes all the time.
SHOW-TALK I think Chhota Birbal is a perfect reality show for kids because we don’t have too many reality shows for children, except the Dance India Dance or Indian Idol variety. They cannot do a Bigg Boss or a Khatron Ke Khiladi. It is very challenging because the entire show is totally non-scripted. Comedy Nights with Kapil or Kaun Banega Crorepati have some tiny bits with a script. But Chhota Birbal has real kids, and I ask them regular questions. It is challenging because I don’t know what the kids will answer, and I have to present it keeping in mind the comedy part.
JOURNEY SO FAR I was 18 when I won a modelling contest. Acting was never a plan but I started modeling because I thought it was perfect. Then I got acting offers. I had no filmi background or godfather in the industry so I went ahead with what came my way. Now 15 years down the line, I feel lucky to be still getting lead roles. I am not playing a father to kids yet. I feel thankful to everyone who have been a part of my journey and feel that now I can transfer my knowledge to the younger lot.
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BODY BASICS I got my first show because of my body. I have eight pack abs and I treat my body as a temple. Even if I work for 12-14 hours, I make sure to work out for an hour and a half everyday except Sundays. I eat well, don’t smoke or drink; I believe jo dikhta hai wo bikta hai!