"I want to pursue acting and music simultaneously" - Dhaval Nakhua

- Anish Mohanty           Let us know what you think about this article

You are sporting a very interesting look at the moment. Is it for the film?

I got this look in December. It was already there before we started shooting. Since my character is that of a music producer, I was expected to carry a funky look. This particular look, which I already had, worked for the character.

Has anyone ever told you look like Zayn Malik?

Yes, some people have. I guess it is because of the colour of my hair and beard. Maybe, they see some facial similarities too.

Do you take it as a compliment?

Well, anything positive that people say is always welcome. Eventually, I want to carve my own identity but it feels good to be compared to a huge celebrity like him.

You play a music producer in the film. What is the kind of shades does your character have?

I have a special bond with a specific character. You will get to know more about it when you see the film. There are several layers to my character. I am the one who is most interested in music. He is the person who is pushing everybody around to get better at music and take the band to another level. I am the only one from the group who is still pursuing music professionally.

Did you take any training to prepare for your role?

We had a couple of guitar classes. I mostly play guitar in the film, so I had to go through the training to make it look authentic. I am a music producer and DJ in real life but I work with a synthesizer and other digital software. Playing the guitar was a new thing for me.

How did you get into acting?

I was born and brought up in Mumbai. After my board exams got over, I had a lot of free time in my hand. My mom saw an ad of an acting institute in the newspaper and suggested I could utilize this time by doing a short course there. I was not sure initially as I had never thought about acting. But, I always liked trying out different things, so I thought of giving it a try. One thing led to another and I ended up doing several shows like 'Balika Vadhu', 'Gumrah - End Of Innocence', MTV Webbed' and 'Saavdhan India', among others. 'The Reunions' is my second film as an actor. My first film was also in Gujarati. It was called 'Band Baaja Babuchak' and it released in June this year.

Since you grew up in Mumbai, was it difficult to say dialogues written in Gujarati?

I speak Kutchi. It is similar to Gujarati. So, speaking the language was not a problem for me.

Now that your acting assignments are keeping you busy, do you get time to pursue music?

I am already playing in clubs and events. I produce music as well. I want to pursue acting and music simultaneously. When I was shooting in Gujarat, I missed out on performing in a few shows but I do not regret that as acting is my first priority.

Have you contributed to this film as a music producer?

No, but I would love to be associated with the music of some project I do in the near future.

What's next?

I have auditioned for a couple of films. I have signed up with a modelling agency and doing a couple of assignments with them as well.

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