Simarjeet Nagra is an actor and a model based out Mumbai, India.
Simarjeet a graduate in civil engineering moved to Mumbai a few years back to pursue
his passion for acting and since has worked on a number of television
commercials and has also walked the ramp for various prominent designers.
Following is our interview with actor and model Simarjeet Nagra.
IM: When did you first decide that you wanted to become an
actor?
Simarjeet Nagra: I had been interested in acting and modeling for quite a long time but I first
wanted to finish my education and build a base for myself. I completed my
studies first in civil engineering and then I went on to do MBA in construction
management in pune. It was during my MBA course when I first walked the ramp
and I received really positive feedback from everyone in the collage, I found
this really motivating. After
completing my studies I worked for a year in a corporate company but there also
people where always motivating me to follow my passion. At that point since I
had completed my studies and gotten some work experience I decided to go for it
and moved to Mumbai.
IM: And what has the experience been like so far? Simarjeet Nagra: I
have done quite a few TVCs, print ads and fashion shows but now my focus is
mostly towards acting in movies or TV shows but I only want to do good roles
and characters. In Bollywood Sikh characters are generally a stereotype. In the
past I have been offered roles in movies and TV shows which I refused because I
don’t want to play stereotypes.
IM: So the roles that you get offered are they meant
specifically for a Sikh actor? Simarjeet Nagra: Actually
whenever they need a Sikh actor I never fit the role because they are generally
looking for a comical actor so most of the work I have done was not
specifically for a Sikh actor.
IM: If you could act in a remake of a popular Hindi movie,
which movie and role would you pick? Simarjeet Nagra: I would love to play
something like Shah Rukh Khan’s role from Chak De! India.I really like Shah Rukh he is very energetic can do anything.
IM: What’s the most memorable project that you have worked
on? Simarjeet Nagra:
Every project that I have worked on is important for me but the first TVC I did
was for ACP Whisky with Ajay Devgn. Everyone was really nice and I just loved
being on the set.
IM: And is there a project that you have worked on that was
a really bad experience? Simarjeet Nagra:
Yes, I had auditioned for a TV pilot and during the casting stage they told me
that it was a very important character. The casting director kept insisting me
to do it but when I landed up on the set it was really unprofessional, no one
was serious. They had also lied to me about the role just to get me to agree.
You know it’s just the worst when people make false commitments.
IM: What do you feel is the best thing about being an actor? Simarjeet Nagra: I
just like the fact that as an actor you can live many lives. During childhood
everyone has constantly changing dream jobs someday you want to be a police
officer and then on another day a doctor or a politician. In real life you can’t be
everything but in reel life there are no limits.
IM: And is there something that you don’t like about being
an actor? Simarjeet Nagra:
There is an image which the industry has which is pretty negative, there are
all kinds of rumors out there. Many people say that you just can’t succeed
without compromising, which I don’t believe to be true. There are a few people
like that but they are spoiling the image of the whole Industry.
IM: How would you define your personal style? Simarjeet Nagra: I
believe in experimenting but the main thing is that you must be able to carry
whatever you are wearing. So yeah I believe that you should always keep on
experimenting with your clothes but within your limits and be comfortable in
whatever you are wearing.
IM: And how do you stay fit? Simarjeet Nagra: I
have been a gym lover for a really long time. I work out for at least five days
a week. I don’t eat any junk food and avoid any sugar and fat. Once in a while
I will allow myself a cheat meal.
IM: What’s your favorite cheat meal? Simarjeet Nagra: I
love sweets and when it’s a cheat day I don’t believe in eating a single scoop
of ice-cream, I will eat till I am completely satisfied. You know if you are
cheating just as might do it properly.
IM: Do you have a piece of advice for someone who is just
starting out as an actor? Simarjeet Nagra:I think that people should take their
education seriously, finish your school and college before you join the industry.
And you have to take acting seriously and be professional and don’t treat
acting as a hobby or time pass. A lot of people think that acting is very easy
but when you start you realize that there is a lot of competition and there are
many really good actors working here. Training is very important, learn the
craft and continuously try to improve yourself. I go for a lot of audition and
at home I just keep a camera in front of me and rehearse monologues. I like to
watch my rehearsal video and just look for what is working and what I have to
change.
