Vidyut Xavier aka Dr. Abhay Sathe in has been garnering a lot of appreciation for his role in Dhadkan Zindaggi Kii. Vidyut in a recent interview talked about his background and journey. The actor was born and raised in Mumbai, his father, Thomas Xavier, is a cinematographer who has done over 70 films including Khiladi, Baazigar, Phool Aur Kaante, Yes Boss, Badshah, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, among others.
Talking about his growing up years, he said, “I did my schooling from Utpal Shanghvi School, Did my FYJC & SYJC from Mithibai College of Commerce, and then did my Bachelors in Mass Media from UPG College. I was good at sports and wanted to be a professional cricketer. I used to go to Shivaji Park every day during my school to take coaching from Late Sri Ramakant Archerekar sir (he also coached Sachin Tendulkar). I even went to South Africa to play cricket. But after I came back, I went to Jaipur where my dad was shooting for Tumko Na Bhool Payenge. After meeting Salman [Khan] sir and watching him perform I realized that I want to become an actor. I was 13 years old then, so I went and told my mom about my dream,” he says.
The actor also talked about his struggles and shared, “I went for several auditions till I bagged teenage Karna in Mahabharat. Thought things would get easier after this but it wasn’t. Even a cameo in 24 seasons 2 didn’t help. I was also asked to compromise by a few casting directors, which I declined. So it was very difficult but I never quit and did ads, music videos became an event photographer to earn money. Every rejection in my life has only made me stronger. Finally now when I am doing Dhadkan, I couldn’t believe that I had got this part, I literally wept when I heard the news. I have worked hard every day for 16 years to be here today, and I feel grateful.”
“But it was worth it. I learned so much there during that period. Immediately after that I started working as a background dancer in films and assisted famous choreographer Rekha Prakash for two years. I was an assistant director in Dabangg and Dabangg 2, grateful to Salman Sir for giving me that opportunity. I also acted in Dabangg. I wanted to learn everything behind the camera before I stepped in front of it. After Dabangg I went for several auditions till I bagged teenage Karna in Mahabharat. Thought things would get easier after this but it wasn’t. Even a cameo in 24 seasons 2 didn’t help. I was also asked to compromise by a few casting directors, which I declined. So it was very difficult but I never quit and did ads, music videos became an event photographer to earn money. Every rejection in my life has only made me stronger. Finally now when I am doing Dhadkan, I couldn’t believe that I had got this part, I literally wept when I heard the news. I have worked hard every day for 16 years to be here today, and I feel grateful,” he sounds emotional.
When asked about his resemblance with actor Anuj Saxena of Kusum fame, and with Yaariyan actor Himansh Kohli, Vidyut said, “To be honest I don’t know how to react to all these. Not only them, I have been told that I also look like Abhishek Bachchan, Vatsal Seth, Arjit Singh, etc. Obviously, it makes me happy because they are successful people who have done so well for themselves. But I am here to make my mark in the industry, make my name and I hope one-day people will tell others that they resemble Vidyut Xavier,” he concludes.
