Saahil Uppal: I’m ready to do a daring scene if a project warrants it, but I won’t do it if the scene was inserted for cheap publicity

Saahil Uppal is willing to explore new things and take the road less travelled. The Pinjara Khubsurti Ka actor is willing to try out numerous roles and genres. In fact, when it comes to bold characters, he has no reservations.

“I can consider it if the project is good and a daring scene or a love-making sequence is actually required. Other factors will be considered, such as who is making it, if it will be shot beautifully, who is involved in producing it, which platform it will be released on, and whether the screenplay actually needs it, among others. I won’t do it if the scene is there for cheap publicity, to capture the audience’s attention,” the actor, who is interested in doing web and, of course, films, explains.

Many TV performers have spoken out about discrimination they faced when auditioning for roles in Bollywood. Was he subjected to any such prejudices? “Given the amount of time and devotion required, I believe television is the most demanding medium. People often misunderstand and mistreat TV celebrities. I’m aware that TV performers are accused of being overexposed, of overreacting during scenes, and so on. However, not everyone does this; in some cases, it is required by the script. Actors on television are capable of portraying both realistic and outrageous scenes. Before becoming movie stars, Mrunal Thakur, Radhika Madan, and Sushant Singh Rajput all worked on television. I believe that if TV actors are given equal opportunity, they will perform well. Rather than gazing down, you should gaze up”.

Saahil also highlights how social media and the internet have blurred the lines between actors working in various genres.

When it comes to social media, there is a constant numerical game going on across many platforms. And the actor warns us not to take social media too seriously. He also makes it a point to be genuine on social media.

“I don’t pretend to be someone I’m not. Obviously, numbers and social media followers are important, but I don’t believe in all of that. My talent, rather than the quantity of followers, seems to me to be more essential. If you can’t act, it doesn’t matter how many millions of followers you have. It’s excellent if a social media game is excellent because it aids, but I can’t put too much effort into making one. It should happen naturally,” he argues, adding that trolling, the ugly side of social media, is nothing new to him.

He’s learned to take it with a grain of salt based on his previous experiences. “I’m aware of people who have nothing better to do than create fictitious profiles to vent their anger. I don’t take it seriously, but I am aware that when there is a lot of bullying going on, it affects you. When I was reading the bad comments, it happened to me once. But things got better after I started ignoring them… Everything has advantages and disadvantages. We have a number of advantages. And I’ve decided to concentrate on the love and support I’ve received online,” he concludes.