Avinash Wadhawan has been part of the entertainment industry for three decades now and says there’s a lot more he wants to do. The actor, who played the hero in several films like Junoon, Papi Gudia and Insaf Ki Pukar in the 90s, has been doing TV shows in recent times and is also focusing on OTT now. “This is a great time for actors with different mediums opening up, and I want to be a part of all of them.”
‘Want my son to focus on academics for now’While he is passionate about his work, he admits that the life of an actor is not easy, given the ups and downs in the profession. So would he be okay if his son tomorrow wants to be an actor? He says, “My son Samraat is 11 now and yes, he seems to be following in his father’s footsteps. He is already acting in plays in school and loving it. Of course, I want him to focus on his academics for now and look at acting as a hobby. Later in life, he can choose whichever career he wants to pursue.”
‘Acting is an unpredictable profession’Avinash further adds, “Would I want my son to take up a profession which is so unpredictable? Well, I’m not sure of that. I have friends who are doing well in their corporate jobs and I know some engineers, doctors who are also very happy in their space, which is quite secure. So, going by that, I would want my son to choose a safe career option rather than acting, which is unpredictable.”
The actor further adds, "I have had my highs and lows, where I have seen the industry closely. But if my son wants to become an actor and if I see the passion and zest to work hard, I will support him. What’s important for any new actor is that they should have a backup plan that they can fall back on just in case things don’t work out as per their plans."
‘Shooting for daily soaps can get hectic’On the work front, Avinash is currently seen in Teri Meri Doriyaann, and doing a daily soap is challenging, he admits. “Shooting for daily soaps can get hectic because episodes are telecast seven days a week. We have to keep churning out content on a daily basis. We shoot for almost 10 hours daily, plus spend two hours travelling to the sets. After shooting for 10 days at a stretch, we get a one-day break. But since I am a workaholic, I’m fine with it. I don’t get much time to spend with my family though. Sometimes my son and I don’t see other for days, but he doesn’t complain, and says he watches me on TV (laughs). Of course, on the days I have an off, I try and make up for it and we go out for dinners etc.”