Vivan’s ‘car’ma

Actor Vivan Bathena, who was last seen in ‘Kumkum’ (Star Plus) is all set to enter ‘Maayka’ (Zee) as the suave photographer Shabd. His character is supposed to reflect attitude and hence the creative team decided upon shooting his introductory scene showing him step out of his swish sports car.

The production unit had arranged for a car but it didn’t arrive on the sets at the last minute. The unit was hassled over getting a car at a short notice until Vivan offered to use his personal car, a Toyota MR2. Vivan says, “I didn’t mind using my car for the shoot. The unit had deadlines to meet and we couldn’t wait for another car to be arranged.”  

But how does Vivan, a model turned actor have a penchant for sports car? Vivan laughs as he replies, “My father and my uncle are former professional bike racers. I have
grown on the tracks literally! I too love racing although I didn’t take it up professionally. But I take part in the speed run every year and have won several awards in the ‘under 2000 cc’ category.” Racing apart Vivan also takes interest in film watching and its making. He owns about a thousand DVDs of some of the best films. “I intend to make a film some day,” he says.

But, what about his primary occupation, modelling? “I have given it up. I don’t find it intellectually stimulating. I am interested in acting on television at the moment. I believe there is a proper time for every thing one does in life  and I think I have passed the stage of modelling,” he shares.

So what did he like about his character Shabd and how does the rather queer name signify his character? “It’s a classy character. He keeps his conversations short and crisp as he often says, ‘Shabd, naam hi kaafi hai (the name is enough)’.” 

p_sapana@dnaindia.net