Stepping out of the comfort zone is an individual choice and not many of us would prefer to leave a secured job and step into the world acting. But for Vijayendra Kumeria, it was a matter of dream and happiness in what you do, which made him leaving a secured career as a cabin crew and land in the City of Dreams to become an actor. Today, as a known face in the entertainment industry, he has recently stepped into production and aims to rule the digital platform with his acting skills in the near future. In conversation with TMM, he talks about the importance of formal training in the world of acting, and why he prefers to have an alternate career as well.

You’ve evolved as an actor from Udaan to Aap Ki Nazron Ne Samjha. Do you think any formal training is necessary to become an actor?
I do not believe that you truly require any formal training. I have seen people who have done courses and they regret wasting their money. The real training happens on the job, where you learn the nuances of expressions, body language, and dialogue delivery, which no course can teach you. However, courses are good for those who wish to understand the history and methodology of cinema as an art.

From a cabin crew to a full-time actor, how easy or tough was the transition for you? Didn’t you feel it was a huge risk?
It was a big transition, a complete shock for my family too. For five years, I was in a comfortable zone getting a handsome paycheque. Well, it took me 1 year to get good work and 3 years to get the main lead. To be frank, it was difficult and mentally taxing sometimes, but I kept going. Now, I feel all that was worth it. I am happy with my career graph.

An actor has to look good all the time, be it on-screen or off-screen. Do you agree? Explain your viewpoint.
Yes it is true; you have to look presentable, if not dropped-dead gorgeous. When you are in showbiz you have to look attractive. One needs to take care of their looks and fitness. For me, it’s not a big challenge as I have been conscious about my appearance from the time I wasn’t in the industry. I guess I like to look good!

You are considered as one of the stylish actors on Television. What are the three essentials that make you feel stylish?
A perfect blend of comfort, effortlessness, and confidence makes me feel who I am, and I don’t have to pretend. When it comes to fashion, I wear or carry what I like; I never get trapped in trends and in what others are wearing. It is very important to be comfortable in your own skin. The day you find that comfort, you start looking and feeling stylish.

New-age men are very much into grooming. What is your viewpoint?
In simple words, it’s absolutely fine! Grooming as a concept is gender-neutral and men have all the rights to look good and maintain a certain level of hygiene. From social etiquettes perspective, when you meet someone in a well-groomed manner, it’s a sign of respecting the person. Also, taking care of your body and looks is always good. And I am glad that these days men are equally concerned about their looks, it’s a process of self-awareness and I am game for it.

As a part of men’s grooming, the bearded look is a hot-selling style. Your comments?
I like the beard look over the clean-shaven look. I like the ruggedness, plus above all the reasons, mostly the characters I play have required that kind of look, so I have had all the reasons to carry the look. I also feel that beard adds a mature-looking charm to your personality that many men wish for, so it’s all about personal comfort and individualistic style as well.

What fashion means to you?
For me, fashion is comfort. I will not follow it if I am not comfortable with it. It’s a personal choice rather than creating it. As I said, I never fall for trends, I wear what I find suits my personality and over a period of time, my personal style sense has become my identity too.

Pandemic has changed the way we look at life and career. Do you agree?
I think it has made us more and more practical, responsible and helped us develop a sense of gratitude for everything we have in our life. In the present time, it is difficult to get work and those who are working are truly blessed. Personally, I have realized that in life you have to be prepared for the unexpected.

What do you think is your biggest sex appeal and why?
I am a people’s persona and that is the biggest USP of my personality. And with time I have understood that it comes naturally to me. Apart from that, I accept that I am a good-looking man with a deep voice and I guess that’s my ultimate sex appeal, at least that’s what people say!

Recently, you got into production and produced a crime-based series for the Dangal channel. Do you think every actor should have an alternate career?
I can’t say anything about others, but that’s my choice. I don’t think everyone has an appetite for production. It’s my interest in different aspects of film making that attracts me to be a maker or a content creator. Everyone has their own choices and I cannot comment on what other actors want to do out of their life and career.

What are your future plans?
Looking at the present, digital is the future. I want to act and create content for digital platforms in the near future and I am working on it. I might break the news soon. (winks)