Celebrity stays clear of controversial issues on Twitter; Actor denies reports, states he is still single

 

Success knows no age.

That aptly applies to Aftab Shivdasani.

Aftab was just 14 months old when he had his first brush with success.He featured in a Television commercial that instantly hit the mark. Then more commercials followed, thereby paving his way into Bollywood as a child artiste at age seven.

Aftab was still in college when he was offered a lead role in Ram Gopal Verma’s “Mast.” Since then he has acted in over 50 films---some of which topped the box office. Whether he is playing the fresh faced college boy in pursuit of his big screen dream partner Urmilla in “Mast,” the newspaper editor with a dark side in “Kasoor” or the guy who is happy-go-lucky in “Love,” he infuses life into every character.

His infectious smile, dapper attire and magnetic personality makes his female fans swoon. Soon after returning from his film shoot in Sweden, this writer caught up with Aftab. Directed by Vikram Bhatt, the film is a sequel to “1920,” and is expected to go on the floors in May.

Aftab has not received any formal training in acting. Says the actor: “I feel very comfortable in front of the camera. Acting is something no one can teach you. Either you have it in you or you don’t.”

Responding to a question on social media, Aftab said: “I am very much into social media, including Twitter as I use it as a medium to connect with my fans, and this has given me a huge boost. They no longer have to wait to read about me in the newspapers or magazines.”

Not stopping at that, he went on to add: “Some of my fans who wish to pursue acting seek advice from me. It helps me to strengthen the bonds with my fans and it is a barometer for me to ascertain what my fans think about me and my films.”

Aftab says: "the adulation he receivevs from his fans is his greatest award."

He continued: “I don’t discuss any controversial issues on the social media. Moreover, I don’t Tweet about political issues. I stay clear of them. I believe in using social media in a constructive way.”

Hailing from an affluent family, Aftab is an ardent fan of cricket and is considered the most dependable player among the Bollywood celebrities. Asked to comment on some of his upcoming films, Aftab remained tight-lipped in line with the agreement.

Aftab went on to say that he floated his own film production company, and that it has already produced one film under its banner.Brimming with confidence, he said: “I always wanted to have my own production company and I am glad that my plans finally came to fruition.”

Aftab’s illustrious acting career is studded with many awards. Commenting on awards, he said: “To be honest, the adulation I receive from my fans is my greatest award. This is something I cannot express in words, and I very grateful to all my fans.”

Aftab noted that the film “Shukriya” is very close to his heart. Elaborating further, he said: “I thoroughly enjoyed playing my character in that film. I could relate to my character and it had many shades. Honestly, every scene came very spontaneously and that made it a memorable experience.”

Quashing reports that linked him to a certain top actress, Aftab said he was single, and noted that he had no immediate plans to tie the knot as reported in a certain section of the press. “These are rumours and I have no clue from where they originated,” Aftab noted with a trace of disappointment in his voice.

Following in the footsteps of other Bollywood celebrities, Aftab is planning to start a charity project, but remained guarded about the details.On a parting note, Aftab said: “Hard work, dedication and discipline are key ingredients to achieving success. If you focus on these three aspects, then you will go far in life.”