1997 Gladrags Supermodel, Aseem Merchant is a black-belt and a rising Bollywood actor worked in London, US and Mumbai...AKA Bollywood!!
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Tell us your career development as a model/actor:
I`ve modeled for significant AD campaigns like Mufatlals, Gwalior Suitings, S. Kumar`s Suitings, Canada Dry, Brylcream amongst others. Besides, I`ve also walked the ramp for critically acclaimed designers including Shahab Durazi, Hemant Trivedi, Wendell Rodrigues, Shamia N.C., Fila, Provougue, Versace, D&G and more.
I got my actor training from "Kishore Namit Kapoor" and won the black-belt in martial arts, besides getting skilled at horse riding and "action".
My first feature film BULLET (2005) was shot entirely in Bulgaria with an international action team, the first Indian film to release in Pakistan after the partition. Besides, the film was first to release in other virgin territories like Bulgaria, Afghanistan and Morocco as a first in Bollywood.
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Another Hindi feature titled "Kathputli" produced by Sahara One directed by Sanjay Khanna, starring Milind Soman, Ashmit Patel and Yukta Mookhey is under post-production as well.
Tell us the stereotypical confrontation you faced in your career as a model/actor:
Not being from a film background the struggle to establish my identity was tough, choosing the right film, and direction and trying to establish my credibility as a serious actor was probably the toughest task I faced.
Share some serious trade-offs that comes on the way while pursuing career in this industry:
The insecurity of financial stability and the need of critical attention were probably the two things that made the struggle tougher. But an undivided form on my dreams and immense hand worth has leaded me to create a foothold in the world of cinema.
Share some of the industry insights about work ethics, model/actor treatment, casting methods and payment system in Bollywood:
The law of the jungle applies to Bollywood, and everyone salutes success, the first break is the toughest and fill your successful and established an actor has to have immense patience and faith to be able to more forward.
Tell us about your inspiration to become a model/actor:
As a child I grew up on a staple diet of Bollywood films and worshipped Amitabh Bachan. The world of cinema and films was not just relegated to the cinema hall but I was hung over long after watching the film to an extent of even dreaming act night about it. This feeling lasted weeks after watching the film and I felt that every film I watched went into my blood and that`s the diet I grew up on, with a dream to be in Bollywood one day.
Tell us about your first break as a model/actor:
I was 19 and walked into a friends Advertising Agency and the Casting Directors offered me and advertisement right there. I didn`t even have a portfolio but they sorted everything out and the rest is destiny.
Tell us about any international assignments that you are involved with this year:
I`m presently completing an English film "The Guest" by Anguese Caffry co starring LUX model Debhi Flett produced by Sery Ali in Scotland and England and have signed an interesting film "Buzkashi" directed by Irfan Khaan to be shot entirely in Afghanistan.
What is your take on the recent Indian film industry imitating western films frame by frame?
The western influence dominating India is not just restricted to films but carries on to fashion trends, architecture etc. I think it`s a harmless process of getting inspiration from western cultures as long as it`s not an obsession and we don`t loose our identity.
Is plagiarism a breach of copyrights?
Yes, of course, without a question. I feel very strongly because creativity and imagination should be original. It is okay to a certain extent to be inspired by someone`s work or their thoughts, but duplicating an entire story or film is ridiculous.
What are your thoughts on the piracy policy in Indian film industry?
The Indian film industry is very weak on piracy. A couple of big players in Bollywood have benefited from piracy and made their bucks on that, and because of the corruption, it is hard to change this.
What motivates you to be a model/actor?
The challenge of creating a character and breathing life into it is the biggest satisfaction for me as an actor.
Do "controversial" subjects in the entertainment industry gain visibility quicker?
Yes anything controversial always grabs attention whether its films, people or topics and if used wisely I think it`s a great marketing. At the end, the soul of a good film always is a great script.
Can we expect "controversy" from you in the future? If yes, what subjects concerns you?
You never know I go with the flow but I`ve nursed this secret desire to play Hitler and I think he was the most controversial figure of his time.
What is your advice to John Abraham?
John is a dear friend and has handled his career very well. My only advice to him would be that it`s very easy to get carried away in Bollywood and it`s very important to keep your feet on the ground. I wish him the very best.
If you met George Bush and Monika Lewinsky together on an island, what would come to your mind first?
AFTER IRAQ here!... God this guy is everywhere...
Tell us about your love life. Are you seeing anyone? Do you have any children?
My first love is my beautiful daughter Sasha, and I am having a lifetime affair with my work which is my passion
Lastly, please give any message for aspiring models/actors
My only message to Models or Actors would be just an inspirational quote my mother gave me... "Life`s battles don`t always go to the faster or stronger one, but in the end the one who wins is the one who thinks he can"...
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