The actress made the declaration on social media while sharing a workout video.
city times3 years ago
JAS ARORA WAS a force to reckon with on the Indian modelling circuit when he started out. Sure, he was no Milind Soman, but his chocolate boy looks and trademark smile garnered him an enviable female fan base, especially after he was seen in popular music videos Mera Laung Gawacha and Gur Nal Ishq Mitha (incidentally, also a turning point for his co-star, Bollywood siren Malaika Arora Khan).
But the former model, who briefly dabbled in acting with the 1998 drama Dushman and Hindi television series Pritvhi Raj Chauhan, has been missing in action for a while now. So imagine our surprise when we heard that he’s headed to Dubai this weekend.
“I’ll be there this Friday for an exhibition. I’ve been the brand ambassador for Study by Janak for the last couple of years and the designer is a good friend of mine,” explained Arora over the phone from Delhi as he packed his bags for the trip.
So just what has he been up to these last few years? Well, believe it or not, the last five years have seen him play the lead in Singapore’s highest-rated television series.
“It’s an English sitcom called Achar! It’s a comedy of errors about this Indian guy married to a Chinese girl. It’s quite popular over there. In fact, we won an award at the New York Television Festival in 2009.”
Arora also adds that last year he performed at the President’s Charity Ball in Singapore to raise money for several of the country’s social causes.
“Working there is a great experience. I’m the only Indian actor in Singapore as far as I know. But it’s easy to just blend in with the others. The people are pretty friendly.
“Although, the working culture there is quite different from that in India. There’s a lot of prep work and rehearsals involved. And absolutely nobody carries their scripts to the sets.”
ON THE BOLLYWOOD FRONT
Last seen in a brief role in Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding, Arora notes that it was his part in the hit drama that got the casting directors of Achar! interested in him.
However, since then, the actor is yet to take on a full-fledged role in a Bollywood production.
“Honestly, all the movies I did came to me by sheer chance. I did not actively go out looking for them. And that’s always the attitude I’ve maintained - if I get something interesting and there’s time then, why not?
“I’ve received offers to do roles in Indian television but I’m not really keen because it’s far too taxing. With the show in Singapore we have a seasonal run so I only have to be down there to shoot for two and a half months.”
Before letting Arora get back to his packing, we quiz him on previous visits to the city.
“I’ve been to Dubai a few times, but whenever I come down I’m incognito. I love the city and how it bounces back from everything. I love the food and whenever I’m down there I party hard.”
On Study by Janak:
“The clothes are very creative as well as wearable – they have great styles and cuts. And I’m not just saying this because I’m associated with the brand because I do wear their clothes. The clothes are understated. They’re great people to work with.”
‘I just saw Dabangg’
“I love riding, playing tennis and watching movies. One of my favourites is The Officer and the Gentlemen. I saw Dabangg today and I loved it. I know Salman Khan and I have to say he wasn’t acting – he’s actually like this. Watching the movie was like spending time with him. I absolutely love the guy; he’s great. The role and the movie is tailor made for Sonakshi Sinha. She’s fantastic in it.”
Style file
“I’m a great believer in dressing according to the weather. I’ll be in Dubai in a bit and then in London for a casting call. So there’s going to be two extremes to pack. But I’ve always been sorted on that front – dress according to the city.”
EVENT DETAILS:
What: Diwali Exhibition featuring Study by Janak
When: 11am to 8pm, Friday, September 17 to Saturday, September 18
Where: Fairmont Hotel
Organisers Ajay and Meena Ramchandani will follow the exhibtion with the Diwali Dance Dhamaka on November 4
davina@khaleejtimes.com
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