"Passion and speed drive me" - Rio Kapadia

A father figure to quite a few actors on screen - Rio Kapadia's close cropped hair and hefty voice on Sony's Ek Ladki Anjaani Si make his presence memorable. Five times globe trotter, sketch artist, an artifact collector, story and script writer… Rio is not only a jack of all trades, he masters them too. He is certainly a person who has no dearth of creativity in him. In a free-wheeling conversation with the man himself at his aesthetically done Versova apartment, Sameera Kapoor explores his creative bent. Prior to acting… Years ago, I was associated with a college theatre group and have also worked in a travel agency. But exhaustion and boredom set in and I felt it was time to change tracks. I got my portfolio done and circulated it in various production houses. My maiden commercial was with the late Mukul Anand for NewPort jeans and from there on offers for serials started pouring in. Besides acting... I sketch, collect artefacts from all the corners of the world and pen scripts. I also play a piano, tabla, mouth organ and an electric Hawaiian guitar. I am being coached to play the tabla while I play the rest instruments by observing others. Fancy for artefacts… I have globe trotted five times by now, and memories of that place are best packaged in the form of an artefact. They speak volumes about a country's culture. Not to forget, they add to the aesthetic appeal of my pad! There are quite a few things that I cherish; the flintlock pistol from Italy, khokree - a knife from Nepal, beaumett - a knife from America, machete -a weapon for cutting vegetation, fly swatter made out of African camel's hair, spears from Messiah tribes, authentic ceramics from China, bagpiper from Spain…. and lots more. Memorable sketch... I recollect this particular incident when I had sketched a portrait of Mr.Amitabh Bachan. He applauded my deed and infact, sent me an appreciation note mentioning how much he loved my work. Craze for car rallies ... It's passion combined with speed that lured me to this sport. The thrill that this sport gives cannot be put in words. Imagine, sitting in a crammed car, driving like crazy, competeing to win; I mean its so pulsating! One wrong move or a faulty judgment is enough to crack your skull. But the honour in winning the trophy is worth it! Me and my partner (Perizaad Zorabian's brother) won the second place in a rally held at Coimbatore in 2000. But we couldn't pursue the sport further. In India, its only about cricket; other sports are sidelined. No encouragement, no sponsors. We had to let go. Productions abroad...… I have enacted the role of an Egyptian ruler, Naseer, in a Chinese film Bandung Sonata. 'Systematic' is how I can describe the functioning of the production houses overseas. Everyone is so meticulously organised and punctual. The experience has left a good impression on me. Negative roles... I prefer taking up roles with negative shades. There's much variety, scope and challenge associated with them. Memories of goody characters fade away with time but a villain's character makes a lasting impression. Advice to freshers... Here, all that shines is not gold! Youngsters think that television is one of the easiest medium and they can become stars overnight. What they forget is that the whole industry thrives on competition and hard work. Thus, they end up being miserable and dejected. So it would be wise on their part to think twice before venturing in this territory.