Beyond the spotlight - celebs who are versatile

I knew I was born with lots to express. I knew my soul was inclined towards art. I am known as an actor and anchor, but I have a secret…yes, I am a poet. There are lots like me in the industry who are known to be masters in one form of art but their heart cries out for other forms too. So let me introduce you to three very known and successful professionals in different fields who follow other art forms as well. The first name is Manav Gohil, the very talented actor friend of mine. He has always been one of my favourite actors on TV, and I have been watching him since the time when I did not even join the industry. Just recently on another friend’s suggestion I planned to click some fun pictures with him. And what came out, of course, is in front of you all to judge (check the pics above), but I surely found a photographer whose every frame has a story to tell, a thought to provoke and a message to give. He has a full professional camera set up, and he is a self taught photographer and surely can give lot of professionals in the industry a run for their money. When I asked him how his love for the lens started, he replied, “I am an intriguing actor and my love for lights and the images a camera can capture developed into a hobby of clicking pictures. Once I started then there was no looking back. I tried my hands on portraits, landscapes, wildlife et al. Now I am inseparable from my camera, be it a party, shaadi, my holiday or while clicking a friend’s portfolio. I wonder what I would do without my camera.” Manav, I must say you are doing a great job. Moving on, let me bring into light the very talented writer, poet, lyricist who is primarily known for being a producer, Vipul D Shah of Optimystix. The production house has put the genre of stand-up comedy to a new pedestal altogether. Now, Mr Vipul Shah, the man who is the centre of jokes of many on Comedy Circus, is a mine of talent. He is not only a master in creating hit shows, earning TRPs and making money but also has a heart which sings poetry and can create lines which can tickle your funny bone. He has written around 200 episodes of cult TV shows like, Dekh Bhai Dekh, Philips Top Ten etc and has also penned the original screenplay and dialogues of the Tamil film -Minnale- which was remade in Hindi as Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein. And how can I not mention the song he has written, which I can never stop singing and loving….Zara zara bahekta hai from the movie. “I might be sold to producing but my soul belongs to writing. I started at when I was in 4th class and this will remain with me till I die,” shared Vipul. Finally, let’s talk about Terrence Lewis. His passion for dance is known to the world from the dance show he judges and I host- Dance India Dance. Sometimes, there is so much to express that even one art form is not enough. Terrence loves to sing too. In fact, he sang a song from the movie Rockstar during the finale of DID 3. “At the age of five, I had participated in singing competition which earned me a scholarship to train in Hindustani classical from Fr Charles Vaz. Then later I trained with Ms Heather Dsuoza in western classical. I have participated in countless singing contests in school and college. I dance but secretly I wish I could sing and dance like a rockstar,” smiled Terence. Well, these were the three very close friends of mine who are superbly talented and versatile. They are inspiring and enlightening. I wish them all the very best for a bright future.