Dhadkan Zindaggi Kii actor Vidyut Xavier reveals that even though his father is a known cinematographer, he had to struggle!

#VidyutXavier as #DrAbhaySathe in #NilanjanaPurkayasstha and #HerumbKhot’s #DhadkanZindaggiKii has been garnering appreciation. Not many know much about his background and journey. Born and raised in Mumbai, his father, Thomas Xavier, is a cinematographer who has done over 70 films including Khiladi, Baazigar, Phool Aur Kaante, Yes Boss, Badshah, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, among others. His mother, the late Swati Xavier, is a homemaker.

Revealing more about his growing up years, he adds, “I did my schooling from Utpal Shanghvi School, Did my FYJC & SYJC from Mithibai College of Commerce, and then did my Bachelors in Mass Media from UPG college. I was good in sports, and wanted to be a professional cricketer. I used to go to Shivaji Park everyday during my school to take coaching from Late Sri Ramakant Archerekar sir (he also coached Sachin Tendulkar). I even went to South Africa to play cricket. But after I came back, I went to Jaipur where my dad was shooting for Tumko Na Bhool Payenge. After meeting Salman [Khan] sir and watching him perform I realised that I want to become an actor. I was 13 years old then, so I went and told my mom about my dream,” he says.

Vidyut shares that he didn’t want to be a cinematographer. He was never interested in it. “I wanted to be in front of the camera and one of the biggest reasons being how much I love entertaining people, I want to make them laugh, and cry with my performances,” he adds.

The actor had his share of struggles even though his father, Thomas Xavier was a famous DOP. He started working when he was 16, worked backstage for Ansh Theatre group for a few plays, served tea, mopped floors, polished shoes etc during that time.

“But it was worth it. I learnt so much there during that period. Immediately after that I started working as a background dancer in films and assisted famous choreographer Rekha Prakash for two years. I was an assistant director in Dabangg and Dabangg 2, grateful to Salman Sir for giving me that opportunity. I also acted in Dabangg. I wanted to learn everything behind the camera before I stepped in front of it. After Dabangg I went for several auditions till I bagged teenage Karna in Mahabharat. Thought things would get easier after this but it wasn’t. Even a cameo in 24 season 2 didn’t help. I was also asked to compromise by a few casting directors, which I declined. So it was very difficult but I never quit and did ads, music videos, became an event photographer to earn money. Every rejection in my life has only made me stronger. Finally now when I am doing Dhadkan, I couldn’t believe that I had got this part, I literally wept when I heard the news. I have worked hard every day for 16 years to be here today, and I feel grateful,” he sounds emotional.

A lot of people feel Vidyut resembles actor Anuj Saxena of Kusum fame, many also find a similarity with Yaariyan actor Himansh Kohli.

“To be honest I don’t know how to react to all these. Not only them, I have been told that I also look like Abhishek Bachchan, Vatsal Seth, Arjit Singh etc. Obviously it makes me happy because they are successful people who have done so well for themselves. But I am here to make my mark in the industry, make my name and I hope one day people will tell others that they resemble Vidyut Xavier,” he ends.