An actor gaining popularity on the local scene is keen to make it in the Hindi film industry with visions of becoming a superstar.
Most members of the extended Indian community in New Zealand would have watched Rishi Deepak on the big and small screen, appearing in feature film and television reality shows and competitions.
A chance meeting with him at the office of Jasmit Singh Kakar of Wholesale Autos in South Auckland three weeks ago brought to the fore the young man’s dynamism, immense self-confidence, sincerity in his pursuit and most important of all, his friendly and unassuming disposition.
“You may have seen me in a few television programmes and feature films in recent years,” he said, waiting for some signs of recognition. He may have been somewhat disappointed when I failed to connect.
However, it did not take me long to realise that we had published reviews of his films.
Memorable roles
‘Mr Singh wants PR’ brought him to the forefront of the community, and as we had described in our May 15, 2012 issue, his role in the film was memorable.
Dreamz Productions Directors Devesh Singh and Dr Rachel Singh, in addition to creating a niche for their innovative offerings, have also launched the careers of many aspiring thespians, the foremost among who would be Rishi.
Born in a Punjabi family based in Delhi, Rishi graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the Career Institute of Technology and Management, Faridabad near the Indian capital.
His parents and peers thought that young Rishi would pursue a vocation in engineering since the educational course was intense.
Young aspirant
However, even as a student, his proclivities were elsewhere.
“I wanted to be a film actor since I was 11 years old. No one took me seriously; my parents, other members of the family and friends thought that I was joking. However, I was not only serious but also determined to do my best to seek an entry,” he said.
His passion for acting was so strong that his parents had to relent from their rigid stand, but not before they made their son promise that he would consider acting as a career only after he completed his engineering course.
Rishi was not a rebel; he respected his parents, but only wanted them to understand and support his chosen career.
TV opening
With their blessings, he launched his acting career with a small role on Television.
New Zealand, with its sylvan surroundings and pristine environment was a major source of attraction. But little did he know migrating to this country about eight years ago would change his life forever.
It was Rachel and Devesh who gave him the much-needed break with their production, ‘Absolute Bollywood,’ and as Presenter of the ‘Kaun Banega Superstar?’ show.
“I consider myself extremely fortunate to be a part of Dreamz Productions. The Company saw the actor in me and gave me confidence to pursue my career. Dr Rachel and Mr Singh promote me in their feature films,” Rishi said.
Successful films
Among the films that he mentions with pride are ‘Ek Ka Do Aur Dhoka Ek’ (The Dark side of Revenge), ‘Mr Singh Wants PR,’ ‘Highway to Suva,’ ‘Urban Turban,’ and ‘Stars in Her Eyes.’
He is currently working in an untitled Bollywood production.
“Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan inspire me and I not only hope to meet them in India but also aspire to become megastars like them. I believe that determination and perseverance will lead me to success,” he said.
Rishi believes in God and that anything is possible with His Grace and with tireless pursuit.
“I have only one life and hence I would rather sink trying to do something different, than stay afloat like everyone else,” he said.
Rishi Deepak can be reached on 021-652244; Email: actor.rishideepak@gmail.com
