Vikas Bhalla returns to singing

Mumbai, Sep 19 (IANS) A trained classical singer, Vikas Bhalla, who was last seen in "Marigold", strayed into acting by chance. Now the actor has returned to his first love, singing in an album entitled "Mehak Teri".

"The opportunity to do 'Mehak Teri' just fell into my lap. When a new music label Franfinn offered me the chance to do another album, I jumped at it. Fortunately I'm being noticed in the music videos and some acting offers are again coming my way," Vikas told IANS.

"My first album 'Dhuan' came 10 years ago. Why the long break? The music industry was going through a major slump. There was no scope for any non-film albums to make a dent. Things are still bad. Music gets heard through downloads and ring tones but doesn't get sold," he added.

Talking about his acting stint, he said: "All I ever wanted to do was sing. But then I got the chance to play the lead in 'Sauda' and I kind of strayed into acting."

However, Vikas' acting stint hasn't exactly been a grand success. Seen sporadically on screen, Vikas played the vain and cocky Bollywood superstar in Willard Carroll's recently released "Marigold".

"Though it was a small role, I loved the lines that my character had to speak. I was falling off the chair when the director was narrating my scenes to me."

Except for "Marigold" and "Pyar Mein Twist", in which he played Rishi Kapoor's son, Vikas has been missing from the large screen.

He did move into television to do the successful "Shanno Ki Shaadi" co-starring Divya Dutta, another Bollywod hopeful like Vikas waiting for meaty opportunities.

"Maybe I didn't push hard enough. Maybe bigger opportunities weren't meant for me. I never used any contacts to further my career," said Vikas, who is married to popular character-actor Prem Chopra's daughter.

He's reluctant to talk about his family life besides admitting that he is happily married.

"It feels good to have someone to return home to every evening. A family keeps you grounded and out of harm's reach, regardless of failure or success."

Tell him that only Himesh Reshammiya sells in the pop music market, and Vikas shoots back: "Well, I did wear a cap while recording the songs. So, I'm half-way there."

Click the Movie button below for more info:
Marigold