Dubai boy’s movie dreams come true

It’s not everyday that you hear of a Dubai talent making it big in Bollywood. But Navdip Singh’s rise to stardom should surely inspire youngsters in the city. The debutant actor said his new movie Khwaabb (dream) which has hit UAE theatres this week is literally a dream come true.

The former GEMS Modern Academy and Cambridge School student who has dreamed of being an actor since his school days, is proud of the fact that his debut Bollywood movie premiered in Dubai.

The Delhi born actor who grew up in Dubai before moving to Mumbai to pursue his dreams said Dubai is as much home to him as India and this is also reflected in the movie, parts of which have been shot here.

Navdip plays a 400 metre runner in the film directed by Zaid Ali Khan – son of Commonwealth gold medallist shooter and the movie’s producer, Moraad Ali Khan. The movie also marks the debut of Simer Motiani who plays a swimmer and Navdip’s love interest.

We caught up with Singh on the eve of his movie’s release to know more about his Bollywood dream and his memories of Dubai. Excerpts from an interview:

Q: Tell us about your journey from Dubai to Bollywood. I heard you were once a Indian national tennis champion?

I was born in Delhi and did my schooling in Dubai. I studied initially in Dubai’s Modern High School and completed education at the Cambridge International School. We went to Mumbai, due to my father’s work commitments, where I was initially into tennis. In fact I was the under-18 national champion of India in 2004 and also represented the country in Wimbledon, French Open, Davis Cup and the Canadian Open at the junior level. Then the acting bug bit me hard and Bollywood happened.

Q: Do you miss Dubai?

Yes very much. I want to say a big shukran to Dubai. My heart is here and in India. How can I ever forget the country I grew up in? I have sweet memories of the place and is special for me because I spent a good part of my childhood in this fabulous country.

Q: Given the fact that you showed so much promise in tennis, what made you trade your racquet for the camera?

It’s not like that. I was always interested in acting right from my school days, I never missed a chance to take part in dramas. I played Scar in the “Lion King” stage production while I was in school here. After school, I decided to pursue my passion for acting and took the plunge fully by joining the renowned Barry John School of acting in Mumbai. However, I still love tennis. I follow the game keenly and play whenever I get the time. Tennis will never leave me.

Q: How did Khwaabb come about?

After finishing my acting course, I approached production houses and got a call from the makers of Khwaabb. I think my sporting background helped me clinch the role.

Q: Does the movie have a Dubai connect?

Yes it does. You will see a lot of Dubai in the movie. Several scenes in the movie have been shot near Dubai’s iconic landmarks. Some scenes were also shot at the swimming pool where the Fina/Arena Swimming World Cup took place.

Q: Was it grueling to get in shape to play an athlete?

Yes it was. For one, I had to get in shape like a sprinter, which meant reducing my weight. I had to train like a sprinter and it included cardio and weights. I trained three hours a day for three months and followed a strict balanced diet. I wanted to reach the fitness levels of a sprinter and my aim was to do a 400 metre dash in about 50 sec.

Q: Was Khwaabb inspired by Bhaag Milka Bhaag?

No it wasn’t. In fact Khwaabb was shot much before Bhaag Milka. It is being released now after some unforeseen delays.

Q: Does Khwaabb make a comment of the sporting scene in India?

A bit. It is about how talent in the country gets wasted or destroyed by corrupt or power hungry sports. The film deals with the difficulties talented but poor sports people in India face.

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Q: Any more movies you’re working on?

Yes I have a couple of offers on the table and am reading the scripts. Hopefully, these movies will go on the floors soon.

Q: have you been inspired by any Bollywood actors?

Amitabh Bachchan is my all-time favourtie and I also look up to Salman Khan. I have been a huge fan of Mr Bachchan for as long as I can remember. Salman has seen my work and has appreciated it.