This Diwali is going to be extra special for Dheeraj Dhoopar who is gearing up to celebrate the festival of lights with his toddler Zayn. Dheeraj and his wife Vinny, welcomed their first child this August. Says Dheeraj, “This Diwali is going to be extremely special for not only me and my wife, but for the entire family. Zayn is only two-and-a-half months old and he has brought so much joy and happiness in our lives. We will have a huge get-together with Vinny's and my parents in our home in Mumbai. We will have lavish celebrations - lots of fun, elaborate dinner, socializing with friends. I would have loved to pick up gifts for my son but my hectic schedule will not allow me time to do this! Fortunately, I have friends and family members who pamper my son a lot. He has been receiving gifts every now and then.”
Dheeraj says fatherhood has made him more sensitive. Currently playing the lead in Sherdil Shergil, he has to shoot with a toddler. Talking about his experience of shooting with a baby, he adds, “It's like an on the job training for me. I am learning how to handle a baby even at work! While Zayn is two-and-half months, the toddler I am shooting with is a year old. After becoming a father in real life, I have become more sensitive and concerned about kids. Now I don’t look at things from the perspective of an actor, but I think from a father’s point of view. I feel the presence of a kid on the sets brings in a lot of positivity.”
Dheeraj recently quit the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 10 due to an injury. “I am accustomed to doing two shows simultaneously. I was able to handle both Jhalak... and Sherdil.., unfortunately, I met with an accident during a rehearsal, and was asked to take complete rest. I was also asked to refrain from dance; I had no choice but to opt out.”
Dheeraj considers himself lucky to have gotten to play interesting roles on TV. He says, "I have always got to play challenging roles, which are rare on Indian TV. Now I want to play a negative role. My role in Naagin 5 had some grey shades, but now I am yearning to play a fully negative role and surprise my fans. They have always showered me with so much love, I am sure they would like me to play a baddie on screen too.”
