Growing in leaps and bounds

At his age, most people would be dreaming of flying and touching the stars. And though his dream of being a school champ has not been realised just yet, the young star of television in India, Adil Badshah, is playing just that in his new serial Ghost Bana Dost on Star One.
As the name of the serial suggests, Adil plays Daboo, a rich orphan living in the care of his evil uncle, aunt and their two children. He finds a friend in Ni Ke, a ghost, who helps Daboo become a superstar. Daboo is the only person who can see Ni Ke and they have a blast together.
“I have acted in 371 advertisements already and have also been part of the film, Wah! Life ho to Aisi, so I had no problems as such shooting for Ghost Bana Dost,” says Adil in a matter-of-fact way. “Everyone was very co-operative and it was a lot of fun.”
Adil has performed a lot of stunts for the serial. Ask him how he managed to do that and he says, “It’s magic, you know. When I went on the sets I had magic power to fly.”
“I was never scolded by anyone, especially Milind Soman was very calm. He would never be frustrated or angry if I made a mistake, he would tell me how to do a better job,” he says sounding like a true professional.
He lets down his practiced professional façade only when faced with a question of his studies. “That’s only for Saturdays and Sundays,” he says, sounding his disinterest.
“When I grow up I wan to be more like Hrithik Roshan. You see, he can fly very well and he can also dance, so I really like him,” he says. So what would he want to be an actor or a dancer? “Both the things. Actually, once you grow up and become an actor then the directors come to you to ask what you would want to do. So, I first want to become an actor.”
So do we, Mr Badshaah.

Published in Hindustan Times Next on December 19, 2006