The talent, popularity and looks may be the same but serial actors still find it difficult to make the transition from serials to films due to various stigmas like over exposure or the general misconception that serial actors do not have what it takes to make the cut. Notwithstanding these impediments, many actors have successfully made the transition from serials to films. Vivek Gopan had acted in a couple of films before being cast for the role of Sooraj in the serial Parasparam.
Not even in his wildest dreams did he imagine the popularity of the serial and the medium. His stock rose and his role as the ideal husband and son made him the blue-eyed boy of many a mother and girl. Though Vivek is very happy with the popularity his character has garnered, his ultimate destination is the big screen of the marquee.
After a brief lull caused due to his very busy mini screen schedule and CCL appearances, Vivek will once again be seen on the big screen in films Shyam and Karinkunnam Sixes.
While Vivek is doing a prominent role in his serial, his role in Shyam is not a title one. Vivek says, “I play the role of the hero Rahul Madhav’s friend. In Karinkunnam Sixes I play a volleyball player. I took up these characters because I felt the roles were good. Though I had been getting offers from films, I was devoting my time to Parasparam so I did not follow up on those offers. But I want to concentrate on films now, especially Hindi films or serials since I am fluent in the language. I did try my luck in Mumbai to act in Hindi serials there, but I realised that you have to stay there and try out for roles or attend auditions which I could not do at the time I tried.” Like any other actor the allure of the big screen is what captivates him and he candidly states “Though the serial has made me what I am today, I want to do films which is why I concentrated on only one serial. I don’t have any lofty dreams of doing only central or hero roles in films but rather want to be a part of a good film even if it is just one scene. I can return to serials at any point of time in any role, but in films there is a shelf life and the increased competition and lack of opportunities make the going tough” Vivek adds that he has never faced the stigma of being branded as a serial actor.
Vivek’s popularity is thanks to his role of the ideal husband, so is he the perfect husband in real life? He smiles, “I believe my wife is the lamp of my home and I give her importance and do make allowances and compromises.”
