Shivin Narang: Mumbai embraced me with open arms the moment I set foot in the city

In today’s times, when social media plays a huge role in the lives of celebrities, actor Shivin Narang thinks differently; for him, it continues to be a space that is very personal. Clearly, he doesn’t subscribe to the herd mentality and would rather set his own rules. In a candid chat with Bombay Times, Shivin, who made his television debut with the youth-based show, 'Suvreen Guggal — Topper Of The Year', and became a household name later with 'Ek Veer Ki Ardaas — Veera', talks about Mumbai embracing him with open arms on his very first day here, his career choices and how life changed overnight when his father was put on ventilator two years ago.Excerpts...
Hundreds of people come to Mumbai every day to pursue their acting dream. It’s a tough journey for most, but you say that you’ve been quite fortunate. So, how did it all begin for you?
Acting was never really on my mind. I was more into sports — I was a national-level shooter. When some of my friends got their portfolios made, I did so, too. I then posted my pictures on Facebook and soon got some modelling offers. I was in the last year of college and had started making good pocket money. But I felt that I wanted to do something different and if it was television, I was clear that I wanted to be part of a youth-based show. So, when I got a call from the makers of 'Suvreen Guggal — Topper Of The Year', I decided to give it a shot. I still remember that day around seven years ago, when I set foot in Mumbai for the first time... that very day, I bagged my debut role. It was almost like Mumbai accepted me with open arms.
Your second show 'Veera...' helped you gain a foothold in the industry. But it was a very different story, set in a village. Did you have any apprehensions while taking up the role?
I wasn’t sure initially, but I took it up because it was a real challenge. The character was nothing like me, so I wouldn’t be playing myself on screen, and would indeed have to act. I changed my look, personality and even worked on my diction for the show. It was a journey from step one to step two, where the focus was totally on my craft.
Talking about your last show, 'Internet Wala Love', it did not click as much and ended in seven months. What do you think went wrong there? Also, there were rumours of tension between you and your co-actor Tunisha Sharma. Do you think that, too, impacted the show?
It was a very different kind of show, very progressive, and when they narrated it to me, they had told me it was a six-month show. I was playing an RJ and enjoyed my part. As far as the issues between Tunisha and me are concerned, I don’t think that was a big deal. Even in an office environment, people can have differences. There was no fight actually, just some differences that cropped up between us at some point. I hold no grudges and we are on cordial terms now.
What do you have to say about the rigorous shooting schedules, which tend to take a toll on daily soap actors?
Given television’s hectic schedules and deadline pressures, things can get out of control at times. There’s a lot of travel each day because the sets are really far. So yes, it does affect your personal life and health, too, can get affected. But then, I see it this way... I’m here because I want to be. Nobody forced me to do this. It is my dream and I can’t complain. This is how this industry works. You want to do it, do it. If you don’t want to, don’t be a part of it.
After a show ends, there’s always a waiting period for an actor that can sometimes stretch for long. How do you cope with that?
Within a few days of your show getting over, you start getting restless. And if that waiting period extends, it’s natural for anyone to feel low. So, I use that time productively and work on myself by learning new things and honing my craft. If I want to break stereotypes, I have to upgrade myself.
On the personal front, you went through a difficult phase two years ago when your father was hospitalised...
That was in 2017, when I was in Indonesia, shooting for a show. I was informed that my father was put on a ventilator because of kidney failure. So, I opted out of the show and returned home to Delhi. Till then, my parents had taken care of everything; I didn’t even know how to go to a bank. Those eight-nine months were tough. I suddenly felt like I had grown up. Then, the kidney transplant happened (Shivin’s mother donated one of her kidneys to his father), and he started recovering. That period helped me evolve as a person, and I understood the real meaning of empathy. After I returned to Mumbai, I took up 'Internet Wala Love', where my role required me to portray a range of emotions. I feel that my personal experiences also helped me grow as an actor.
Talking about personal life, are you in a relationship? You have often been linked to actress Smriti Kalra (his co-actor in 'Suvreen Guggal — Topper Of The Year')...
I am linked to all my co-actors and now, I am bored of the rumours. Smriti and I are the best of friends. I meet a lot of people and even go out on dates, but I’m not in a relationship. I am a private person and don’t flaunt my friendships. I barely post on social media, too. I like it that way; I’d rather focus more on my work. Maybe I’m a little moody (laughs!). For me, everything is not virtual, there are some real relationships as well. My social media account is my personal space. I don’t look at it as a PR tool, or from a business point of view, at least not yet.
What about marriage? Is there pressure from the family?
People ask me, ‘Shaadi kab kar rahe ho?’, but I believe that when it comes to a relationship, you need to invest time. You have to make another person more important than yourself. Right now, I’m just busy with myself and my work.