Completely transformed myself for ‘Ghulaam’: Vikkas Manaktala

New Delhi, Jan 13 (IANS) Actor Vikkas Manaktala, who will next be seen playing Veer -- an antagonist -- in the upcoming TV show "Ghulaam", says he has completely transformed himself for the role.

"I have completely transformed myself for this role. I have grown my hair and beard. I have also gained seven kg muscle mass. I have trained with the coaches of Olympic wrestlers as I do wrestling in the show. I have also learnt horse riding and polished my Haryanvi dialect," Vikkas told IANS during his visit to the capital on Friday to promote "Ghulaam".

Vikkas found fame through his role of Amardeep Huda in the 2006 TV show "Left Right Left". After that, he was seen in "Main Naa Bhoolungi".

"'Left Right Left' did really good to me and my character Amardeep Huda was widely appreciated. I learnt a lot as an actor through that role. I signed that show because I thought I was good looking. But then while doing that show, I realised that acting is my passion," Vikkas said.

"After that show, I was doing one-two films, which took two to two-and-half years. Unfortunately, those projects couldn't see the light of the day. Later, I realised that it is important for me to act. So, I took up 'Main Naa Bhoolungi'. And now, I am happy being part of 'Ghulaam'," he added.

This will be the first time that Vikkas will be seen portraying a negative character.

"It's not about playing a protagonist or an antagonist. For me, playing a character is more important. I like getting involved in all my characters. I joined showbiz for that only. That's why I don't do reality shows," he said.

"Ghulaam", which will be aired on Life OK from January 16, will showcase the darker side of Berahampur, where tyranny is the only mercy.

The show will also feature Param Singh.