Martial arts and strict diet helped Gera lose 10 kgs

Best known for his roles in shows like Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya and Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, actor Ankit Gera has donned a lean and mean avatar for his new show. Gera was in Lucknow with his co-actors Yukti Kapoor and Simran Kaur.

Talking about his strict fitness regime for the new role, he says, “I believe in doing full justice to any character. Both acting and appearance are very important for this fiction series. I knew I had to rework on my look too. And since then, I have been training for over four months and also ensured a balanced diet along with good sleep, so my body gets what it requires. I hope the audience like me in my new look."

Gera has shed 10 kg in the process for his role. “To look younger on screen was quite a taxing job. I had to undergo a weight loss regime so I decided to do it through martial arts. I always wanted to learn it and I thought it would be the best way to lose weight as well."

The actor will be doing a fiction after a break of almost two years. “I was very much present on TV but Indian fiction shows go on and on for years and so I planned to be associated with something that is substantial. In between, I shot for a movie XXX with Ken Ghosh for Balaji Productions that will hit the screens later this year. I also did a show called 'Maharakshak Devi' but it didn't get that popular. Now, I am again back on TV as an NRI in ‘Agnifera’ that too with two leading ladies which doesn't happen quite often. I am excited for this new journey.”

Gera has also participated in Bigg Boss 9. “I don't think reality shows help much in anyone's career but then that's my personal opinion. Reality TV gives one instant fame but that fades soon. Also, revealing too much about personal lives is not good for anybody. I was inside the Bigg Boss house for a week and I am glad I came out soon. I couldn't have stayed for much longer. After coming out of the House, I got busy with Ken Ghosh's film besides I also travelled a lot.”

Coming back to his new project, that went on-air last week, he says, “Set against the backdrop of Bihar, the show is a quirky family drama of two unconventional brides one being a lawmaker and the other a lawbreaker. I play a helpless groom entangled in this unusual dilemma. The story is loosely based on Bihari tradition called pakadwa vivah,” he laughs.

The actor who was in the city on his third visit says that the food of Lucknow brings him back here.

“I love Lakhnawi food, infact to be specific I love spices of Lucknow more.” When asked to comment on the beef ban issue, he says, “I’m not a beef fan so it doesn’t matter.

I personally love chicken and mutton delicacies of Lucknow. Mutton kebabs are my favourite.”

HT PHOTO Yukti Kapoor, Ankit Gera and Simran Kaur