Performing on stage is very different: Hussain Kuwajerwala

In a free-wheeling interview with CS, Hussain opens up about life, work and taking time off.

Family matters
Actually, I lost my father when I was very young. I am the youngest amongst my three siblings. My elder brother who is a director of TV shows has been like a father figure to me. He has been my guide and mentor throughout my life.

Finding focus
As a college student, I was pretty chilled out and laidback with no concrete plans for my future. However, my brother pushed me into taking life more seriously. I started going for auditions and got my first break in the TV show Aashirwad. Then, I got hooked onto acting, I started doing the right kind of work, met the right people and worked on discovering my acting skills.

Telly favourite
Till date, my best stint on TV has to be Krishna Arjun. I played the role of a detective solving a variety of cases across Mumbai. As a child, I always loved such characters. The stunts and action sequences made the show a truly challenging one.

The ‘live' act
Performing on stage is very different from acting in films or TV. I took on this opportunity because it was a totally new thing for me. I am glad for the support I got from theatre artistes. Being a part of such a huge musical also involves physical training, which is no less than military training. After a day's performance, we get so tired that we can sleep literally anywhere. Stage is a huge platform as it allows you to explore, expand and think laterally.

Learning curve
As an actor, I have become more disciplined. Performing live gives you a chance to improvise in every show. It also gives you the confidence to face so many people and give your best in a single take. I still feel I have long way to go. In Las Vegas, I had seen a few musical shows and wondered if something similar could be done in India. Then, suddenly Zangoora happened and people liked it. I want people from all over the world to see it.

Travel diaries
Life is not busy as it used to be earlier, as I am doing the musical only on the weekends. My wife Tina and I take three to four holidays in a year. We often go to Europe and Australia. Some time back, I completed my scuba-diving training in Phuket. I am a certified diver now! I am a nature lover, and New Zealand is one of my favourite places. I love the hills, beaches and the small scenic villages that dot the countryside.