Actor Manish Goel, known for his work in popular daily soaps like ‘Bhabhi’, ‘Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii’, ‘Saara Akaash’ and ‘Astitva… Ek Prem Kahani’, and who was recently seen in Rupali Ganguly-starrer ‘Anupamaa’, has opened up about his lesser-known struggle days in the industry.
In an exclusive conversation with us, the actor revealed that he started his career as a spot boy in 1992-93 after running away from Delhi.
Speaking about the same, Manish said, “One thing people don’t know about me is that I started off as a spot boy in 1992-93. I had run away from Delhi, and it was an amazing experience. For four months, I was working in and around the editing room. It was a four-month journey.”
Recalling an emotional incident, the actor shared how he once used to serve nimbu pani (a traditional, refreshing Indian lemonade) to actress Urvashi Dholakia and later ended up starring opposite her.
“The most important part is, Urvashi came from her college then, and being from Delhi, I used to make an amazing nimbu pani for her, and she used to love it. She starred opposite me in 1998 or 99. While talking to me, she realised she had met me somewhere. Then I reminded her, and she gave me a tight hug and said, ‘You are the same guy who used to serve me nimbu pani.’ I said yes. It was a very beautiful and emotional moment for me, starring opposite someone whom I once used to take care of,” he said.
He also recalled another touching moment with veteran actress Farida Jalal. “The second incident is with Farida ji. I used to follow her from the set to the makeup room. Once we had gone for a dinner with other artists, I took a washroom break. When I came out, I saw Farida ji and she just hugged me and started crying. I didn’t understand what happened. Then she gave me so many blessings and said, ‘Manish, I am surprised you are the same guy.’ That was also a very emotional moment for me. No one knows about these incidents,” he added.
On the professional front, Manish has also been a part of several reality shows including ‘Nach Baliye 1’, ‘Zara Nachke Dikha’, ‘Welcome – Baazi Mehmaan Nawazi Ki’, which he won in 2013, and he hosted ‘Mahayatra – Rishton Ka Anokha Safar’.
