Vijayendra Kumeria: I do not want to restrict myself to just family dramas

Vijayendra Kumeria’s might not be a quintessential struggler’s story – he did not have to sleep on railway stations or go without meals. But he did have his own share of hardships; from convincing his parents to let him quit his well-paying civil aviation job to giving several auditions a day and making rounds of production houses in Mumbai, Kumeria had to face it all.
“For the initial two-three years, all I was doing was giving auditions and facing rejection. Nothing was working in my favour. There came a moment when I started doubting my decision of quitting the aviation industry and coming to Mumbai. But then I decided to give myself another one-and-a-half years and gradually things turned in my favour. I have always believed in destiny and I think I was destined to be here," says Vijayendra, who is currently playing the lead in the TV show Naagin 4.
Vijayendra Kumeria
The actor, who hails from Ahmedabad, tells us that the acting bug bit him in the school days, when he was inspired by Amitabh Bachchan. “I used to take part in plays during my school days. I also used to watch a lot of Bollywood movies with my grandmother. That’s when the acting bug bit me. I think I must have seen all the movies of Amitabh Bachchan. He is my inspiration,” he says.
Vijayendra began his television career with Choti Bahu but he did not get much limelight through this show. Then he performed in a few other shows, including Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara and Tumhari Paakhi, before bagging the lead role in Shastri Sisters. It was his role in Udaan, however, that changed the game for him.

“I started with small roles. I am happy that my career graph has always been in an upward direction. Udaan gave my career a boost. Now, I am really excited and happy to be a part of Naagin 4. When I was called for the look test, I was busy shooting for Sufiyana Pyaar Mera and couldn’t go. So I made a selfie video and sent it to the casting team. I didn't have any hope of being signed for the show. To my pleasant surprise, I got a call from the makers within 15 days, confirming me as the lead,” he shares.
When asked whether it was a conscious decision to be a part of a fantasy show, he says, “It wasn't a conscious decision. As an actor, I don’t want to restrict myself to just family dramas. One likes to play as many different roles as possible. This role is something that I haven't done before. It’s also a learning experience for me as such shows are shot differently.”
Talking further about this particular genre of TV shows, he adds, “The remote is in the hands of the audience. If they are choosing to watch these shows, I am no one to comment on whether this genre is good or bad. If one doesn’t like fantasy shows, one shouldn’t watch them. Personally, I am very happy with the character that I am playing. I like watching shows that are entertaining, irrespective of the genre.”