The good looking Aryan Pandit, better known as Samar of Sahara One’s Aakhir Bahu Bhi Toh Beti Hee Hai, is glad that he bagged a lead role after a long struggle, but at the same time believes that he deserved to be there a long time ago. In a freewheeling chat with Tellychakkar.com, Aryan talks about his journey from Indian Idol (he could never make it big in the show) to Aakhir… something he is proud to be associated with. Tell us about yourself from the beginning? “Hmm, I belong to Varanasi where I was born and brought up. At a later stage, I started acting in plays and modeling. In fact I also went on to become the first runner-up of the Mr. Eastern UP contest." “While most families in small towns aren’t too supportive of their kids demanding and dreaming to be an actor, my parents supported and motivated me. In fact that is the reason that helped me move to Mumbai. Here I learnt acting from Roshan Taneja Institute in 2010. Next, I started auditioning and went on to bag a role in Colors’ Na Aana Iss Desh Laado,” Aryan avers. The actor had also bagged a film but that did not happen. “I was to play a lead in a particular film but after 10 or 15 days of formulation the film was shelved. Next I was back to the real world where one needs food and a place to stay. And most importantly, I needed work. And you know what, I was jobless for six months. During this phase I started taking up jobs like modeling for catalogues etc. It’s not like I did not get TV offers during this time but I was looking for a lead role and that’s when Aakhir … happened,” he informs. You must have been ecstatic? “No, I felt I should have got a lead role much before for I love my work too much. I am someone who connects with every actor on the screen. I have cried a lot while watching a film as I related to the emotions brought out by those artistes. I am here to touch hearts and I will,” Aryan maintains. Remind him that Sahara falls last on the TAM charts and he goes on to explain, “I know that Sahara has very few viewers but then I loved the concept. In fact this story was even liked by Star Plus CEO Uday Shankar.” Apart from acting, Aryan can sing too. We caught him singing on the sets. When questioned about it he informs, “I haven’t learnt singing from anyone. It’s just something that I like and I have been a big fan of Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. By listening to his songs I developed my singing talent. In fact, I had also left home to participate in Indian Idol. I knew that I would reach the top 10, but unfortunately got rejected.” Looks like this bundle of talent has a long way to go… keep up the good work Aryan!