There are many instances where people have been refused a role because their physique was not up to the mark. But Ather Habib, better known as Shourya in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai lost out on a plum role because his physique was too good for it. “Yes, this is true,” says Habib.

But what happened and why was he denied a role for his good physique? “Actually, as you all know I was playing the role of a wrestler in Chalti Ka Naam Gadi. For that role I had to build my physique and constantly maintain it. So when I walked in to Rajan Shahi’s office for an audition he immediately noticed me and asked me a few questions. After a short discussion, he wanted me to audition for Naitik’s role in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.”

Naitik being one of the lead roles in the serial, Habib was very happy and went for the look test after a few days. “I was aware that such a good physique was not required for role and thus reduced a bit before going for the audition. Despite that I failed the look test for Naitik and was selected for Shourya’s role,” remembers Habib.

However, the guy from Ludhiana who comes from a family of doctors (both his father and brother are in the medical profession) does not have any regrets whatsoever. “I am very happy with the way my character has shaped up. Rajan Shahi is a master in casting and if he thought me to be suitable for this and not something else, I am sure he has his reasons. I am confident that there is a lot more in store for me in the serial,” says the young guy who was encouraged by his family to become an actor. “My father is a very passionate poet and he was very happy once I got a toehold in this industry.”