Born and brought up in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh, 31-year-old Mayank Parakh has proved his mettle in Telugu Film Industry. As Mayank’s first Telugu movie ‘Wild Dog’ in a lead role, alongside superstar Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao, is releasing on April 2, The Hitavada caught up with Mayank who accidentally became an actor. It is worthwhile to mention, the trailer of the movie has already hit over 10 million views. Excerpts:

 A. I am playing the role of an Agent (NIA Commander) alongside famous South Indian actor Akkineni Nagarjuna Rao. The action thriller film is going to be released on April 2.

 A. I belong to a business family in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh. My father Ashok Parakh is a businessman and mother Hemlata is a housewife. I completed my primary education in Royal Kids Convent, Rajnandgaon, followed by high school education in KPS Bhilai. I then completed Civil Engineering from NIT Raipur, followed by a Master’s degree from BITS Goa and then worked at L&T. I was the chief engineer for Hyderabad Metro Rail project.

 

 A. I used to do mimicry of my family members in my childhood and even in grown up days, but have never done mimicry of any film actor. I was associated with the Band of NIT Raipur called ‘Sunya’ and used to play keyboard. I was highly motivated by a drama ‘Kishan vs Kanhaiya’ staged at BITS Goa during my Masters. Noted bollywood actor Paresh Rawal was in lead role in this drama. This was the turning point of my career. I started thinking that I am not made for engineering work. Then I joined acting course for two-three months and started doing theatres.

 

 A. I have been the part of 12 dramas staged 150 times across different parts of the country including a drama titled ‘Court Marshal’ staged in Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh.

 

 A. Two years back, I had a very short role (about 5-7 minutes) in a Telugu movie titled ‘Goodachari’ (dubbed in Hindi as ‘Intelligent Khiladi’) and my character was appreciated by all. After it I moved to Mumbai to try my luck in Bollywood. I got opportunity to play the character of a hotel warden ‘Bala’ in the Web Series ‘Lakhon Me EK’ which is now streaming on Amazon prime. In the meantime, I got a call from Hyderabad for ‘Wild Dog’. However, I had to give auditions for times for this movie. I was asked to reduce my weight by 10 kg as I was 93 kg during the audition. I worked out and managed to reduce my weight as the role demanded it.

 

 A. I have two offers in my hands right now. A Telugu Web Series produced by Hotstar and a movie. However, I cannot disclose other details of these projects. One of the renowned South directors is interested in making a movie on background of Chhattisgarh involving me. I have also assured him of all possible support.

 

 A. I am big fan of actors Pankaj Tripathi, Manoj Bajpayee and late Irfan Khan. I would be fortunate if I get an opportunity to work with these actors.

 

 A. I feel proud to say I belong to Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh when someone asks me. A handful of people know about rich culture and tourism of Chhattisgarh. I would be happy to be a part of Chhattisgarh’s development.

 

A. Refrain from social media as far as possible and don’t get carried away by the information shared on social media. Education is must as it helps you think positive. Education helps you in every field.