A trip that changed Nikhil Dwivedi's life

On a trip to Ajmer Sharif, a fakir told Nikhil Dwivedi that he would become a big celebrity

Nikhil Dwivedi's first release, My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves; directed by E Niwas releases next month. But long before he even decided to act, this former Videocon executive was in Ajmer Sharif, when a fakir told him that he was going to become a famous personality.

Complete coincidence

Says a source close to Nihkil, "The trip to Ajmer Shariff was coincidental. Nikhil was working in Videocon and Shah Rukh was the brand ambassador. He needed to brainstorm with King Khan, who was pressed for time. SRK was leaving for Ajmer Sharif to pray for his secretary Anwar who was unwell (now deceased). The actor asked Nikhil to come along on the trip."

They reached the dargah but got separated in the crowds. When Nikhil spotted SRK at a distance, he started running towards him. Suddenly a fakir came up to Nikhil and asked, 'Why are you running after people? Some day you are going to be a big man a star and you will have people running after you.' When Nikhil recited the incident to SRK, he simply smiled."

Predictions

Nikhil admits that the incident did take place but smiles, "But I am still a long way to becoming what the fakir had predicted." However he is all praise for SRK, "Shah Rukh is very guarded in his compliments but if he's fond of someone he will do everything to help him. He doesn't want to spoil you as it's a tough world out there and he's himself had to work hard."

The debutant star is all praises for SRK's production house, "Red Chillies, are the line producers of MNIAG and they've helped us a lot with their expertise. SRK's office staff has worked overtime for us. And yet they didn't charge us any money."

According to Nikhil, Shah Rukh has helped them put the film together, "Nobody wanted to produce a film with a new boy and limited budget. E Niwas had just shot for Red Chillies. He did a test shoot with his own money and gave the DVD to Shah Rukh. His office felt the project was worthy enough and said yes to us. The film wouldn't have got the shape it did if it wasn't for Shah Rukh, Red Chillies, the entire team and office staff."

From bar to star

In the film Nikhil plays a bartender who strives to become a big star. It's similar to his own life except "I was never so poor as I am in the film," says Nikhil. "I had this dream that will get a break and make it big in Hindi films. Today there's a lot of anxiety about the outcome. Stardom doesn't come easy."