Laksh Lalwani: “‘Porus’ will break all norms”

Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s ‘Porus’ created waves when the first promo hit the tube, and the audience can’t wait for the show to start. The historical drama show, which aims to depict the story of Greek conqueror Alexander and Indian defender Porus, will make the TV fraternity sit up and take notice of the new benchmarks it will set. Lead actor Laksh Lalwani says that the show is truly one-of-a-kind. Set in 350 BC, ‘Porus’ is being shot at a lavish set in Umbergaon, Gujarat and will be aired from Monday 27th November on Sony Entertainment Television.

“The first emotion that came to my mind while taking up this show, was gratitude. I wasn’t able to believe that I would be part of this show and wondered if I would be able to pull it off,” says Laksh.

For his role as Porus, the 21-year-old tall, fair and handsome actor has beefed up. He has also acquired special skills to carry out the action sequences.

“My training started in April. I learnt sword fighting, horse riding, martial arts, rowing, scuba diving, and everything adventurous. I was living the life I wanted to, and getting paid for it,” he says, adding, “I gained weight and muscle too, and transformed my originally lean body,”

He is convinced that the show –said to be the most expensive that Indian television has seen – will be a trendsetter.

“This will be a show which will break norms. Honestly, people look down upon television. When this show will come, it will change all that and will become a benchmark. The action, costumes, acting and direction are superb,” he says.
The role requires him to dedicate 12 hours a day to shoot, and two hours of workout –leaving little time for his personal life. But Laksh is not complaining.

“My present is Porus and my only aim is to make it larger-than-life. That’s what I am focussing on,” says the actor, who sports heavy costumes and accessories in the show.

Before getting a chance to feature in ‘Porus’, Laksh had an interesting story about how he landed in showbiz. He auditioned for ‘Roadies’ on his friend and mother’s insistence and got chosen. “My mother said, ‘You must go, I have a dream to see you on television’. That’s how it all began. I auditioned and got selected. Then one fine morning, I got a call saying that what if instead of ‘Roadies’, we offer you a fiction show and pay you as well?
I said why not! That’s how I packed my bags and came to Mumbai,” he says.