MCM: Nakuul Mehta

Indian television star, Nakuul Mehta, who became a household name after playing the role of Shivaay Singh Oberoi in Star Plus ‘Ishqbaaaz’ (Game of Love) is our Man Crush Monday (MCM).

Nakuul is amongst the top faces on Indian television today. His portrayal of Shivaay has catapulted him into one of the top youth icons on television.

Mehta is not only an actor; he’s also a producer and entertainer who stand out in a crowd as the quintessential hero both on screen and off screen. 

 

These qualities could very well be attributed to his growing up years when he travelled through the length and breadth of the country courtesy his service background. Born into a family of warriors - his great grandfather Mehta Laxmilal was the Commander in chief of Mewar whilst his father Pratap Singh Mehta fought the Indo-Pak war of 1971 – Nakuul has forever valued and been extremely proud of his heritage. Thanks to his illustrious yet rooted background, he grew up with a special ability to connect with people across cultures, economic strata and diverse backgrounds. It came as no surprise to his family when he chose to make a career in the entertainment industry as an actor, performer and host.

Nakuul’s creative endeavours aren’t just restricted to acting or hosting. The year 2016 saw his debut as the producer and star of the multiple awards winning web series ‘I Don’t Watch TV.’

Since his debut as an actor, he has won almost every Television award for Best Actor in 2016/17. It was actually his debut TV show Rajshri Production’s ‘Pyar Ka Dard Hai’ (2012-2014) on Star Plus that made him a household name nationally & internationally amidst the sub continental diaspora. He also went on to host India's biggest talent show India's Got Talent (2015) apart from hosting and performing at a plethora of award shows like IIFA, Star Guild, Big Star, Indian Television Academy and Star Parivaar.

Apart from being a popular face on the tube, he is a fantastic presenter. He slips in and out beautifully from being absolutely elegant and classic MC to a super energetic, quick witted ‘fun maker’, as he likes to call himself. He has a captivating stage presence owing largely to his rich theatre experience that gives him the much needed spontaneity and the ability to handle any situation.

He has many awards to his credit. They include Best Actor Critics – Gold Award for ‘Ishqbaaaz’ 2017, Best On Screen Jodi – Gold Award for ‘Ishqbaaaz’ 2017, Best Actor – Talent Track Award for ‘I Don’t Watch TV’ 2017, Best Debut – Indian Telly Award 2013 and many others.

What truly excites him is travelling the world and devouring the culture and
people of different nationalities. It has worked as a huge motivator for him, both as a person and as an entertainment professional.

A closet filmmaker, a hard-core fitness enthusiast, war film buff and half-a- poet, he is also a published writer with the Chicken Soup for the Indian Soul – On Friendship series.

In 2018, he was listed 16th in Eastern Eye's 50 Sexiest Asian Men List. Nakuul was also marked 18th in BizAsia's TV personality list 2018.