When it comes to cinema, Dubai is surely the global melting pot where movies form across the globe, often release first. But rarely do we Dubai-based actors making a splash in the world of Bollywood. Joining that elite list is Naren Kumar, a Dubai-based lad who is making his big ticket debut with a high-impact thriller ‘Switchh’ - a Bollywood movie that’s been shot extensively across the UAE.
Besides Naren, the film also stars Vikrant Massey and Tanvi Vyas in pivotal roles. Born and bred in the UAE, Naren is one of the many Indians, who made it big in the land of dreams Dubai but Naren says that acting was always his true passion. Perhaps the reason why even after completing his education in the UAE and later graduating from London, Naren kept the flame of his acting desires burning. Armed with a prestigious graduation degree from London, Naren like most young and vibrant Indians, channeled his learnings into a business. “I got into the real estate business during early 2006, when it was blooming in Dubai,” says Naren adding that his contacts in London came handy which also helped him diversify and expand his business to London.
But even with a thriving international business, Naren always had acting running in the back of his mind. “I kept my acting interest to myself,” he reveals adding that deep down he knew that when the right time comes he will pursue his true calling.
His first brush with acting happened with a Pakistani TV series ‘Kabi Aaye Na Judaai,’ aired on ARY digital. This gave Naren some valuable experience with frontline Pakistani actors. But his big day came when Naren surprised even himself when he went for a local audition for an actor’s role in a new film advertised in UAE. Little did he realize his childhood dream will come true someday. His dream finally became a reality when he grabbed the role for the male lead in the upcoming film ‘Switchh’ and since then there has been no looking back fir Naren.
“I consider myself blessed & fortunate where actors struggle for years and years to get a Bollywood break or where their families are in the Bollywood industry with a backing, I am today honoured to be the lead in such a big banner film,” he says. “I would like to thank God & my family for the support & encouragement”. Naren also acknowledges and expresses his gratitude for the government of Dubai for supporting his film.
‘Switchh’ will start streaming on Eros Now from March 21st.