Arun Mandola Recalls Portraying Laxman in Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanumaan: It was unbelievable for me

In the midst of the on going lockdown, an array of shows are making it's comeback on Television. Post the huge success of the reruns of Ramayan and Maharabharat, Sony TV's mythological show Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanumaan is all set to return to Television from tonight. 

We got in touch with Arun Mandola who essayed the role of Laxman in the show. In a conversation with us, he recalled his time on the sets of the show and shared some fun moments and memories of the same. Have a look:

Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanumaan is all set to come back on TV once again, so how's the feeling right now. 

It's a good feeling because now the entire nation is focused towards Ramayan. Till now, whichever old shows are being re-telecast on TV, be it Mahabharat, Hum Paanch, or any other show, Ramayan is getting a lot of importance. It got a very great response when it was aired so I am very much excited because a lot of people had appreciated the show. 

Usually, the entire family watches such mythological shows together. Will you also watch it with your family?

Unfortunately, my family is in Delhi and I'm in Mumbai so we won't be able to watch it together. But yes, they will definitely watch the show. Even I'll watch the show on my own since it's a lockdown. Also, because I couldn't watch our show the last time because we had our day-night shoots. So now I'll finally get to watch it. 

How much have this character of Laxman made an impact on your career?

The thing is, it's a very big thing when you make your mark in your first show itself. I played the character of Laxman and a lot of people appreciated it, be it people from my friends circle or casting directors or the public. 

Do you remember any particular moment or any memories from the sets?

There are a lot of memories from the sets. On our show, Gagan was the one who kept the atmosphere lively and there are many great memories of working with him. 

Do you remember the first time when you were offered this role?

My first reaction was that someone is joking with me. Because when I was offered this character, they told me that they have cast me for the role of Sugriv. I was in Delhi and they asked me to come for a look test. I told them that I can't come from Delhi to Mumbai for just a look test. So I made an audition from home and sent it to them. From there, they asked me to come for the look test of Laxman. I again told them that I can't come there for just a look test. I asked them for how many months will this track continue and they said that it will continue for 2 months. Then I told them that what will happen in 2 months, nothing will happen. So in the start when they finalised me for the role of Laxman for 2 months, it was unbelievable for me because they are such immortal characters. If a person does any of the characters like Ram, Laxman, Hanuman or any other character related to Ramayan then it becomes an immortal character. So that was unbelievable for me. It was a proud moment for me and my family that I am going to play such a big character in such a big show.

Alot of shows are making it's comeback on Television, which one is your favourite? Or are there any other particular show which you want to come back on Television?

See, for me Ramayan was my favourite show. Everyone has their own different taste, I can't watch a show over and over again but Ramayan was my favorite show. In which, Arun Govil and Sunil Lahri essayed the role of Ram-Laxman. Of all the shows that have come back, Ramayan was the only show that I wanted to watch again so I enjoyed watching that only.