Nikkhil Arya is back with Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal: What drew me is the crisp concise finite concept of the show.

After doing Chandrakanta, Haiwan and Brahmrakshas back-to-back, Nikkhil Arya felt enough is enough and he deserves better. That’s when the actor took a break for a year and a half and shifted his attention to managing his family business. But when you are passionate about your craft, you lose your sleep if you keep away from it for long. Hence, the actor in him took the front seat again, and this time for the better. Nikhil will be seen next in Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal (TIMG) and the actor is quite keyed up about his new show.

“In a fantasy world where everybody has some animal or supernatural powers/instincts, I play a normal but the strongest amongst human beings. You can call the character a Ghostbuster or Bhediyabuster. It is a completely fictional character and the show is predominantly a fantasy ride so I can't relate to it directly but he is a professor, who helps people so that's always relatable. The thing that drew me towards TIMG is the fact that it is a crisp concise finite show,” he says.

TIMG is produced by Yash Patnaik and Mamta Patnaik. Praising them, the actor adds, “Well for starters very inspiring to see their commitment and attention to detail. Also, in terms of sincerity and discipline they absolutely lead by example.”

About the changes he has seen in the industry over the years, the actor explains, “The industry doesn’t change much but it is you who has to constantly evolve. Pehle industry mein hazaar bandar the ab lakhon ki tadad mein hain. You should compete only with yourself, don’t listen to the surround sound and always be ready for that one dream role.”

 Nikkhil believes that there are certain professions that one should never even consider if they are not passionate about. Performing arts probably tops that list.

“In fact many might disagree with me but I also believe that you cannot learn acting. You either are an actor or not an actor. If and only if you are blessed with the basic acting skills can you improve on yourself on your own,” he adds.

He also believes that actors should consider having an alternate career. “If you have a chance and privilege, it is a good option. It helps to keep your mind calm and you can express yourself being a little stress-free and more focused,” he shares.

The best thing about the TV industry is its reach, to begin with. “Secondly, it has something for every strata/IQ/EQ of society. Also, most of the time, the entire family can watch shows on it together,” he says.

Much has been said about OTT giving tough competition to television. “I really don't think so. It's like comparing apples to oranges. The quality of a few OTT is as good if not better than films. You simply can’t compare the quality of TV and good OTT. Although there might be a 15-20% common audience, but besides that both enjoy their own loyal viewership,” he answers.

 So do actors need to be good looking to shine in this industry? “I really don't think so. History shows us that the best rated actors all over the world are extremely ordinary looking. What's more important than good looks is screen presence,” he adds.