"People are scared to offer me work" -Mahesh Thakur

The veteran actor shares his life experiences and throws light on why has he been doing minimal work..

Published: Friday,Jan 15, 2016 15:31 PM GMT-07:00

Kunal Nirmal Kothari

A veteran actor who has been in the industry for almost twenty years, Mahesh Thakur, the adorable dad from 'Shararat' and 'Sasural Genda Phool' and the sandwiched husband from 'Tu Tu Main Main', is now set to play a pivotal role on the show, 'Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle'. The actor is going to be seen on Television after a long time.

In a vis-a-vis candid chat, the actor shares his journey so far, on why has he been doing less work and what are his other plans..

This is probably your first association with SAB TV, so how does it feel to be connected with this channel?

Ahm, I would say, No, I have done small stints with SAB TV, not with the lately formed SAB TV but with the Adhikari Brothers' created SAB, where I did a show called, Doli Leke Aayi Hai Dulhania' with Deepshikha. Later, I got busy with other channels, where SAB called me at times for several roles, but things didn't really materialize. So yes, I am happy that I am associated with them again and excited about this show.

It's been a long time since you did a full-fledged role on television, so what kept you away for such a long time?

I had a lot of plans for my life, on my personal front which I needed to prioritize and that took a lot of time. So, I couldn't really work a lot on television. Now, things have eased out, so I planned to finally get back to doing regular work.

How did you decide to take up this role after such a long gap?

I was in fact initially considered for this role, but unfortunately, my mother who resided in America had fallen sick and passed away in November, so I had to be there for quite some time. But just when some days ago I returned, the makers called me again asking if I still want to do it. I said yes. I realized one can't stay affected for a long time and I have to move on. Plus, work will keep me diverted. So, I took up this role.

You know, I have in fact noticed it so many times, many people are afraid to approach me for work. I actually have no clue why! I guess it's because of some stature of that respect of Mahesh Ji comes in the way. As I know that there is no way that they don't like me, I know they love me, but I don't know its very strange that such a thing happened.

You have been in the industry for almost twenty years, doing several shows, commercials and films. But it's the lead actors who take away all the appreciation and accolades, why do you think that happens?

That's a great question, you know as you have rightly put, I have been in the industry for a long time and done triple digit number of shows and commercials along with several films. But even today, when I will walk out of my house, I know I am not going to be that 'getting-mobbed' celebrity. I know, I am no Shahrukh Khan or like that, but I am sure of one thing, in spite of all this stardom, they too would want a piece of life. I love the fact that I can travel and walk around the streets without being known. I am a person you will find going to Big Bazaar and shopping, things what normal people do. I want to maintain that balance and live that normal life. Because, acting is my passion and profession but it certainly isn't the end of the world for me. I know I am not going to be an actor for the rest of my life. I am already twenty years down. Who knows, I might retire sometime and do something else. I never wanted to prove myself that "look at me, I am an actor".

I see today's actors coming and wanting to make a career out of acting, which is great, but the small difference is, many of them want to be stars and not actors. When a project you're doing is loved from all aspects, that's when an actor will become a star. For me, success is doing what you love to do irrespective of the attention you would get. I love being an actor, and I am one, that's it for me. Many people leave their career, which they are passionate about, because they couldn't achieve success. And success for them is attention and popularity. But according to me if you love doing something, you continue doing it.

So you have any other projects lined up? Films or television?

Yes, I do have some films lined up for release, first of them is happening in February, about which I can't really talk about much. But television has this need that you have to be available constantly, because the scripts are written as and when according to the situation. So for now, its just this show I am committed to.

Even in films, people would remember you best recently for your role in Aashiqui 2. So why lesser films too?

Apart from Aashiqui 2, if you remember I did Satya 2. It was an amazing role, one of the best roles I have done. But the problem is, in Satya 2 was publicized for an 8^th November release but it released on 22^nd November. So because of this delay, people who wanted to go and see it, they realized it's not there. The hoardings and banners were literally taken down till the time film was released. But yes, as I said due to my personal priorities I did not do much work. Now, for feature films, I have not one but many films lined up. You will surely see a lot of me this year.