"I have been extremely patient when it comes to Ghulam" - Vikas Manaktala

I don't really know the right answer to it. But what I know is that since the initial days of my career itself, I just couldn't connect to saas-bahu sagas at all. I feel lost when I see those shows as an actor, not as a viewer. Hence, that automatically has transpired into being my intent for taking up work. I take up only the work that excites me and 'Ghulam' has been extremely exciting for me. In fact, I was the first actor to be cast in the show, which was 8 months back. I have been extremely patient with it so you can imagine, if I have been so patient with it, the show must certainly be worth it.

Tell us something about your character Veer...

Veer is a powerful and rich man, who is anarchic and follows the principle of the village of Behrahampur. And that principle is 'women have no right and no say in anything.' He is a hardcore cunning man and doesn't follow any rules, as there are no rules in Behrahampur. He has a 'ghulam' in the form of Rangeela and uses him like a puppet.

Several people assume that you did not cash in on the popularity you gained from your previous shows, especially 'Left Right Left'. Do you regret that?

Not at all! My peak is still yet to come. I am that person who wants creative satisfaction. I never entered acting for money. With God's grace, our family business is doing fairly good and well-to-do. Hence, I entered acting, as I had a passion towards the art and hence, years ago, I had left television as I was missing that passion towards the art and towards the content. I don't say that I am correct and I am sure that several shows that were offered to me and I refused to work did go on to become great hits. However, every person has its own journey and that is what we call getting evolved. I am still learning and trying to get better.

What do you have to say about the whole controversy that happened in your last show, 'Main Naa Bhulungi' with your previous co-star, Aishwarya Sakhuja?

See, I am that person for whom its work and purely work. I don't understand that why do these inane issues have to be focused on where there are so many better things to be looked upon. When two professionals work together, both have to be professional. I have that approach where If I am accused of something or being struck at, I will not react and let the thing be it. And that is when I read about how she gave an article quote about how she was wrong and she apologized. And most importantly, all this is now past.

'Ghulam' is coming on Life Ok and the channel is going through a complete revamp. However, do you think that the GRP factor, where life Ok is relatively behind from market leaders like Colors and Star Plus will affect the show?

I certainly wish that it doesn't affect the show. In fact, I wish that it becomes the major channel driver like 'Left Right Left' did back then. I can keep hoping that history repeats itself and this shoe becomes the reason that Life Ok becomes the No.1 Channel for that matter. You tell me, any other channel who would actually want to deviate from their age-old quintessential concepts and present a concept like this on the tube? I think it's an extremely huge and brave move by the channel to promote it.

The 'Naagin' factor continues to rule the TRP charts and keeps getting trendier when it comes to trends. Why do you think the supernatural genre has become this phenomenon?

It is totally beyond me. I would not even wanna think about it. I just have to focus on my work and not think about all that. All I can keep wishing is that our show does extremely well and opens on great TRP pointers. I hope the audience watches the show and likes it for the way it is.