"Romance is what clicks for everyone..." - Ravish Desai

This handsome young dude was doing well in the corporate world but he soon realized that his good looks could be put to better use and thus started modelling. That is when Ravish Desai quit it all to pursue a career in the entertainment field and was an instant hit doing TV commercials with big brands and big names involved.

Ravish has now become the latest craze in Television and is getting used to the compliments for his looks as well as his performances. However, he still seems humble as he talks about himself and his character Kunal in Ek Nanad Ki Khushiyon Ki Chaabi...Meri Bhabhi.

Ravish, this is your debut on Indian Television, tell us a little bit about your background.

I had never planned my acting career. I remember as a child I used to stand in front of the mirror and imitate. My family is no way connected to the entertainment business so they had inhibitions too but I told them that I want to take a chance and so far it has been good!

I started modelling in 2010 even I was doing my MBA. I completed my MBA in 2011 and then started working as a consultant for a major corporate consultancy firm. I have done at least 60 TV commercials and they gave me the much needed boost and confidence to pursue my passion for acting. I finally quit my job when I got the offer to do Vikram Bhatt's Horror Story but before the film released I got this show.

Despite doing a film your debut into acting was through Television. How did that happen?

I had completed the film when I auditioned first for this show, however they didn't call me then. When they called me the second time round and things were finalized even my film was about to get released but then I decided to do the show.

Why did you do decide to do TV even as your film was about to release?

When I read the script I got to know that the character I was offered to play, Kunal was a very important character which I was keen on doing. I don't have an acting background so from my perspective, content had to be important. The show was already on air and popular too so I realized I can gain immensely in no time at all. I always wanted to do a show with a different subject which nailed the decision.

Were you not afraid of the responsibility that came with being part of an already popular show?

It was primarily a challenge for me to play such a major role and to some extent I think I have done it well. It was the story of Shraddha (Kanchi Kaul), a divorcee who has come back to her parents house and there were people who told me not to go ahead with it but I guess I have made quite an impact. Audience had expectations but once I understood the character I realized it was one of the strongest characters and that too opposite Kanchi who has been around for so long so I just had to play it perfectly.

How similar are you to the character of Kunal in the show?

I am 70 to 75 % close to Kunal but I am a little introvert as compared to Kunal. I am happy go lucky like him but he is shown to be someone who takes initiatives when it comes to relationships with his family or with Shraddha whereas I am a bit reserved in these matters. Once I get to know someone well then I get along fantastically with them.

And how has been your equation with your co-stars who were already doing the show?

The entire cast was very great and supportive. There were initial inhibitions but then we clicked well with each other instantly. Kanchi Kaul & Esha Kansara are great co-stars to work with and at the same time I get to learn a lot from senior actors like Kanwaljeet Singh and Supriya Pilgaonkar.

We see many TV actors who move on to Films but you came to TV even as your first film was to release. What happens next?

I believe in trying my hand in acting whether it is theatre, TV or films. The medium doesn't matter since nowadays the gap between these three is very less and some actors are even juggling between both TV and films. I am taking this show as a good learning experience since I can practice acting daily while in front of the camera, get the emotions right so this is not going to go waste and I have no regrets.

I am getting offers for films too but I want to tread cautiously. I am more interested in the genre of inspirational cinema where you can connect with the audience as well as follow your dreams.

The show also has got you a huge fan following and the audience is loving Kunal.

Yes, even I had never imagined that I would get so much of popularity. I have given my heart and soul to this character and it seems to have worked. I guess it is also because Kunal has come in Shraddha's life as a much needed knight in shining armor. Romance is what clicks for everyone and when it is between two unusual people it is more than a happy moment for all so I guess that is the reason Kunal is so much loved and I am thankful to my fans for that.

And what about romance in real life? Do you think you will any time get attracted to a mature woman like Shraddha?

It all depends on the kind of person you are looking forward to spend your life with and the rapport that you share with that person. I will look for someone who can be my friend for life and be a good companion. It doesn't matter if she is older to me.

However, at present I am single and have no one special in my life at the moment. I am totally focused on the show and my work so I have no time at all for anything else. In fact I am a fitness freak but now I have to sneak out time to go to the gym or play some sport.

Seema Khot Mattoo