TV, Films and Theatre are all extremely difficult and different from each other: Sachin Parikh

Actor Sachin Parikh, who has shared the screen with actors such as Sunny Deol and Aamir Khan, talks about his upcoming films Jack n Dil and Bajrang Ali. He is also known for his roles in TV shows such as Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Dil Se Dil Tak and Ek Deewaana Tha.

What are the prominent films you have done?

I have done a couple of films with prominent roles in my career. Two out of those are Kaafila' and PK'. Kaafila' did not click at the box office, but the film was very close to me. The reason behind it is that it was my first film. And the character played by me was there throughout the film, in every alternate frame. And I shared the screen with Sunny Deol, which was also a memorable and amazing experience.

PK' was close to my heart not just because it was the highest grosser on the box office worldwide but because I got an opportunity to share screen space with my favourite actor Aamir Khan. And also with my favourite director Rajkumar Hirani. He is a darling director to work with and I shared some wonderful memories with both of them. 

Which was your last film?

My last film was a Swedish film called The most beautiful hands in Delhi'. It was released in Sweden last year but was shot in Delhi. I played a small but very important role, and it was my first international project. 

Which is your forthcoming film? What are the character details?

I have shot for a film called Jack n Dil' with Arbaaz Khan and Amit Sadh, which will be my forthcoming release. I am playing a very interesting role in this film. I'm playing a Japanese interpreter and am speaking in Japanese. It's a funny and interesting character to watch. Apart from that, I am also shooting for a film called Bajrang Ali' which will release next year. I am playing one of the lead roles of Ali, in this film.  

What is the most extreme change you did in your personality, hair, body weight, etc etc, that you have done to prepare for your role?

I have learned authentic Japanese language to essay the role in Jack n Dil.

In Bajrang Ali', since I am playing a Muslim character, I wanted the look right, so I used Surma in my eyes. I also learned the bit of Urdu. I also learned how to announce and sing Azaan, as that is an integral part of my role in the film. 

I want to play prominent and lead characters in films. The length of the role does not matter, just that the character should be significant and important in the film. Even if it's a single-scene role, the audiences shall remember my character for a long time. 

How difficult is it to get roles in films?

Though it's very difficult to get good roles in films, I strongly believe that talent never goes unnoticed. I am honoured that I have worked with senior and the most talented makers like Raju Hirani, Pradeep Sarkar, R Balki and young and talented directors like Sachin Karande, Vaibhav Misra and Ekant Babani. 

What you have to say about the current scenario of films? A wide variety of character-driven films are made?

In the 21st century, the scenario in Bollywood has changed drastically. There are more small budgets, parallel but content-driven cinema, that has taken the lead. This is a good move for theatre actors like us, who get an opportunity to do prominent and lead roles in such kind of cinema. I am not against commercial and big budget films at all because ultimately the films with our stars and with mega budgets are the backbone of our industry. And I believe today's audience is smart enough to welcome something which is made with craft, big or small makes no difference.

TV, films, theatre what difference you find in three mediums?

Every medium is extremely difficult and challenging to work in. In theatre, there is a live audience and you need to perform, without any retakes, for at least 2-3 hours. As an actor, this is also very satisfying. Rehearsals are the finest aspect of theatre where an actor learns on a day-to-day basis.

Of course, you have a very limited audience.  Financially also, it cannot meet your demands, if you are a full time theatre actor.

Films are like novels. Every actor dreams of being in films.  An actor always wants to be seen on the big screen and to be remembered for years and years.  Films do that for them. 

But there are so many films, that are produced, executed and released, and very few reach the audience. Out of these, even fewer become a hit.

Whereas TV, in today's scenario, is an instant platform for an actor to become popular or known. TV makes an actor get seen in the long run and makes his financial side stronger. He or she becomes a household name within no time. TV today is a challenging profession for an actor because of the schedules. At times, it takes a toll on one's health because of long working hours. 

Also, the moment the project is off air, people, very easily, move on to another serial.

To conclude all the three mediums are extremely difficult and different from each other for an actor.  And I am happy I have managed to balance all three of them so far to keep my passion and love alive as an actor.