‘We don’t talk much…’: Randeep Rai, aka Aryan of Anupamaa, on his co-star Spreha Chatterjee

Randeep Rai, who entered Star Plus' popular show Anupamaa, has now completed a month on the show. He initially appeared as Mohit but was later revealed to be Aryan Kothari, bringing an exciting twist to the storyline and sparking curiosity among viewers about his true identity. In an exclusive conversation with India Forums, Randeep spoke about his character, his bond with Spreha Chatterjee, comparisons between Anupamaa and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and much more.

You are playing this deeply vulnerable character, with a troubled childhood. Though not an orphan, he has lived much of his life feeling like one. How does it feel to portray such an emotionally complex role?

Even after a month, I still wonder how difficult it must be for a child whose mother left him right after giving birth, never came back to see him, never tried to meet him, never returned to him. Still, I cannot deeply get into that thought or feeling to fully understand what that child must have gone through and how his way of thinking or his perspective towards life must be. It's quite difficult, you know, to play such a character. And I don't know whether I am justifying it or not because it’s quite difficult.

Anupamaa is known for the strong chemistry between its co-stars. Now even fans are loving Rahi and Prem, and as Aryan and Mahi are growing closer, is there any pressure regarding how the audience will react?

No, no, no pressure at all. No pressure at all because one thing is very clear, whatever work is given to me, the scenes given to me, whatever bonding is required on screen, I believe in giving 100% to it. If they ask for romance, then I will portray romance the way it is demanded. If they ask for anger, then I will deliver it exactly as the character demands. That is my main thing. Apart from that, zero pressure.

Aryan is falling for Mahi, unaware that she is just toying with his emotions. As Randeep, how do you perceive this situation? Have you ever experienced heartbreaks like this?

No, never. Who does that? I mean, this only happens in cinema, TV, web series, or films. Otherwise, if it happens in real life, I don't know. I have never experienced it, thankfully. But yes, if it does happen, I would be really heartbroken, yaar. Pretending to love someone just for benefit — it’s not done.

What comparisons are happening, with whom, why they are happening — I don't get into all that

- Randeep Rai

Given that Aryan is walking into another painful experience, what advice would you give him?

Aryan beta, be careful. Everything that feels like love may not actually be love. Some people may just be using you and trying to reach somewhere through you. So, Aryan beta, please play smart. And Aryan being so smart, I mean, he’s always two steps ahead of others in thinking, but when it comes to love, often people melt and slip.

We have seen Aryan and Mahi’s on-screen chemistry, but how is the bond between you and Spreha off-screen?

We don’t talk much. As in, we don't have much of a bond yet. We have done a few scenes together, that's all. Otherwise, everything is good. I have a good rapport with everyone, including Spreha. But we haven’t got much time to interact. After my scene, I move on to another scene. She finishes her scene and moves on to another. So that's how it has been on set so far.

Many viewers have been drawing comparisons between Anupamaa’s current storyline and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. What are your thoughts on this?

Yaar, I honestly have no thoughts about it. As I said, I have come here to fulfill a responsibility, to play a role, a character. I am doing that. What comparisons are happening, with whom, why they are happening — I don't get into all that. And I would never want to get into it.