We have a challenge as our show airs in the afternoon time slot - Keith Sequiera

Keith Sequeira made his long-awaited comeback with Star Plus' latest offering, 'Love Ka Hai Intezaar' co-starring the graceful and vivacious Sanjeeda Shaikh. Keith will be back in the fiction space, after his stint in 2004's 'Dekho Magar Pyaar Se'.

We grilled Keith about all things related to his show and the gentleman that he is, he patiently answered all our queries.

Reveal something about your character that is not already known to us?

Madhav is a Rajput prince with traditional values and appreciates finer things in life. And yes, he loves poetry. His idol is his late father who was a noble king. Madhav is also extremely close to his mother and loves her dearly. He is deeply romantic and is looking for something real in life.

How similar or different are Madhav and Keith?

Madhav is close to my heart because I believe in him and in the things that he does. He is intense, intelligent and has core values but with a modern outlook.

What was the one thing that compelled you to take up this show?

After 'Bigg Boss', I got a lot of calls but this one came in May, last year. I knew it was to be made on a big scale, but I think I really saw a different side of it when I sat with the writer, Ninaji.  She is a prominent film journalist and also has a flair for writing real stories and adding intricate real life elements into her stories. I was blown away during the narration. An actor seldom hits a road like this where each character is articulately written and has so many layers to it.

Though this is a television show, it is nothing like the usual daily soap. Like the movies, we had an extensive 2-week workshop before we started shooting in March.  And hence I won't say that it's one thing but rather the entire package which was amazing!

How has it been working with Sanjeeda?

It works best when two individuals share a healthy give and take relationship. We've gotten along well. She's a fine actress. Just like the flow of the story after the initial push and pull where Madhav and Kamini fall in love, we've organically developed that camaraderie and the chemistry which will show in 'Love Ka Hai Intezaar'.

You earlier mentioned about how the timeslot of the show does not matter until the content of the show is good. But don't you feel that a prime time slot/ evening slot could have been better?

There are pros and cons to both.  The evening prime time slot maybe a slot leader in terms of TRPs but it also is a very crowded time slot.  Prime time now begins by 6 and ends by 11:30.  I don't think anyone is watching television for five and a half hours nonstop.  

Yes, we have a challenge when it comes to the afternoon time slot but then there was a time when afternoon slots were big.  'Ghar Ek Mandir', 'Kumkum' etc... were all in the afternoon and hence I think the channel has something good planned with the afternoon slot.  

You will be making a comeback after a really long time to the fiction space. Any pressure? 

Yes, I am coming back to fiction after a long time.  There's no pressure as people have seen me grow, take on new challenges and I keep experimenting with myself and the work I take up.  

Do you credit 'Bigg Boss' to be your turn around?

'Bigg Boss' showed the world the real Keith, which happened to be pretty similar to the Keith they already knew.  'Bigg Boss' tends to show a different side but of many, but people had always seen me how they saw me inside the house.  Yes, I was back onto being seen daily on screen which makes a huge difference.  But I would say every show and all the work I have done has been a turn around as it's always led to something better for the next.  

What is the one thing about 'Love Ka Hai Intezaar' that will attract the audience to the show?

It's a real show!  Characters have layers, there's no black and white and it's a show built and shot with quality.  I think that makes a difference!

It's been a week since the show has gone on air and Sanjeeda and Keith's chemistry is being appreciated. Are you guys liking 'Love Ka Hai Intezaar'? Let us know your views in the comments section below.