Viewers remember Varun Badola for his stellar performances in shows like Astitva - Ek Prem Kahanii, Koshish Ek Asha, Rabba Ishq Na Hove and Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand. Now the actor will soon be seen in yet another interesting role in Star Plus's new show, Aek Chabhi Hai Padoss Mein. Anil Merani caught up with this sensitive actor from Uttranchal on the sets for a quick tte--tte.
Tell us about your character in Aek Chabhi Hai Padoss Mein?
I play the musician Sandeep, who is the voice of the mohalla. He is also a computer genius who has the option of going abroad but prefers to stay in Colonel Ganj (setting of the show). Although soft spoken, he raises his voice whenever the situation demands it.
Does this show bring back the middle class setting and values to television? Yes, this show is a departure from rich family settings to an idyllic mohalla, which I am sure many North Indian folks will empathize with. Working in this serial makes me remember my childhood days at my mohalla, where we would not feel the need to lock our doors. The entire neighbourhood was like an extended family. They would have their differences and fights. But in the time of crisis they would bond together. It's so unlike city life, where we do not know who our neighbors are, forget bonding with them.
How does it feel to be sharing screen space with your dad Ravi Gossain, who is also part of the cast of Ek Chabi..? It's a matter of great pride to act with someone who was considered as one of the important names in Delhi's theatre circuit in the sixties and seventies. The fact that he is also my father is like icing on the cake.
So did you get nervous acting in front of him?
No, not at all. I am always confident while acting and usually get too involved with my role irrespective of who is opposite me. I am comfortable with the character that I am playing by getting into the skin of the character. This leaves me with little time to think about nervousness.
Among the various shows you have done over the years, which ones would you rate your best.
Well, that is quite a tough question. But still I would say the first half of Koshish and the second half of Astitva were something I really loved doing as an actor. My character in Koshish was really challenging for it was not easy to play a mentally deranged person.
Which type of roles are you comfortable with?
I have always made it a point never to repeat myself. That's why I have played a variety of roles. In Yeh Hai Mumbai Mere Jaan I played a simpleton whileas in Desh Mein…I had a suave and dashing role. I am always on the lookout for a role which challenges the actor in me.
Do you think that in this female dominated industry, you will ever get top billing?
Actually I am very happy playing second fiddle since it takes off the pressure and you end up working better. The female lead surely dominates the storylines in our soaps. It's the way our scripts are and I have no qualms about it. It's sad that our industry does not allow its characters to be grey as most people in real life are. They have only two shades to them good or bad and it limits the range of our portrayal. Among the current Nach Balliye contestants who do you think will win the coveted crown?
I hope that while the best dancer couple wins, the judges and the audiences should give extra marks to those contestants who are willing to push the envelope and try to do something different. Its takes guts for somebody who are non dancers to be innovative and if they are willing to take that risk, they should be rewarded.
Is there is lot of politicking in Nach Balliye?
Nach Balliye is a reality show and it is expected of it to have competition and controversy. Controversies and power-play add to the reality ingredient of the show. I don't accept the allegation that these troubles are purposely created, they just happen. Even the last season had its fair share of controversies. When big stakes are involved such incidents are bound to happen.
Do you spot any difference between the season 1 and season 2 of Nach Balliye?
The contestant this time certainly have an edge since they know what is expected of them. On the contrary we had a difficult time being on the show since there were no benchmarks to follow. We had to figure things on our own and that was sheer hard work.
Any regret over the way you got disqualified from the show.
None whatsoever. Going blank on stage is a normal phenomenon and even big stars experience this problem, so it okay, these things happen. The only reason I joined Nach Balliye was to make my wife who is an established Bharat Natyam dancer happy. And she tells me its fine, for I worked hard and that's what counts.
Since you are married to an actor, do you talk work at home too?
No we make it a point not to talk about work at home. When we are home we try to spend quality time with each other. I think it is important to ensure that work does not overburden the relationship. I respect my personal and professional space. http://www.tellychakkar.com/y2k6/nov/21nov/interview_varun.p hp
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