Excerpts:
What made you take up a historic role like Maharana Pratap?
My previous show was a regular social drama, whereas the historic or period drama's are on a different level. I thought if I was coming back to Television after 5 years, it has to be something big and larger than life which my fans haven't watched me doing before. By God's grace the show I did before has always topped the charts and after that I knew it that the level has to just go up. When I came to know that the casting for Maharana Pratap was on and they needed some one who looks like a warrior as in he has to be good in terms of sword fighting, horse riding. I auditioned in two/three different looks and the production and the channel liked me a lot and I was lucky to be selected among 600 people who auditioned for the role. This is the first time Maharana Pratap is on air in TV and by the grace of god, I got an opportunity to be Maharana and it's a dream come true.
A role like Maharana Pratap needs you to be physically very fit. What were your preparations to be Maharana?
Yes, the warrior has to be very fit. I attended the workshops for sword fighting, gymnastics and martial arts as basic training. I also learnt Horse riding. It's physically very demanding as we have so much of physical activity on the sets. I do ninety five percent of my stunts. There is always a risk element to it but for me it's exciting and fun.
How was your experience with Chetak (Maharana's Horse)?
The first time I sat on Chetak, he just threw me off. The first two-three days were very hard because chetak being a very big horse, it was very difficult to control him. I had to feed him carrots and biscuits every day to pamper him. It isn't easy to impress a Horse. Gradually, he started liking me and we bonded very well. Now, we love each other.
Historic characters have a unique diction. How did you prepare yourself for it?
It is a very period Hindi and very different from the one we speak today. Initially, I had a major problem understanding the language because there were words which I have never heard in my life before. Speaking it everyday, I am more comfortable with it now.
What took you so long to come back on TV?
I wanted to do something different. Being a part of a great show and doing 1000 episode on TV, I wanted some time off. In which ever field you are its important to take some time off. I wanted to be alone, travel and learn. So I went to the New York Film Institute in LA for an year and did my film course. After that, I did a film, some theatre workshops, read books about films. Today, TV is such a big medium and has always been my first love. After a break of 5 years, I thought it was the right time to come back to TV.
Your chemistry with Divyanka in the show Banoo Main Teri Dulhan' was very much appreciated by the fans and they want you both back together again. Is there any chance for it?
As of now, I am very busy with my new show. People are liking my chemistry with Rachana too. I really enjoyed working with Divyanka as she is a very professional actor, a good actor. At the moment, there is nothing coming up with Divyanka.
You are playing in the BCL representing Kolkata Babu Moshayes'. What are your expectations?
The practice went great. After shoot, we all made time for practice. I am hoping we do well this year too like last year.
What do you love doing in you spare time?
I love watching films, sleeping. I am a trained kick boxer. Being a hard core Punjabi, I love eating and relish my food. I am a very outdoor person who loves trekking, travelling, playing games like Cricket, Badminton, Squash and Golf.
Tell us something about your family?
My family lives in Kolkata. My dad is an Architect, my mom is a Housewife, my sister is a Fashion designer.
Who is your best buddy on the sets of Maharana Pratap?
It's Rachana. I have my maximum scenes with her and we get along really well.
Message to your fans?
Love and let love. Keep watching Maharana Pratap and love me.
link--->http://www.just-showbiz.com/tv-will-always-be-my-first-love-ssharad-malhotra/
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