IT'S A TOUGH FIGHT AGAINST THE ORIGINAL
Avinash Sachdev, who won many hearts as the
sweet and simple Dev from Chhoti Bahu, is now
making a comeback as the bad boy Shlok in the
sequel to Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon. The
return, however, hasn't received a warm
welcome exactly, with fans of the original show
hurling severe criticism at him.
Avinash is well aware of the negative reactions.
He says, "When Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon
was on air, I was busy with Chhoti Bahu. So I
didn't have the time to watch the show but I
was always aware of its popularity. The other
day I checked the fan reactions to our promo
and there were 80,000 views and around 2,000
dislikes. It did take me by surprise at first even
though I knew that fans are extremely attached
to the original cast.
But all I can say is that my
role is different from what I have heard Barun
Sobti played in the original."While fans are demanding that the show title be
changed, Avinash says that the show was
destined to be called Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam
Doon Ek Baar Phir and feels that the title suits
perfectly. He says, "When I started shooting for
the show in January, it was called something
else. Then in April we were given the same set
that was used for the original. As the story went
forward, the team and channel realised that this
show would be a perfect sequel to the original."
Speaking about his character Shlok Agnihotri,
Avinash says that this is the kind of role that he
dreamt of playing since the time he entered the
industry. "My previous roles have given me this
good boy image but I always wanted to play the
bad guy.
Shlok is rude, dominating and a male
chauvinist. So he is both the hero and villain of
the show." But playing bad hasn't come easy to
the actor. "Either my jaw begins to hurt hurting
or I end up with a headache as I have to hold
Shlok's bad boy expressions for hours together,"
Avinash says.
Barun quit the show to pursue a career in
Bollywood leading to the show going off air.
Avinash, however, insists that he would never
go back on his commitment. "Tomorrow, if I am
offered a film I won't leave my shows midway. I
respect my work and profession enough to not
do such a thing." While Avinash says that he
tries to live his roles in real life, there are times
when he needs a break to get away from it all.
"When I am not shooting, I am mostly in my
make-up room. But when I need a break I
manage to hide myself in such a way that even
the assistant directors cannot find me," he says
with a laugh. Avinash continues, "If I manage to
get a longer break, I like driving to Lonavala
with my friends and when they are busy, I don't
mind travelling alone."
Avinash, who continues to be on the receiving
end of brickbats, says that he has always been
immune to negativity. He says, "I can neither
take stress not can I fight with anyone. People
who know me are aware that whenever there is
a fight or a negative situation, I just prefer to
back off from the situation. I totally believe in a
live-and-let-live policy."
The actor has completed eight years in the
industry and says that the journey has been a
fruitful one. "When I came to Mumbai eight
years ago, I never expected to be this
successful. For shows I have been to South
Africa six times, West Indies three times and so
many other countries. The affection that people
have showered on me is amazing. I never
expected people in West Indies to watch Hindi
television shows."
The actor has been dating his Chhoti Bahu co-
star Rubina Dilaik for a long time now but he
says that there are no immediate plans of
joining hands for one more show anytime soon.
Both the actors have been open about their
relationship in the past, so it was surprising to
see Avinash not too keen to talk about it now.
When probed about his marriage plans, he said,
"I would rather not discuss my personal life." So
be it then!
**********
I am like excuse me!
Edited by Rasgulla_sp - 12 years ago
Cricket
