Article: How Prithvi Raj Chauhan Became A Halwai

Saturday, 26 May 2012 00:18

pioneer

Anas Rashid talks to Divya Kaushik about his transformation from a brat, to warrior, to a mithaiwala

The decision to play the character of Suraj, a halwai, in the very popular serial on Star Plus, called Diya Aur Baati Hum, didn't come easy to actor Anas Rashid.

After being a vengeful brat in Kahiin To Hoga and the heroic lead in Dharti Ka Veer Yodha Prithviraj Chauhan, he was looking for more suave and sophisticated roles.

However Suraj's character is hardly, 'suave and sophisticated'!

"But thank God I got over my initial apprehension. Because the show focusses on issues in small town India. And has become a hit. Suraj is a simple chap," said the actor, who belongs to Punjab. He completed his education from Chandigarh.

Anas has been a TV star for seven years. But the role of Suraj brought him into the limelight. Suraj and Sandhya, (his small-screen wife played by Deepika Singh) based in a Rajasthan town, have become a much loved pair.

In the serial, Sandhya wants to study, but her brother marries her into a conservative Rajasthani family, where the in-laws disapprove of education. Suraj supports her throughout.

"The reality in the serial touched hearts. Everything on tv till then was very artificial. Only recently has there been focus on reality, padded with drama and romance to reach larger audience," said Anas, who initially arrived Mumbai, interested in working with Ektaa Kapoor.

His logic being that its the big name association that get you places.

"I do not have formal training in acting. I got into modelling by chance and came to Mumbai on my dad's advice. To be a serious actor. But I was decided if things didn't work, I would think about something else. I got a role for my first serial, seven months after arriving in Mumbai," commented Anas.

In the last few years, he has been part of changing phases in the industry. And believes that changing formats and storylines opened more doors and introduced opportunities.

"There is more variety on screen. Men have equal roles. It's not only about saas bahu sagas. After I did Prithviraj Chauhan, I was getting similar sort period stories. But I didn't want to typecast in just one genre. So I waited for the right script," shared the actor.