In the league of big stars...
30 May 2008, 0040 hrs IST
,SHALABH ANAND BAJPAI
Actor Ram Kapoor had never imagined that the role of Jai Walia in Kasamh Se would fetch him so much praise and appreciation
And it wasn't all, for the actor who has proved his mettle on the small screen is now all set to do a cameo in Rohit Shetty's Golmaal Returns. What's more, the actor will retain his screen name Jai Walia in the movie too.
In a freewheeling chat with LT, Ram Kapoor talks about his career, the power of TV and controversies surrounding his wife Gautami.
"Today, small screen is a very powerful medium. While a film is just a three-hour affair, daily soaps gradually become a part of viewer's life. For me, getting a role where I have to play my TV character is no less than receiving an award since it shows the popularity of my character. It was fun playing my character on the big screen," says Kapoor while talking about the cameo he's going to play.
But this is not the first time the actor is working on the big screen. "I have also worked in the movies like Darpan ke Peechhe, Kal: Yesterday and Tomorrow and Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi with Shiney Ahuja and Chitrangada Singh. However, between the two mediums, I prefer working on the small screen since I've already got the recognition and status of an A-grade actor," he says.
We ask him if he thinks that Prachi Desai's exit as Bani from Kasamh Se would affect the viewership of the serial?
"No, I don't think so. Gurdeep Kohli, who has replaced Prachi in the serial, is a fine actress. I'm sure she'll manage it well, though Prachi is a very good friend of mine and I will miss working with her."
Also, just like Kasamh Se, with soaps focussing more on female-oriented subjects these days, we wonder if it bothers him? "Not at all. Also, I don't agree that small screen is getting female-oriented. Male or female actors, each one has to create his own place and image in the industry and one who knows his job, will always stand out."
Not just this, Ram is also not overly worried about top Bollywood stars making a beeline for TV. He says: "Why should the entry of big stars make me insecure? Small screen is a big medium of entertainment and different channels have different shows. Plus, with films being a risky business as far as success is concerned, TV offers a good opportunity for film actors."
We then asked him about the alleged misunderstanding between his wife Gautami and Ekta Kapoor, which resulted in the original Tulsi – Smriti Irani making a comeback on the show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Rubbishing all such rumours, Ram says: "Oh! Gautami is very much a part of Kyunki... so I really don't see any grounds for such rumours. Besides, both Gautami and I share a very good rapport with Ekta."
Since he and Gautami have worked as a couple in their first TV serial Ghar Ek Mandir, we ask him if we will get to see them together on TV again. And he says: "I don't know. If we get a chance to work together, we sure will . It'll be fun."
What more is in his kitty? "Actually, I'm too focussed on the work I have in hand right now. I cannot keep signing projects just for the heck of doing more work," says Ram as he bids us goodbye.
Jhanak
