Taming Casanova Karan - An article

We're chatting over a cup of coffee when Main Agar Kahoon from Om Shanti Om starts playing on television. What happens next is something I will never forget. Karan Patel put his coffee mug down and animatedly apes SRK. Some might think it's a very embarrassing thing to do but I have known Karan for a while now and if there is one thing I have always admired about him, it would be that he isn't afraid to follow his heart.

People say one has to adhere to the norms of the industry in order to survive here. But I believe it depends more on the individual. If you're strong-willed, no adjustments have to be made. And meeting Karan after a whole year just proves my theory right. He still does his own, speaks his mind and exudes confidence. He is as far from diplomacy as Aishwarya Rai is from being candid. I promise you, I am not over-exaggerating on this one.

At this point, Karan is on quite a high. Well, the so-called Casanova of television is planning to settle down in the coming year. And what's more? He has just signed his first film with Mahesh Manjrekar, tentatively titled City Of Gold.

As I ask him about how it all happened, I notice this constant grin on his face. He's so happy about signing this movie that he just can't stop smiling. And understandably so! "It all started from Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket. Mahesh Manjrekar was one of the judges on the show.

Maheshji spotted me there and told me he already had something in mind. I suited the character and so I am working with him," he says contented. "I am the main protagonist. And it's a very unusual story. I know everybody says that but this time I can assure you it's different because it's hard core reality. It's something that prevails in our society today. I really don't think I could have asked for a better break."

He seems pretty eager about sharing his experience of working with Manjrekar so I let him continue. "Working with him has been great because he is not only one of the best directors we have but he is also an amazing actor himself. He has given masterpieces in Astitva and Vaastav and done a brilliant piece of acting in Kaante. If he wasn't a full time director, he would have been a very successful actor.

When I don't get a particular scene or the mood right, all I have to do is ape him. He's the kind of director who'll come and tell me I have done a great job if I surpass his expectations. He'll come and say, sahi hai bapu. Mahesh is more of the bhidu kinds and it's fun working with him."

Before I can say something, Karan surprises me as he reveals some more good news. "Although I can't name them, I am in the process of signing two other big films. 2009 is going to be a big year for me. Inshallah if everything goes according to plan, I will have three releases next year," Karan beams.

He is very gung-ho about his films. But does that mean he is switching to films for good? "What is switching to films for good?" he demands to know. "Come on, you explain to me… All I know is that I am focusing on a career because for me, I do not see the difference between the two mediums. I am an entertainer and I am pursuing entertainment, be it TV or films.

I idolize Shah Rukh Khan. He has done everything that I am doing. He started with TV and has done cameos like me. Then he did a full-fledged role in Fauji and I am doing one in Kasturi. He's ventured into films and in his first film, he played a very harsh and negative character, which is similar to what I am doing in my first film.

He has anchored a show and I have done one too. So I am following his footsteps and Inshallah, I hope to reach where he is some day. But I am not planning to quit TV," he says acutely. "I definitely think I'll have to master time management because obviously films do take up a lot time. I will probably have to cut down on my television work a little bit because TV can get a little stressful."

Kasturi has been his claim to fame so won't it be unfair to leave something, which has got him all the adulation? "See, I am not going to say that if my films are successful, I will not do TV because somewhere down the line, hopefully, my films will do very well, but I cannot forget my roots. Television is what has made me," he opines and then continues, "I am not leaving Kasturi and secondly, I am sure that Ekta (Kapoor), Shobha aunty, Jeetuji and everybody at Balaji would be happier about the fact that one of the stars they have created is getting a much bigger platform. But with all due respect, I am still going to be a part of Kasturi. We'll just have to work something out."

Ekta is known to be very possessive about her stars. She doesn't like her TV actors foraying into films. Doesn't he think she will take this as disloyalty? "I don't think so because many of her close friends have gotten into movies. Prachi Desai did a full-fledged role and I think Ekta supported her fantastically. See now, Balaji is also getting into films so I think Ekta would be very happy if one of her actors is doing movies. For the rest of my life, wherever and whatever I am, the entire credit goes to her," he says, and then eagerly adds.

"If Ekta is upset with me about doing a certain thing then I will have to think about it twice. I can't upset her because more than anything she has been a very good friend. I would not upset Ekta just to do something I really want to. But I know if I sit down and talk to her, she'll be more than glad to help me with it."

Television actors are always categorized and most of them find it difficult to make it big in films. But none of this seems to affect Karan. "I'll tell you the opposite," he states. "Vidya Balan, Kay Kay Menon and Irrfan Khan have all been from TV.

Look where they are today. Earlier people said models couldn't act but look at John Abraham today. Girls go mad when they see him on screen. In fact, I am very proud to be an actor from the TV industry who is trying to make it to films, because it would give me great pleasure if I am able to break the myth about TV actors not being able to make it big.

A lot of people have this mindset that there can be only one Shah Rukh Khan who can make it big. But not everyone wants to be SRK. A lot of people are just there to make it. And I know I can make it," he says with conviction.

As he gets into the right mood, I switch to another interesting topic in his life that made headlines. His 'planned' affair with Amita Chandekar for Nach Baliye 3… On hearing Amita's name, he looks at me and says, "You're out to get me today, aren't you?" He smiles and continues, "See, that was the situation and faking our affair was a way out; that's it."

So, does he feel coming out with the truth after the show has affected his image in any way? "I don't think it has affected me negatively. I don't think honesty affects anybody. I was honest on my part. I never went out of my way to say I was in love with her. Maybe I did say a few things but that was because the show was on air then."

Karan has always courted controversy in some way or the other. Like his friendship with Kasturi co-star Shubhangi Atre Poorey that went sour. Karan makes no bones about that. "I don't get along with her. We just share a cordial relationship. Look, in the beginning, everyone slogs it out but if, after a little bit of success, you start thinking you are Miss World, then God help you. You can't start throwing your weight around. It doesn't work with me boss," says Karan irritably.

"Not that she can afford to. I give a lot of shit and she better take it but I don't take anyone's shit. She was insecure of me because everybody loves me and respects me for what I am. But she doesn't understand that only if you give respect, you get respect. Maybe it's her small town thinking. Whatever it is, I don't really want to know because I don't give a damn. When her track in the serial had changed, I was so glad," he says smilingly.

Well, that aside, a lot of people believe that he is the Salman Khan of the small screen even though he idolizes Shah Rukh. "I know what you're saying," says Karan without letting me complete my question. "Someone who has had many affairs, is outspoken, parties every night, drinks whenever possible, is very moody, gets into fights, shoots when he wants to and doesn't shoot when he wants to," he laughs and then adds.

"Yup, pretty much like me. But I am happy that people know me because of my affairs. Not many people are lucky enough or good-looking enough to have so many affairs."


He jokingly seems very proud of his previous liaisons, but Karan assures me that at this stage in life, he is looking to settle down. "I am on the lookout for the right girl. It could be either arranged or it could be a love marriage but I want to settle down by next year. I had decided that till I didn't get a proper launch and till I didn't get rid of the so-called TV actor tag, I wouldn't get married."

However, knowing him, commitment won't come easily. Does he think he will be able to handle marriage? "How can you say I have not committed? I have had about 39 affairs and 72 flings… that's it. If I have to count everything, I'll need a counting machine," he says candidly.

And looking at my expression, he quickly adds, "I am just joking. I agree that I have made many mistakes but I am very commitment-friendly. I guess maturity comes with age. A lot of things in my life have changed. And where my settling down is concerned, I will find someone nice hopefully. Plus, I have a small knit family in Ram Kapoor-Gautami and Hiten Tejwani-Gauri Pradhan who I always consult before taking a decision."

Then suddenly, out of the blue, he asks me, "How difficult do you think it is for Salman Khan to settle down?" Very difficult, I tell him. As soon as I say this, Karan adds, "You might be right but I still love the guy. Anyway, I want to go the Shah Rukh Khan way. I want to have a beautiful wife, a loving family and be a superstar. Right now, I am single and totally ready to mingle." That's more like the Karan Patel we know.

*BY RAEDITA TANDAN