ANUJ SAXENA INTERVIEW !!

He speaks a million words through his brooding eyes and low-key expressions. The quintessential family man and most importantly, the better half of Kkusum and Kumkum of Indian television — actor Anuj Saxena knows how to draw attention even in women-centric soaps. In an informal chit-chat with Pramita Bose, the modest and multifaceted performer talks about his role-reversals on and off screen...

Q You made a sudden and unexpected comeback in Kumkum on Star Plus. What prompted you to spring back into action after a two-year long hiatus?
Well, I had been in talks with the channel and the serial makers in that regard for a while now. And I was always game for returning to the sets if the production house (BAG films) felt the need. Now, I'm more than happy to be back on the show where I originally featured in an integral role. At times, such stunts prove vital in boosting the TRPs of a particular soap. As of now, we're working out the details from changing the storyline to raising speculations over my character developments.

Q After Hussein-Juhi Parmar's pair grabbing viewers' attention, do you think your revival at this crucial juncture will be accepted by the audience?
You see, certain twists and turns are deliberately woven to amuse the audience and also keep them hooked on to the show. With tailor-made scripts flooding the television market nowadays, the scope for such random modifications cannot be ruled out. Honestly speaking, the Juhi-Hussein jodi did click in a big way, but the tricky idea to bring back my character Jatin Wadhwa has gone down well too. In a way, though implicitly, the audience likes a bunch of surprises at the spur of a moment. Rest is in the hands of scriptwriters to carry the narrative forward.

Q Your character as Jatin seems a well-sketched role. Isn't the current person somewhat different from the erstwhile persona?
As I said earlier, discussions are on to add some new shades in my character. And what's interesting about the daily soaps is that they are really unpredictable. You can never be sure what's in store in the following episode. As of now, I've been portrayed as a man suffering from memory loss, who's gradually coming to terms with the reality. So at present, a roller-coaster ride of high-voltage drama with emotions and dilemma is reigning the plot. Who knows, tomorrow Jatin's duplicate might step out from the bush!

Q How does it feel to play a character that's way above your actual age?
I know what you are trying to hint at. Well, that's the current-day trend and to bring a twist in the tale, sometimes the mega soaps do take a 20-30 year-leap. Moreover, a performing artiste should be able to emote all kinds of roles with grit and confidence and take things in his/her stride. Whether, you play your age or an old guy with teenage daughters, your on screen portraiture should look convincing enough to draw in high TRP rates. This has nothing to do with spoiling your image.

Q Having been enacting the same character for a considerable period of time, do actors fear getting typecast?
It depends upon the kind of stuff you have been executing over an extended phase. As for me, I can loudly vouch for my satisfaction in playing a plethora of roles over the years. From a multimillionaire playboy, daring Casanova, a lover, ailing "mentally challenged" husband to an aged father — I have explored a plenty of options that tests my acting potentials.

Q Tell us something about your soon to be aired show on Sony.
It's again a Monday to Thursday daily soap, produced by Adhikari Brothers. Titled Rishton Ki Dor, it's slated to hit the tube from March onwards. Here I play a normal middle-class Marathi guy, who's a complete family man and bears responsibility of his three sisters. The venture is based on a Spanish tele-novella, called Three Sisters. It's said, nothing succeeds like success, and given the modern-day mantra of reality game shows and talent hunts, formatted programmes modelled on foreign productions are really topping and hitting the bull's eye.

Q From a doctor of medicine, corporate honcho, event management consultant to an actor — you seem to be a man donning many hats. Comment on your versatility.
Well, you could accredit that whole line-up to the deadly medley of my destiny, faith, true calling and passion. I guess it's the question of one's apt time-management and setting his priorities right on the agenda. I enjoy running my pharmaceutical house Elder with the same zest that I invest in heading my yearlong production company Maverick. We make ad films and a couple of small-screen projects for Sony. An endeavour on the lines of a reality show is also on the cards. So, it's been a long meandering course that complements my foray into the glamour world. I'd give you the details the day I'd write my biography. (laughs)

Q How excited are you about your forthcoming film?
Well, I'm extremely enthused regarding its release, which is tentatively scheduled for April-May. Titled Deadly Lips, I'm debuting as a hero. The film is directed by Samara Malkan, I play an Indian immigrant, who's based in the US to make it big out there. Also a newcomer, model-turned-actor Maushumi is plays the female lead.