I want to known as a good actor-Manish

What attracted you to Kaali in 'Kohinoor'?
Everything (laughs). The look, and the fact that Kaali is a saint and sinner at the same time. It's a brilliant role for any actor to portray. Besides, I was also looking for some work besides my plays. I was looking for good roles.

Weren't you worried about being slotted in a particular category because of your look in the serial?
I don't think these things matter today. Everybody is changing their look and hairstyle to suit the characters that they are playing. It's the time to take risks and experiment.

But that experimenting happens after establishing oneself!
Yeah, that's true but I was drawn to the character. It had a lot of meat in it.

Have you done other serials before?
I have done a film with Prakash Jha. It was 'Rahul' in which I played a negative character. I also did a serial 'Aamprapali' for DD. I played the other man in it, the role which Sunil Dutt played in the film of the same name. I've also done a festival film, '2nd October', a film about the underworld. I play a minister's son who has gray shades. I also did a small role in 'Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose'.

What about theatre?
I've done 'Maa Retire Hoti Hain' with Mrs. Jaya Bachchan. I also did the main lead in 'Dr. Mukta' another play with her. I'm also doing Javed Jaffrey's 'Hum Le Gaye Tum Reh Gaye', a comedy play in which I have a negative role. It's got a lot of thrill and comedy. We've done over 17 shows all over.

What made you shift focus from theatre to television?
It's the money and fame definitely. Theatre is great fun but ultimately we are catering to a limited audience. Besides, the cost of a ticket is very high. Television gives an actor a wider reach. I'm happy that I'm doing 'Kohinoor'.

How was the experience of working with Jaya Bachchan?
It was an amazing experience. Now I know why some actors really make it big. They are amazing in terms of talent, performance as well as human beings. I was nervous the first time I had to perform with her. But later I started calling her mom. Even she pampers me a lot and calls me her son. But of course, there is also a certain level of mutual respect we share and a certain distance that is maintained.

You seem to be a very versatile actor!
(Laughs) I've won the 'Best Actor Award' five times. I've also won the 'Balraj Sahni Trophy' for outstanding performance. So I guess I'm a good and versatile actor.

It is said that theatre actors are loud!
Yeah, but I toned down when I started doing films and television. Jayaji had once told me that if you are a good actor, you will remain so whether it is television or films.

You also seem cut out for negative roles!
(Laughs) It goes with my looks. I'm not a soft-looking, chocolate-faced guy. So negative roles are welcome. I love Kaali because he's a negative character with a heart of gold. I also like the look. I'm growing my hair to look like that in real life. I mean, not exactly like that, but most people have told me that the look suits me.

How do your kids react to Kaali?
My seven-year-old son threatens the other kids in school that I'll go and kill them if they do anything to him (laughs). My little daughter recognises me on screen and says, 'papa'. My wife too watches the serial. She likes it.

How about mainstream films?
I am planning to approach producers and directors once I get settled with 'Kohinoor'. It's a new show so takes up a lot of my time.

What do you do on your day off?
I spend time with my wife and kids. I travel too but love to spend time at home.