'Lost count of the films I've worked in'
It's been more than two decades since Maine Pyaar Kiya, and in the interim period, Mohnish Bahl has appeared in several films, carving out a niche for himself playing a distinct variety of roles, even at the risk of appearing repetitive. Ask him to put a figure on his body of work, and he himself is helpless. "I have seriously lost count of the number of films I've done," he says, unable to hide his pride.
But for now, he will be using all his celluloid experience while appearing on the small screen, on the upcoming Kuch To Log Kahenge. "I have acted on television before, on shows like Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and Sanjeevani. But I have always been reluctant to do a daily show. Even while working on these two shows, I was apprehensive about whether TV would be worth the time and effort," he says.
So what convinced him to change his mind for KTLK? "It's a wonderful show, a unique concept. Producer Rajan Sahi has made some good shows like Bidaai and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. I was sure he would offer me nothing but the best," he says, adding that since not many film offers were coming his way, TV was a viable option. "Films as an option will always be open for me. I'll do films as and when I get good offers. At this stage of my career, I don't want to settle for mediocre roles though."
Television's current favourite Bade Achche Lagte Ho, the story of Ram Kapoor's belated marriage and its consequent after effects, is proving to be highly popular. But apparently, Mohnish's Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is also along similar lines. A collision course between two shows on the same channel? Mohnish rubbishes these talks. "The stories are poles apart. The older man factor is the only common element. Ram Kapoor is doing a fabulous job on BALH, and I hope our show is similarly well received by audiences," he says.
