'I want to say a big ‘Thank you’ to Juhi'-Hussain

If the Indian cricket team can hanker after younger players, then why not Indian television? After six years of making you laugh and cry on weekday afternoons, March 13 will see STAR Plus pull its long running show Kumkum off the airwaves — citing falling TRPs and the threat from newer shows. t2 caught up with leading man Hussain Kuwajerwala, whose loving and supportive husband act on the show had made him the heartthrob of millions…

Kumkum is coming to an end after six long years. What are you feeling at this point of time?

I am not really happy with all that is happening. See, we all know that when a show starts, it is bound to come to an end someday. I am happy that just on the basis of its strong characters, Kumkum managed to last close to seven years. Honestly, at this point of time I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I am extremely proud of the fact that I have been part of a wonderful show and on the other, I am devastated thinking that I won't be getting up in the mornings and heading for the Kumkum shoot anymore.

Do you think the makers could have continued the show for a few more months?

As an actor, it's all very easy for me to say that we could have kept the show alive for some more time by resorting to various gimmicks. But to be very honest, whether it is introducing new characters, reincarnation or generation leaps, everything has been done on Kumkum. We just have to bring an end to the show at a time when the audience asks 'why?' and not 'why not?' We have tasted success for six long years. It's only fair that we move on now and allow newer shows to take over.

How important has Kumkum been in your career?

Juhi (Parmar) and I owe our careers to Kumkum. The fact that I am doing so well on television is solely because of Kumkum. It's the best thing to have happened to me in the initial stages of my career, the greatest stepping stone that any newcomer can hope for. The credit for all the subsequent shows and anchoring assignments that you have seen me in goes to Kumkum. Even the car that I drive today and the house I live in is because of the show.

Any audience reactions yet to the fact that the show is being pulled off air?

It's all over the Internet so most people know. I am sure that a lot of fans are really disappointed. All I can do is apologise to them and say that we tried our best, but how long a show will last and when it will end is not in our hands.

What will you take away as your best memories on Kumkum?

The time I spent on set with all the other actors. I particularly liked how we celebrated all the festivals on the show, whether it was Holi or Diwali or Eid. Before Kumkum, I never liked playing with colours on Holi. But now, you will see me every year actively playing with water and loads of colours (laughs).

Who will you miss the most on the show?

I will miss everyone who has been a part of Kumkum, but I will miss Juhi the most. For both of us, Kumkum has been extremely special. Juhi and I share a remarkable chemistry and because we were so comfortable off screen, we could create magic on screen. I am sure that she is going to be shocked when she hears this, but I want to say a big 'Thank You' to Juhi for partnering me on this incredible journey called Kumkum.

Will you miss Kumkum? Tell t2@abpmail.com