Chetan's New Chat Interview

on Thursday, November 17, 2005 in Mumbai

Chetan Hansraj
TV actor

"Women do not rule the world of small screen anymore"


Clod > Hey, are you related to actor, Jugal Hansraj? How?
Chetan Hansraj > Yes, he is my first cousin. My dad and his are brothers.

Radhika > What are your future plans once Kkusum finishes in a couple of weeks? What got you interested in acting?
Chetan Hansraj > As of now, I am doing Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi , and planning to do one new with Balaji (productions). I have been acting since the age of 5. I saw Jugal Hansraj on TV and told my mom that I wanted to see myself on TV.

Sadaf > Is Bollywood your next step or you are satisfied with TV? Any Bollywood films on offer? What do you think is your biggest strength?
Chetan Hansraj > I have received some Bollywood offers but none of them are that interesting or great. I am satisfied with TV but want to do films. My personality is my biggest asset and so are my eyes.

Raghu > Chetan, did you get duped by a lady claiming to be filmmaker from the UK, recently? How did it happen? Have you taken any action against her?
Chetan Hansraj > Yes, I did get duped. This woman told (me) that she had selected me for a film and had sent the necessary paper work too, but whenever I called her for the payment or advance, she would say the project had been postponed. Later, I found out from other actors working for Balaji that she had done the same with them. With me, it had reached a level where I had taken 40 days of from Kkusum and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki to act in her project. I have not taken any action, as there is no point in wasting time trying to sue somebody in India.

Chetna > Acting since the age of 5! So, you were a child artiste. Which film/TV show did you do?
Chetan Hansraj > I did a lot of ads like Glucon D, Colgate etc, and at the age of 14 I did a children's film called Kuck Roo Kuu. I also played 'Balram' in BR Chopra's mega TV serial, Mahabharat .

Radhika > Who are your favourite actor and actress?
Chetan Hansraj > Actor - Mr. (Amitabh) Bacchan; actress- Rani Mukherjee.

Wajeeha > Adaab and how are you? Please, tell me Chetan why are you leaving Kkusum ? I love your chemisrty with Aashka.
Chetan Hansraj > I am fine, thank you. Because I am bored of playing 'Garv', besides, the show is going to end.

Momo > How did you manage to play two opposite roles - one of negative 'Sasha' and another of positive 'Garv'. Didn't you feel the clash internally? Which one did you enjoy playing the most – Garv or Sasha? Why?
Chetan Hansraj > I enjoyed playing 'Sasha' because it's a role without any boundaries. So, as an actor, I could really express myself. I did not feel the clash internally. The first few days were a little difficult but then I got used to it.

Indira Menon > Is Mumbai your birthplace? Where did you complete your education? What are your hobbies?
Chetan Hansraj > Born in Mumbai (Bandra). School- Jamnabai (Mumbai) and college-Mithibai (Mumbai). Hobbies –play station (videogame), 3d animation.

Deewani > Hey Chetan, I was a very big fan of yours! I love your jodi (on screen pairing) with Aashka. Do you have any e-mail id?
Chetan Hansraj > Thanks. Yes, I have, but can't give it away here.

Gigs > TV stars have to work for 13-16 hrs in a day. As a result of this stressful and hectic schedule, have you faced any health problems?
Chetan Hansraj > No, I have not faced any health problem. I don't get stressed out because of work and I don't work 13-16 hrs. I have stopped doing that. I work around 8-10 hrs daily.

Rekhakarna > Hi Chetan, any plans of getting back to modelling? Do you actually feel that women rule the small screen world?
Chetan Hansraj > Women do not rule the world of small screen. Couple of years back they used to but not any more. I do model now also if the money is right and the product is good.

Kali > You did so many things before you became an actor. What would you have done if TV had not happened to you?
Chetan Hansraj > I really have no clue.

Jigs > When are you going to become a dad? Congrats in advance by the way. Are you planning to take a paternity leave and be with your wife at the time of her delivery?
Chetan Hansraj > Of course, I will take that week off, but more days will not be possible. She is due in January, next year.

Deewani > Your favourite telly actors and actress?
Chetan Hansraj > Kiran Karmakar (who played Om in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki ).

Lili > Can you tell me in the midst of a sea of TV stars today, how did you manage to draw the viewers attention with your very first serial? Is it purely because of talent, which a lot of others also have, but they don't get this kind of success?
Chetan Hansraj > I don't know what it is but I guess it was my unconventional looks and the style of acting.

Babu > In real life, are you like the mild mannered 'Garv' or harsh like 'Sasha'? Which of your onscreen characters do you feel most close to?
Chetan Hansraj > It's a mix. I am emotional like 'Garv' and hot tempered like 'Sasha.'

Indira Menon > How did TV happened to you?
Chetan Hansraj > I was tired about dreaming about movies, so the next best thing was TV. I went and gave my pictures to Balaji and got a call thereafter.

Indira Menon > What are your forthcoming assignments?
Chetan Hansraj > I probably will be doing one more show with Balaji.

Rekhakarna > Your acting in Kyunki ...was just too awesome. Any pressures and mood outs or horrible experiences during the shoot?
Chetan Hansraj > Thanks. It is a really chilled out show to be in. It's the biggest show in India. I have not had any horrible experiences or mood outs.

Sign Off Message > Thank you so much for sending your questions. It really makes me feel that I am doing a good job. God bless. Love, Chetan.