Article on Mishal Raheja

Mishal Raheja
Ankita Israney, Bollywood News Service

Where did Mishal Raheja disappear after his successful stint as Datta Bhau in the TV serial 'Laagi Tujhse Lagan'? Mishal talks about his business venture PHD, his small but memorable brush with Tom Cruise, his recent dances to two Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani songs for 'Punar Vivah – Ek Nayee Umeed' and his plans for the future.

"I thought that I was a fantastic dancer. But then I saw students from different parts of India."

Was your dance performance in 'Punar Vivah -- Ek Nayee Umeed' just a special appearance or are you considering joining the show?
They asked me to do a special appearance. I enjoy dancing so I said yes. If they offer me something that I like, then I will do the role, irrespective of the number of episodes the role covers. The two dances, 'Mera ghagra' and 'Dilliwali girlfriend,' from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani are distributed over two episodes.

What do you think of Barkha Bisht as a co-dancer?
She is fantastic! She didn't need rehearsals. They would show it to her only once and she would deliver in one take. She was brilliant. In fact, she was teaching me how to do several steps.

Do you have a passion for dancing?
I have a passion for dancing; it's fun but not easy. About seven years back when I had joined an acting school, I thought that I was a fantastic dancer. But then I saw students from different parts of India who were fantastic dancers. After seeing them, I practiced a lot to get better.

Do you want to pursue a career in films?
Yes, of course. Every actor aspires to get into films. Last year I shot for a film in Himachal. The producers have not announced the film yet. As soon as they announce, I will make a splash about the film.

Do you regret leaving 'Laagi Tujhse Lagan'?
No, I don't. I had spent fourteen months with the show. I am a creative person, I need change in life. Repetition can be boring. I opted out before I could reach a point of saturation.

What has kept you busy with after 'Laagi Tujhse Lagan'?
I have a company called Party Hard Drivers in Mumbai.

Can you elaborate on the business that Party Hard Drivers is involved in?
I was in a bar one night and my friends and I could not go home. So I came up with the idea that there must be drivers provided to people so they can safely get home. I figured that I could start it myself, so I did. My company has opened a branch in Pune recently.

Is it true PHD provided cars to Tom Cruise when he came to India?
The Wizcraft owner regularly avails of our services. Wizcraft was handling Tom Cruise's event here so, they appointed my company's drivers to drive the entire delegation around. The experience was fantastic. It was absolutely brilliant. I got a chance to talk to him and spend some time with him.

What are your plans for the future?
I have nothing on hand right now. My aim is to make people happy in whatever way I can.

When you're working, how do you manage time between your family and work?
When you're doing a daily soap, it's very difficult. I am utilizing all the time I have on hand right now to spend with my family before I get too busy.

What is your idea of peace?
Everybody who works hard wants to pamper themselves at some point or the other. I think if you close your eyes and sit down or meditate you'll get peace. So, I believe there is no place in particular that is earmarked for peace. If your work makes you happy, then peace will come to you anyway.