Mishal Raheja
Reet Menghnani, Bollywood News Service
Mishal Raheja, has outgrown his popular character Duttabhau from Laagi Tujhse Lagan' and is back on the small screen in a full-fledged role of a happy-go-lucky rich brat. His new show deals with widow remarriage and therefore the title, Ishq Ka Rang Safed.'
Mishal talks about his long wait for a good role, his recent tryst with the moral police, his views on widow remarriage, and his own marriage plans.
"I think a widow deserves a second chance, everyone needs people."
You were recently involved in an incident where your driving licence was taken away for being publicly demonstrative with your girlfriend. Do you think moral policing is required?
Only if it's in the book of law, otherwise it is wrong. In this case, when I was dropping a friend home and I gave her a hug, a cop appeared and asked me for my licence. He asked me to come to the police station. I switched on the (mobile) camera and next thing I knew was he was running away with my licence.
You were popular as Dattabhau but barring an occasional episode and a one-hour telefilm for Nikhil Advani, you are making a comeback on a TV soap after years. What was the hiccup?
No hiccup, I am very picky. After Dutta's character, which was hugely appreciated by the audience, I thought I should do roles which interest me. It is important for me to do feel charged on the sets every day.
I was also trying to do films, but for some unfortunate reason my debut film (Budget Trip) didn't release.
What is so special about your role in Ishq Ka Rang Safed'?
My character is law student from a Delhi college who is a spoilt brat belonging to one of the richest families of Banaras. He is a prankster who chases girls. His grandfather, who was a priest, is revered by the people and is powerful.
What new emotions will you get to explore through this role?
I will get a chance to explore the lighter emotions. I enjoyed playing an illusionist in Maharakshak Aryan.' The fun element attracted me to this role; I want to entertain the audience.
Does safed appear in the title because it represents the garb of a widow?
Yes.
The plot revolves around widow remarriage. What is your take on that?
I think everyone deserves a second chance in life. I don't think anyone should impose their views on one who is involved in a tragedy or a mishap. Living alone isn't good, everyone needs people; humans are made this way.
If you were in a position to change some traditional practices that are prevalent in the country, what would you change?
I think our laws should change. Justice shouldn't be delayed so much.
You are working with talented actors like Arun Bakshi and Vidya Sinha. Have you seen their work?
Vidya ma'am is just fabulous. Arun Bakshi, who plays my grandfather, is super duper fabulous. On the first day of shoot, he improvised a scene with me, and took it to another level. I remember him in Chamatkar in which he plays an umpire in a cricket match. I reeled off his dialogue from the film and he was amused. Now we share a code language on the sets (laughs).
Your reel father plays a physically challenged person.
My screen father is a reserved person but like any father-son, they love each other. I respect and care for him.
What about your relationship with your real father?
My father (Gopal Raheja) is a dear friend, I share everything with him. We travel together and watch films. It is fantastic. No serial can capture the relationship I share with him.
Have you outgrown Duttabhau or has that embedded in your psyche?
I outgrew it long time back, I hope the viewers have done so too.
When do you plan to marry?
I need to find someone first.
Who is the closest to you besides family?
My dog, Amigo. And Arun Bakshi ... we were in Mahableshwar together for a shoot, and I think he is the closest one to me now.
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