Karan Patel TOI interview on Mr Bajaj

Karan Patel on playing Mr Bajaj: I don’t fear comparisons, as that’s bound to happen

By - TNN

Neha Maheshwri

Karan Patel and Karan Singh Grover

Over the past few days, speculations have been rife over which actor will replace Karan Singh Grover to play the new Mr Bajaj in ‘Kasautii Zindagii Kay2’ (‘KZK’), after it was reported that he isn’t returning to the show post the lockdown. Several artistes, including Sharad Kelkar and Gaurav Chopraa, were approached for the part. However, we have now learnt that the production house’s search for the new Mr Bajaj has ended with Karan Patel. Interestingly, the actor had played a small role in the original edition of ‘KZK’. He had portrayed Karanvir Bohra’s (he played Mr Bajaj’s son, Prem) friend —

Karan shares, “Mr Bajaj is an iconic character and it has lived on in people’s minds for years. So, it’s a matter of honour to take it ahead from where Ronit Roy and Karan Singh Grover left and add my nuances to it. I intend to make this character as iconic and loved as Mr Bhalla (his character in ‘Yeh Hai Mohabbatein’) had become over a period of six years.”

Ask him if he is worried about comparisons with the previous two actors and he replies, “I don’t fear comparisons, as that’s bound to happen. I have my own approach and understanding when I take up a character. Fear creeps in when you expect failures. In my case, I have always followed my instinct and my focus is on how well I can perform my part. As an artiste, I don’t really prep for a role. I am spontaneous and that’s my forte. I will do the same with my new character.”

What a coincidence! KSG played the role of KVB's( Prerna's son Prem) friend and KP played the role of another friend in the original. KSG got to play Mr Bajaj and now KP! It's like destiny!

Those who're uninitiated, KZK has emotional value for KP. He did get lead role Robbie of Kasturi after playing a small but meaty role in the original. I think KSG too landed on a lead role after KZK. So, the original show is close to them and RB aka Mr Bajaj was at his peak at that time in 2005-2006. Even though it was Anurag and Prerna's journey but because of RB's swag and charm in the form Ronit's acting the show stood tall. Mr Bajaj is the iconic character in the show along with the great Komolika, not Anurag and Prerna. Strange but that's how it is. Mr Bajaj and Komolika were the selling point of the original kzk and hence, Ekta's obsession with these two characters in KZK2.

Speaking of Komolika, I just realized KP and Aamna are going to share screenspace together!😘 Without further ado, welcome RKB...errr, I mean, Mr Bajaj aka RB! 😃

Congratulations KP! Looking forward to seeing you as Mr Bajaj on TV!!

Why 'ALL Quiet On The Western Front'? 😋