Jay Kalra :Rishabh Rampal interview

by Vidhya Krishnan

Jul 07, 2008, Bangalore

Jay Kalra makes his debut on small screen essaying the role of 'Rishabh Rampal' in Star Plus' Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil. His character is pivotal to the track and is a pandora's box of surprises.

Jay was last seen in the movie "Page 3" opposite Konkana Sen. From a ramp model to movies and now television, looks like our Jay is the latest mover and shaker to hit the small screen!

Talking exclusively to us, he tries to dance around his character…

I cannot reveal much about my role now but my character is that of a rich flamboyant businessman who is not stiff when it comes to work. Rishabh Rampal is a cunning businessman who wishes to overtake Juneja Companies which is owned by Prem and his father Lalit. He is laid back, relaxed, cocky, and arrogant. He does not have any negative intentions but wants to be prosperous.

I have been getting offers for small screen for quite sometime and thought it was the right time to step into the tellyworld. And I chose to make my TV debut with the 'small screen ruler' – Balaji Production. TV is not any different from movies. It seems like the American style, where artists are considered equally important be it small screen or big screen. TV has huge audience and reaches out to a lot of people and the viewer ship is also immense. TV is staple diet and you don't get bored of your staple diet!

Yes, the shooting's commenced in full swing. I have hardly interacted with my co stars since the scenes that I have done required me to work independently. As for the 'slave labor' hours that one associates with serials, yes, I agree that the work pattern is different for TV as compared to movies. For movies there is regular work schedule but for TV it is longer working hours. Both have its own charm and I take the positives from each of it.

When one chooses to work in media, you have to be accommodative and expect certain extreme conditions and enjoy what you do which is something that I believe in.

As an actor I look at my comfort level with the character that I choose. I analyze my strong and weak points and how much justice I would do to my character.

But, the lure of the big screen is always there. A couple of offers in the pipeline (which, translates into I'm desperately looking, but nothing's really coming my way!) For now I will be focused on this soap and establish my character well and may be after four or five months I will take up projects as and when it happens depending on how suitable I would be.