Naman: Desi Ghost buster! article

Naman, tell us about the new avatar of Sssshh… Phir Koi Hai

I have done this great STAR One horror property before too, when it was in its weekly-episodes avatar. Now, I am doing it in an 18 episode series. It's a whole new experience, compared to doing dailies, where you go to the same set, day in and day out. Here, we have more outdoor and night shootings. There is also action and adventure! The biggest plus according to me is that you get to work with different sets of actors, as the stories keep changing.

What's your character going to be like?
He is a kind of a desi ghost buster. He had undergone a kind of a paranormal experience, when he was a child and had lost his mother to evil forces. His mission in life is to get her back.

He was on the wheel chair until recently, how did that work out?
It was a bit tough to show the right body language, as my movement was restricted, but I guess that's where acting abilities come to the fore. It was no ordinary wheel-chair mind you! As regular viewers will know, I just had to press a button and I could zip away at speeds of 50 KPH. I got a day to rehearse during which I had to practice controlling the moving chair, sometimes I fell down, much to the amusement of others.

What is your take on paranormal or supernatural: does it really exist?
I don't know if I should say this, but I am big darpok. I really shudder at the mere mention of such things. Some people say it exists, while others rubbish it as hog-wash. All said and done, I would never ever want to encounter any such 'out of the world experience'!

What about black magic?
Our mythology and culture is full of such references. And coming from Kolkata, I have heard many such instances of people using such practices to harm others. It is totally wrong and should be put down with a heavy hand. How can a father kill his daughter to get a son, I just can't get it. Where is mankind going?

What would happen if your friends left you stranded in an isolated graveyard late at night?
God, please don't suggest such an idea to them! I would faint in fear. I don't think any of my buddies would go to that extent, but if they did only one of us would survive. I will chant religious sermons and try to get out of that place ASAP. If I did not faint, that is.

Do you have any superstitions?
I try to avoid having a black cat cross my way. When I see a feline coming by when I'm alone, I slow down and let somebody else do the honors. If I can't prevent that, then I wait some time before proceeding on.

Do you watch other horror shows?
None, apart from my own episodes. I don't even see any of the other episodes of Sssshh... Phir Koi Hai either. I remember as a child, I watched Evil Dead with my cousins and I could not sleep the whole night. You know what we shoot and what finally comes out of the edit table are different things. The music and CG elements and thrills are added to the scene and it comes out really scary. Had I not been there, I would have run out of the room.

What is your take on horror fans?
Horror has a different, loyal, audience. They tune in on a weekend for their weekly dose of thrills and spooks. Funnily, a major component of our audience is children. When the ghosts come, they scream and shut their eyes, but will surely watch anyway!

How is Ssshhhh Phir Koi Hai different from other horror shows?
I think what separates this show from the rest would be a strong pacy story line and good CG effects.

How has Sssshh... Phir Koi Hai grown over the last 3 seasons?

What I have heard from my fans on social networking sites, is that they like the fact that the third season is not just about horror. There are other drama elements as well. We have introduced my family which includes my brother, who also eyes my love! Hence there is your regular love triangle as well. The creatives have weaved in a Munnabhai Circuit kind of track as well for much-needed comic relief.

What's it like to be a television star?

It has been a fantastic journey. I have done the best shows starting with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kasautii Zindagii Kay as well and now Sssshh.. Phir Koi Hai I have even shown my dance prowess in Nach Baliye 5. Ticket to Bolywood was another fun experience. When I had entered the industry after India's Best Cinestars Ki Khoj , I would not have even dreamt of working with a major channel like STAR. Balaji has also been very kind to me. I feel that I have grown as an actor over the past few years. I am much more confident and don't forget my lines and cues, as I would do earlier.

We have known each other for a long time, so there is a comfort level which helps in certain romantic scenes. We often go partying and pubbing as a group. I really love to pull pranks on Mouni. Whenever she is watching a DVD in her makeup room, I pop in and joke that my pack-up is done. She then gets very upset for having to work more than me!

Any tough scene which you had to shoot of late?

Yes, there was one scene last week, where I had to act like an animal because of the ghost that I was possessed with. It was quite tough for me as I had to really scream out loud and it was quite hot that time. I also had to wear red contact lenses for the right effect. It did take me a few extra takes to can the correct shot, but finally my director was satisfied and that's what counts.

Any other shows in the pipeline?

Right now, I want to pay full attention to this show. Once it's done, I will surely look out for more interesting work. Next, I want to do an out and out youth comedy. Somehow, I have got type casted as a good serious boy; I want to break that image. I sincerely believe that I have the comic bone and can really make you laugh if given a chance.