Aman Verma's Take 2
The actor returns to the limelight with Virasat where he plays the protagonist for the first time
Reena Thapar Kapoor
On Anchoring and acting
I've anchored a few shows. I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed hosting them. However, it was only after hosting Khulja Sim Sim, that I realised I could carry a show off on my own. Dial One and Indian Idol were some other shows that came my way which were a success and did me a lot of good. I wanted to host some more shows but the offers I received were on the same lines as my other three shows. In my entire career, I've consciously refrained from doing similar stuff. As you can see, the concepts of Dial One, Indian Idol and Khulja... were different from each other.
Fall-out with mentor Ekta Kapoor
There was never any fall-out with Ekta Kapoor. I've never had any money or date issues with Balaji ever. Honestly, the last time I interacted with Ekta was seven years ago, when she was casting for Ghar Ek Mandir. Yes, I did act in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kalash but I never interacted with Ekta. There were executive producers and other unit members. Not being invited to or not attending her parties doesn't mean there are problems between us. I have great regard for Ekta. Unfortunately, there were no offers from Balaji after Kyunki... and Kalash. So we never got down to working with each other.
Abrubt exit from Kyunki Saas...
I've always been apprehensive about playing older characters. I quit Kehta Hai Dil for the same reason. I'm not even married in real life, so it's extremely weird for me to hear an actor my age call me 'papa'. Kyunki... was taking a leap and I was not comfortable with the age factor of my character. One actor leaving the show doesn't really make a difference. But I admit it did give me a lot of popularity.
Failure of Indian Idol 2
Unfortunately, the second season of the show didn't live up to the standard created by the first. It was a bit disappointing for me. When I was called for Indian Idol 2, I was told that it would be bigger and better than the first. But they went ahead with the same format. There was nothing new about the show and I think that's why it backfired. The audience is always looking for something original. Now the show is over and I've moved on.
The new negative avatar
I'm not scared of being typecast. It's a coincidence that I played a devil in Devi and a villain in Kumkum and now in Virasat too I'm playing a character with shades of grey. However, my character in the show that of Rishab Lamba isn't negative. He is selfish, arrogant and wants to have the best of everything in the world. Actually, he is a lot like me.
The Ravi Chopra connection
I look up to Ravi Chopra. I owe a lot of my success to him. Unlike the general belief, I'm not a Balaji protege. I've worked with Raviji in his TV shows Mahabharat-Ek Katha, Aurat and Dushman and in his film Baghbaan. In fact, I'm also starring in his next film Babul along with Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini and Rani Mukherjee.
As of now, I'm really looking forward to Virasat. It's the first ever serial where I play the main lead. In my other shows, I've always been introduced in between the storyline and my role also ends in a few months. But in Virasat, I'm there from the beginning. Although it bestows a certain amount of responsibility on me, it also makes me happy.
• When I was called for Indian Idol 2, I was told that it would be bigger and better than the first. But they went ahead with the same format —Aman Verma
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