Screenindia- Oh my God -- Mohit

I never imagined myself being a part of any mythological shows. In fact, when the channel got in touch with me about Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev, I was unconvinced. But the fact that it was being made on such a large scale and a huge budget, attracted me to take the project. As far as the typecast part is concerned, I think, it happened in the olden times when there was just one channel and one show airing at a time. In today's times, there are a number of channels and shows which air mythological shows, so people don't take it too seriously. I have worked on a few daily soaps and people know me as Mohit Raina very well.

Did you prepare for the role of Shiv?

Previously, I had a very lean physique, so I was asked to bulk up a bit. The idea was that people should relate to me as Shiva, so apart from the make up, it was necessary that physically too, I looked perfect. Also, I had to take diction lessons to pronounce difficult Hindi words.

Before coming on board, were you interested in mythology?

I was born in Kashmir, which is known for its Amarnath Yatra. After that I shifted to Jammu, which is the city of temples. Somehow I was always connected to Shiva. I grew up under the shade of the mighty Mahadev.

Sonarika Bhaduria, your co-star who plays Parvati, is a fresher. Was it difficult to shoot with her?

Forget being a fresher! Initially too, it was difficult for me to essay the role of Shiva. I come from a daily soap background and mythology on the other hand, is a completely new world. Sonarika took some three weeks to settle. After which, she became well established as Parvati. She was accepted by the audiences too. She had the eagerness to learn, and if you are active on the sets, half your job is already done.

In daily soaps you shoot inside a villa, how different is it to shoot for a mythological film?

Shooting for a mythological show is a completely different experience. The show has brought me close to mother nature. I am always shooting near a river or on a mountain, surrounded by greenery. Forget nature, I have also learnt to shoot with animals like snakes and bulls. In fact, I recently shot with a bull, which was taller than me. Initially I was scared to stand next to them, but I have now realised that animals are extremely peaceful creatures. You get to learn shooting with all the graphics and special effects, which people on the daily soaps miss. It's a great experience.

In the remote parts of India, people actually consider you god.

I know, we Indians are very emotional. In fact on the sets, when we get visitors, they ask me to pose for them in weird positions. One guy asked me to place my hand on his head, making it look as if I am giving him aashirwad. Some other guy gifted my snap to his grand mother! People also ask me to solve their problems!

After Shiv, which other character would you like to portray on the show?

I would like to essay the role of Nandi, currently enacted by Kumar Hegde. I feel the character has a lot of shades. It is a very performance-oriented role.

ahhh Mohit from the day you started playing shiva i tried not to like you as i felt difficult to accept you🤓 but you re such a gem that i cant keep myself from liking you.❤️👏