The journey from Office to Office

From the rising fuel prices to problems with the BMC, from corruption to bribery, tackling issues will never be the same again! Naya Office Office returns with its hilarious star cast, new episodes and stupendous comic plots. Catch the lovable Mussadi Lal protesting against VAT levied by the government as he dons the avtaar of a shopkeeper tonight covered by the news
channel 'Kal Tak'. In an exclusive chat with Showbuzz Network, Pankaj Kapoor talks about the revamped show and his future plans. Naya Office Office premieres tonight at 8:30 pm on Star One.

How will Naya Office Office be different from the previous version?
The Naya Mussaddi Lal is the same Mussaddi Lal, the only difference is that he will tackle a host of newer and topical issues like multiplexes, hospitals, BMC problems, etc. Mussaddi Lal represents the voice of the common man, therefore, you will find his get-up simple and identif-
iable. This will help the audience instantly connect with him. You will also notice that the comic quotient has upped by a few notches! The offices that he visits now are swankier and bigger.

The show has been going on since a number of years, how do you plan to keep the audiences' interest intact?
The show was last seen three-and-a-half years ago. The ones that are now aired on Sab TV were the repeats. 'Naya Office Office' has new episodes with fresh concepts on a fresh channel! The show has been popular and people still fondly recall the episodes. The audience is definitely going to love it now that it's back after such a long gap.

How has the journey been, so far? Any funny incidents you recall during the shoots?
The journey on Naya Office Office has been very pleasant. I have a great rapport with my co-stars and with Rajiv (director-producer). There was no thinking from my side, when he approached me to ask, if I was interested in doing a second innings with him.

On a different note, will Karamchand, the serial, make a comeback?
I prefer not to say anything about this, right now. What are your future plans?
I can't reveal too much at this stage except that I have three films lined up. One of them is 'Blue Umbrella' and the other is 'Dharm'.

As an actor, what genre of acting do you find most challenging?
Every role is challenging, since one has to get into the skin of the character and identify with the psyche. Comedy is as tough as playing a serious character!

What about the current state of Indian television and where does comedy stand in this
scenario with reference to Naya Office Office?
I believe that television is a medium for the masses. What is shown will influence the larger audiences, in general. Television has gone through a sea of change. There are several genres being explored, comedy being one of them. Since it's addressing the larger audience, content should not be sensationalised and exaggerated.