This is basically the story of Sudhanshu, a mentally-challenged man who is the eldest son of the richest business family in Mumbai. He is a victim of a sinister plot and is drugged since childhood after his mother's death because he should not stake claim to his father's property. Unlike other films or serials I am not shown as mad or dumb. How is it playing a mentally challenged person?
Well, this was a challenging role for me, not having played such a character before. People ask me if I had met and studied the mannerisms of any mentally challenged person earlier. Though I have come across a couple of such people before, I didn't look at them as a subject of observation for I never knew one day I will have to play one such character. All said and done, I felt it extremely exciting to step into the shoes of such a character for a person who is known to be a sober and subtle performer. You are returning to the small screen after a long haitus.
I wanted a break as I was tired of television, having worked continuously for five long years. The stress was too much and so was refusing roles right, left and centre. Smriti Irani (producer of the serial) initially offered the role which Harsh Chhaya is currently essaying, but for the same reason (stress), I showed my unwillingness. However, she called me again later and offered me this role. Gauging that this role would eventually give me self-satisfaction and adulation, I gave in and accepted it. Without work how did you pass your time?
I am not a man to sit home idly. In between I brushed my acting skills enacting in plays like Darna Mana Hai, Kacche Lamhe and Mera Naam Joker.
How are your relations with Balaji Tele Films.
I share a fantastic relationship with them. I am paid well and have got my name and fame through them. What happened earlier was not a spat as such. I didn't agree with them for working 25 days a month for reasons of my own. I the kind of person who will not risk my health for a few rupees more. Your impression of Smriti Irani as a producer
On-screen, we are comfortable with each other. We have done more than 2,500 scenes. She is a very fine person and doesn't carry any airs as a producer.
He is an extremely skilled director having earlier worked with him for Rihaaee. He knows his job and is very fast in executing takes. It's a pleasure working with him. I enjoy a lot working with him. How many episodes have you completed so far?
We have completed about twelve episodes of which seven to eight have been telecast. Any other serial you are working in?
Yes, I am working in Saathi Re that is scheduled to air on STAR One sometime in November.
How would you rank yourself as a person?
I am a sincere, determined, perfectionist and a home-loving person. Being an introvert, I take a lot of time getting to know people and like to stay away from a crowd for even a company of four people is a crowd to me. Yes, I can be an extrovert only with people close to me. In general, people take a lot of time to understand me and vice versa.
