I've always tried to do something different
After his three-year break, actor Pawan Malhotra has made his comeback to TV. During this time, he was a part of many breakthrough films like Saleem Langde Pe Mat Ro, Bagh Bahadur, etc. Recently, he was seen in Farhan Akhtar's Don. Malhotra has a history of excellent TV work with serials - Nukkad, 9 Malabar Hill, Kahaan Se Kahaan Tak etc. His journey from so far has been exciting and interesting. Now, he's all set to make his comeback as Gaurav Chopra's stepfather in Aisa Desh Hai Mera!
What prompted you to make a comeback to television after a long gap?
There are relationships that you share with certain producers and you can't say no to them. I would never say no to Manish Goswami with whom I've had really wonderful experiences. I've done Kahaan Se Kahaan Tak with him, which was directed by the great Lekh Tandon. Besides, my role in Aisa Desh Hai Mera really appealed to me!
What have you been doing in these years?
I was busy shooting for my films, Don, Pachas Laakh, and Black Friday. In between shoots, I got a lot of free time which I spent with my wife, travelled, watched films, and met friends. I also concentrated on cutting down my weight as I'd put on a bit of it. But it's not like I had long stretches of free time.
Why this gap in your career?
Nothing interesting was being offered to me. I've always tried to do something different and interesting. At times, I got offers and if I asked them about my character, they reacted in a strange manner.
Didn't people feel that you were not keen on doing television?
People did feel that. But it's not like I didn't want to do television. I'm an actor. How can I differentiate between mediums? Even if something interesting is offered to me after Kahaan Se Kahaan Tak, I will take it up. If you check out my career graph, you will see that there have always been gaps.
A little about your character in 'Aisa Desh Hai Mera'…
I'm playing Dr. Sanjeet Marvah, a guy who really loves his wife. He's very understanding and has no problems with her past. He stands by her and they work like a team. He's a very sensible and nice person. It's very interesting to play a character like that. He's so positive and lively.
Today, when most people are craving for negative roles, why this craze for a positive character?
I've played lots of negative characters. I've played a negative character, Narang, in Don. I'm playing an underworld Don in films like Pachas Laakh, and Black Friday. It's interesting for an actor to do different kinds of roles. An actor has to be versatile because all kinds of people exist in this world. That's what makes our profession very interesting.
How many days will you be required to shoot with them?
I've been told approximately 10-12 days, but there may be slight fluctuations. It depends on how the character develops. Today, there are no ready scripts, they keep writing according to the availability of the actors and their acceptance and popularity. No one says this in such certain terms, but this is what I've gathered in the few days that I've shot with them. Today, there are well thought out strategies based on the channel's perception. This depends on the TRPs.
Do you feel that the Nukkad days of television were more interesting?
I don't think so. People are still enjoying television today. Earlier, only producers made money. Maybe today they are making bigger money, but everybody shares the booty. Today, most people crib that only saas-bahu serials are being made. That's because people are watching it. There's a demand for that. A lot of people tell me that I should be doing Balaji serials as they want to watch more of me. So it's not the makers who are to be blamed. It's the audience that's prompting them to make these serials.
Are you open to accepting Balaji offers?
Not at present, but who knows, I may do so in the future. Ultimately, an actor cannot wait for his kind of roles. Some day he will have to take on something that he doesn't want to do. I could reject certain roles and cut down my work for three years, as I don't have a lavish lifestyle. But at some point, one wants a few luxuries in life. Earlier, I wasn't part of commercial film. But that has changed with 'Don'.
Any dream role?
Once I get a good script, I agree to do it and then work on my character. This becomes a dream role for me. I've been lucky to have always got interesting offers coming my way. My work has always got me more work.
Do you feel that you haven't got your due as an actor?
Every actor is bound to feel that way. Even Charlie Chaplin must have felt that way. There are so many characters to play that it's not possible for an actor to do in one lifetime.
Anupamaa
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