HT-M-Will never be able to play gay-Nakkul

Says Nakuul Mehta, who plays a conventional role on TV, but will essay a bold, gay character on stage soon

There are certain shows that uphold family values and traditions on TV and Pyaar Ka Dard Hai is one of them. Nakuul Mehta, who plays the conventional male lead on the show — a guy with a modern outlook, who doesn't believe in long-term relationships — has decided to try his hand at something offbeat. He will now be seen playing a gay character in an upcoming English play.

Nakuul says, "It's a cheeky play called Cock, which has been written by the awardwinning British playwright, Mike Bartlett. It's about two men who are in a relationship and a woman who comes into their life. The play does not treat the subject of homosexuality like films or TV do. It's been done very sensitively and isn't frivolous." Nakuul loves his role and feels he's lucky to be able to portray conventional roles on TV and unorthodox ones in theatre at the same time. "It was a challenge that excited me," says the actor.

Nakuul is aware of his image on television and wanted to explore something outside its reach. Ask him if he would ever play a similar role on TV and he says, "I will never be able to play a gay role on TV or even in a Bollywood film because I'm wary of the way it might be portrayed. Theatre is more open, and helps you garner respect as an actor."

He adds, "We did a show in Bengaluru recently and a lot of people from a queer group came to watch. They loved it. One guy got so emotional that he decided to come out to his mother at the age of 40." The play is directed by TV actor (on Na Bole Tum...) and co-star Manish Gandhi.