TOI: I am a hands on dad- Manav

Manav Gohil is in a very happy space, both personally and professionally. He's doing a mythological show for the first time in his life, where he played the antagonist Andhak in Devon Ke Dev Mahadev (DKDM), and is also playing one of the leads in Khelti Hai Zindagi Aankh Micholi (KHZAM), in which his character will become even more prominent in the days to come. Excerpts from a chat with the talented actor:

It seems to be an exciting phase of your career.
For me, 2013 has been a year of resurrection and reconstruction. It has just reinforced my belief that when you are determined and there is honesty in your prayers, the entire universe supports you! I am very happy with the shows which I am doing. While I have played an antagonist before, it's for the first time that I am playing one in a mythological show (DKDM) and it has been an enriching and challenging experience. The experience of all these years stood me in good stead for this role. As for KHZAM, I am enjoying that too. And I am really delighted with the way The Buddy Project has been received by everyone.

We hear you might do another Gujarati film in the future?
Nothing has been finalized yet. 'Saptapadi' (Manav and Swaroop Sampat played the lead roles in it) was a beautiful film and another script is being written keeping the same cast in mind. In principle, all of us have agreed and it will be a very contemporary Gujarati film.

In the past, you have been vocal about several TV shows having regressive content. How do you look at the industry now?
I love the fact that the concept of seasons is catching up. Once you have a bound script, it makes a lot of difference. As for the industry, I would love it if they work in a more systematic manner and dare to experiment a little more. Right now, since there is so much of money involved, people associated with daily soaps prefer to play it safe.

Your daughter (Zahra Tabeetha) is 16 months old now. Are you a hands-on dad?
Oh yes, absolutely! I just love spending time with her and since I don't get to spend a lot of time with her due to work commitments, I try and make the most of whatever I manage. My mornings are reserved for her and I try to pack up early whenever I can. Right now, Shweta (Kawaatra, his wife) and Zahra are in Canada on a holiday and I am missing them really badly!

Any plans of visiting Vadodara during navratri?
I would really love to come, even if just for day. But I doubt whether my schedule will allow me to do that!