Arhaan Behl (a.k.a as Krishna of Pratigya fame) is a hard man to trace. Deeply committed to his craft, Behl puts work above everything. We tried having a chat earlier, but the actor was busy shooting. We finally managed to have a word with Behl, whilst he was on his way to the studio.
Excerpts from an exclusive chat.
How ironical that your character name is Krishna, but you're playing a goon.
(Laughs). Initially, he was shown as goon, but he has a good heart. Krishna is not a bad man, it's just his upbringing that is questionable.
Are you surprised by the popularity of a character like Krishna?
When the story was narrated to me, I was confident that Krishna will become popular with the viewers. He's not your typical male protagonist. He talks and behaves differently. There's purity in the character, may be that is what appeals to the viewers.
Can Krishna be a role model for the youth?
There are a few things which the audience can take from him i.e. honesty, loyalty. However, Krishna can't be a role model. He's can't be inspirational for others.
We are bewildered by fans who write to us asking Pratigya to allow you to touch her. How do you view such requests? What's your message to them?
(Ha ha) Can I really give a message here? Look Krishna is Pratigya's husband and perhaps that's why the fans want the girl to allow Krishna to touch her. However, he may be a husband but that doesn't give him the right to force himself upon her.
Will you agree that the definition and look of the male protagonist has become more rustic?
Yes, that is true. Gone are the days when the male protagonist used to be a good-looking and clean shaven business tycoon with multiple marriages and always stood in the shadow of the saas or bahu. Today, the male lead is a common man from the hinterlands. He sports a stubble and speaks in a rustic tone. He's what I call an anti-hero. The viewers see themselves in such characters.
Have you ever indulged in eve teasing in real life?
No, never. Eve teasing is a reality in our country, especially up in the north. It's a real bad thing to do. I appeal to all to not indulge in such sin. Krishna did that early and got a tight slap from Pratigya. He's learnt his lessons.
You were linked with your Pratgiya co-actor Avantika. Is there any truth in it?
I've been linked Avantika, Pooja and other actresses too. There's no truth in these tales. Beyond this I won't comment anything. And, just to settle the issue once and for all – I'm very much single.
TV casting directors believe that no acting workshop helps in the making of a TV actor. Do you endorse this view?
In my case, I never took them seriously. I was a naughty student. My friends and I often bunked classes. Mind you, these workshops are expensive, so, when the realization occurred we attended them sincerely. I'm not saying that these workshops aren't beneficial, but for me it is about doing your homework. I spent hours in front of the mirror reciting my dialogues.
Most TV actors have a goal in mind. What's your aim?
Yes, I have a plan A, B, and C. Plan A is fulfilled with Pratigya. Bollywood is always your plan C.
What's plan B then? Is to be the top actor on TV?
No, there is something else up my sleeve but I'm not disclosing that now.
What does Arhaan do when not facing the camera?
These days I don't get much time, but whenever I do you'll find me with play station or a chess board. I am good at both classical and rapid formats. Unfortunately, there aren't worthy competitors for chess now.
--Mayur Lookhar/ TellyCafe.com
Link: http://tellycafe.com/television-star-interviews/646-krishna-cant-be-a-role-model--arhaan-behl.html