Screenindia --A new chapter

After the success of Tanu Weds Manu, it's surprising to see you back on TV.

Why is that? I had never gone away from the small-screen, it was just that none of the projects offered to me were exciting. To quote a popular phrase, frankly, I don't give a damn whether I am doing a film or a serial. Both are a medium of acting for me. The character of Amrit Nigam, which I essay in Shubh Vivaah, was most interesting, which is why I took it up. Simultaneously, I am also doing a film called Zilla Ghaziabad and am in talks for many others.

What excited you about the role?

Most of the characters you see on TV are either black or white. Amrit Nigam, on the other hand, is a real guy who is ambitious, makes mistakes, has no qualms about having an affair with a married woman and even lusts after this girl (Saroj). He is practical and doesn' think twice about taking short-cuts to achieve his goal. He is also manipulative, adapting himself to situations and turning them to his advantage. Though I have played interesting roles in the past, this is by far the most challenging. Amrit is as real as possible and I am still finding my feet, essaying him.

You will be working with the lead girl Neha Janpandit for the first time.

Yes, and she's quite a sweet, pretty girl. The serial rests on our chemistry, which is why I spend as much time as possible with her on the sets. It's the small things –– the action and reaction between actors –– that are important in getting the chemistry right.

Of the roles that you have essayed in the past, which has been your favourite?

When I was in the Balaji phase (with serials like Kkavyanjali, Kesar, Kaahin Toh Hoga) Kkavya of Kkavyanjali was my most defining character and it fetched me immense popularity. I also enjoyed playing Bhaskar in Bhaskar Bharti. No two scenes in the serial were similar. Shooting with Ragini (Khanna) was great fun. Shubh Vivaah is like playing a video game for me.

So, is the character of Amrit Nigam closest to you?

Frankly, you have to give a part of your personality to every character you play. There has to be an element of truth in it. Even if I play a serial-killer, I have to bring out the hidden demon in me and rationalise it. Having said that I have to confess that Amrit Nigam is as real as I could be.

Do you believe that the TV content has matured and seasoned actors are back?

I had gone off the small-screen so I couldn't really keep track on what's going on here. But yes, it's good to see Ram (Kapoor), Sakshi (Tanwar) and Mona (Singh) doing good jobs. However, I believe producers cast actors who are apt for the role and are saleable. For some roles, you need fresh actors without any baggage. There's space for everybody.

How has Tanu Weds Manu changed your life?

No doubt, it's been a turning-point in my career. I have done a couple of films in the past but Tanu Weds Manu got me attention in a big way. It's amazing to be a part of a successful film. The positivity rubs off on you and people take notice. When I was in Punjab recently, people there thought I was actually a Sardar and were speaking to me in Punjabi. Though I understand the language, I cannot converse in it but I was overwhelmed to see their love for me. The credit for this goes to my director Aanand Rai and the cast that was extremely supportive. The experience of acting in this film was refreshing. People in the industry have also been generous in their praise for me.

Has it got you more films?

Well, I am doing Zilla Ghaziabad, in which I have an interesting role. I am in talks for a couple of other films too but it's too early to talk about those.

How come we have never seen you in any reality shows?

I guess I am scared to show the real me. However, I miss dancing, which I used to do at TV awards. I would have also liked to do something like Survivor, but I am not the kind to sit and plan whether I should anchor or host shows. I take things as they come.