I look up to Nitish Bharadwaj: Mrunal Jain
by Vidhya Krishnan
Sep 16, 2008, Bangalore
Mrunal
Jain who essays the role of Lord Krishna in Kahaani Hamaaray Mahabharat
Ki spoke to us about his debut, playing the young and old Krishna,
professional life and beyond…
On playing Lord Krishna… This
is my debut on TV and I am glad that I got the biggest break ever with
a big production house. I am only focusing on playing Lord Krishna
right now because it will be difficult for people to accept me in a
different role at the same time.
Debuting with a mythology… I
am glad that my first break was a mythology. This version of the
Mahabharat is completely different from the earlier version. People are
commenting on the costumes that are used in Ekta's version but they are
not giving it enough time. I don't think there is any vulgarity on the
show.
Landing the role… I gave the auditions and I was
supposed to play one of the Pandavas but when I met Ekta she decided
that I play Lord Krishna. I would have been a fool to miss the
opportunity. Initially, I was very surprised and confused as to whether
I would play the young or old Krishna. Over the course of time, I was
offered both the roles.
On comparisons with Nitish Bharadwaj I
was confident that I could do it but I had the fear that people may not
accept me as Lord Krishna. And now I am happy that I am being accepted.
Nitish Bharadwaj made such a big impact on people and I look up to him;
I want to leave a mark on people's mind and I am sure that I will.
Preparations for the role… Playing
different ages is a big challenge. I am working on my voice, body
language and have stopped working out. I need to look innocent and
portray a childish behaviour. I also did some reading on Krishna and
some Bhagwad Gita as well. The voice needs clarity and from my smile to
each and every expression has to be innocent for the young Krishna. I
am a Gujarati and I need to speak pure Hindi but I am taking efforts to
improvise on that.
Working with the Balaji banner… Working
with Balaji has been fantastic. One of the reasons that Ekta chose me
to play Lord Krishna is that I am a pure veggie. I don't have onions
and garlic. You can find me wearing kurtas most of the time. I have
totally got into the character and follow certain things strictly. I
have been provided with all the comforts. The directors are more like
teachers and are really cool. So it feels great to constantly have
people to guide you in learning.
Life on the sets… Everybody
on the sets addresses me as Krishnaji and respects me. In fact Ekta
Kapoor touched my feet on Krishna Janmashtami because she looks at me
as Lord Krishna and not Mrunal Jain. And when I am in Krishna's outfit,
I am very polite and calm. I want to give my 100% to whatever I do and
give the best shot.
On the success of reality TV… We have
good daily soaps these days and the concept of saas-bahu is going away.
And reality shows are a big TRP booster. It is a change for people
especially dance is very entertaining. It is ultimately what people
want and reality shows are working well.
Big screen vs Small screen TV
is watched everyday but it is not the case with movies. It is
cut-to-cut acting on the small screen. And everything is different
between small screen and big screen from pin to airplane. Both the
media are good in their own ways but I want to do movies as well.
Life beyond work… I
work 18 to 20 hours everyday and I hardly get anytime for myself. But I
make it a point to visit the temple everyday. I watch some TV and it is
mostly travel and living and some news channels. I also love designing
for automobiles. I would have been an automobile designer if not an
actor. I also hit the gym whenever possible. I work on the weak areas
of my acting; I take feedback from my seniors.
seriously in the whole of this take on mahabharat i only enjoyed watching krishna's parts ... when they show krishna's life and environment its very indian, but the essentrial mahabharat cast look vulgar ... they should have just made ramayan
