Your first two roles on TV (Kasamh Se and Ganga) didn't get you much recognition but playing Abhay Raichand in 'Pyar Ki Yeh Ek Kahani' covered up for almost everything. Share the experience.
Were you okay with the fact that it's a rip off of a Hollywood super hit movie? Were there any apprehensions?
Ekta Kapoor has got the eye. She's the one who has made television what it is today. So I had full faith that the show would be a hit among audiences. There were no apprehensions as such rather I feel I was lucky to play a vampire. The flow of the show and my performance just gelled with each other and it was great.
Do you think it's sensible to make such rip offs (of Hollywood flicks) for TV audiences?
Yeah why not! Unless you don't spoil it and don't kill the authenticity of the original script, it's perfect to give audiences something new and fresh. It's like you can't have daal fry with Chinese food, so the blend has to be in place.
But the climax was so unrealistic and was nowhere closer to what was shown in the film, what do you have to say about that?
Well, you should ask this from the script writers. I know there must have been a lot of criticism for it and even I found it so funny (vampire turned into a human being), but as an actor, I just did what was required out of me. Rest I can't commit on the script.
As an actor, what factors you consider before taking up a show?
The character that I play matters the most. Secondly, there has to be a disciplined routine ' if I am giving my best for the show, I expect the same coordination and cooperation from the show makers and the crew members. Lastly, working hours have to be practical, as I cannot work continuously for long hours.
What's this new show 'Madhubala' all about? Share something about your character.
The show is a tribute to the 100 years of our film industry. It talks about and shows the in and out of the life of Bollywood stars, what all they go through and how they succeed or fail in their career. I play the character of superstar RK who is famous for being famous.
What was that one thing, which made you say yes for this show?
It was only the character in the show that prompted me to say yes. I would say God gave me more than what I asked for. It's not everyday that you get to play out-of-the-box and larger than life characters on small screen and in my case, I have been lucky enough by the grace of god.
Were there any special preparations required for this role? Are there any Bollywood friends who give you acting tips?
Yeah, I have a few friends in Bollywood and they keep giving guidance directly or indirectly. My fianc in particular is the main driving force why I am able to do my role with so much conviction. She keeps me motivated, keeps telling me what looks good on me and makes me focused on my workout schedule. Since I am playing a superstar, so he has to be close to perfect. For that I needed to have a good body and I lost 11 kgs only for this role.
Your last show was mainly youth centric and had different set of viewers, whereas Madhubala belong to a different genre. Will it affect your popularity?
It's all about conviction you see. You have to make people believe. Earlier the vampire character was so new for TV viewers but they loved it, so I am sure they would equally love and appreciate superstar RK as well.