Article:‘I’ve had the last laugh’ (kunal)

Actor Amarr Upadhyay feels vindicated about playing the young Karan in 'Viraasat' after refusing to age in 'Kyunkii'

Actor Amarr Upadhyay who played the iconic character of the young Mihir in 'Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' (Star Plus) has been keeping tabs on the show's 20-year-leap.

"Undoubtedly Ektaa Kapoor has assembled a very promising cast in the generation leap. However, I have no regrets that I am not playing Mihir because I could have never played a 65-year-old grandfather. By God's grace, producer Ravi Chopra has cast me in his 'Viraasat ' (Star Plus) as the suave 28-year-old IAS officer Kunal Kharbanda."

He continues, "Actually it's my turn to have the last laugh. Because all those who mocked me when I quit 'Kyunkii...' saying that I would never get to play a young character are now too dazed to react." Incidentally, Amarr is cast opposite actor Manasi Salvi in the show.

Does Amarr feel overshadowed by co-actors Rohit Roy and Aman Verma who are protagonists in 'Viraasat'? Amarr dismisses any sense of insecurity saying, "Not at all. My character Kunal, is cool and unruffled but takes smart decisions. I could have been loud and melodramatic when I get into unpleasant situations. But I am exercising restraint and underplaying my character. Kunal is popular with audiences as he is an ideal brother to Priyanka (Sangita Ghosh)."

He adds, "The brother and sister share a warm bond too, despite the conflicts. For instance, when her husband Rohit accuses her of having an extra-marital affair, Kunal supports her."

Amarr denies negotiating any offers to return to 'Kyunkii…' or any other Balaji show. "They are all baseless rumours. I am not taking up any other serial as 'Viraasat' is enough for me," he clarifies.

Amarr, who has also done films including J P Dutta's 'LOC', is still keen to pursue a career in Bollywood despite his films receiving a lukewarm response.

He reasons, "I am not disillusioned. I learnt a lot through trial and error, because I had no godfather to guide me. But I have not given up as yet. By end of next month I will be signing three new films. I may not be playing the conventional romantic lead but they are all strong characters."