Q. What is the change in acting styles now in comparison to the days of Buniyaad and Hum Log?
It’s sad that the quality of actors and character artistes has drastically deteriorated since the Hum Log and Buniyaad days. Today, we tend to be a lot more theatrical and dramatic in our style. All the ladies in most of the shows are decked up 24/7 and have so much greasepaint on that it comes across as fake. The dialogue today makes most of the characters come across as unreal and stagey. The actors playing the parts don’t have pleasant personalities and lack spunk. Back then, we had such a fine crop of actors. And in terms of acting, less was more. We used to underplay the emotions to come across as more natural and relatable. In times such as these, a show
like Punar Vivah will come as a breath of fresh air.
Q. How come there is only a herd mentality on television, earlier we used to have all those Saas Bahu shows, then came the child marriage and other social issues in serials and now remarriage?
I see no demerit in television having two shows dealing with the subject of remarriage as long as the characterization and treatment are starkly different. One does not always need a different subject to come across as fresh or original. It is an approach towards the subject that makes all the difference. Punar Vivah is a mature, progressive show that sensitively captures the journey of a man and a woman, who having faced a debacle in their first attempts at marriage, are brave enough to give life a second
chance. The show delves into the dynamics of re-marriage, showcasing the trials and tribulations that are a part of re-adjusting to a second life partner.
Qs. What is your role in the show and what is the reason for accepting it and what are the other projects you are working on?
My role will be that of a high-flying, big shot industrialist. With shades of grey, my character will be that of the main instigator whose actions will indirectly drive the lead protagonist Aarti (played by Kratika Sengar) to consider the prospect of remarriage. In a world full of people ever ready to criticize others, my character will be the one to throw the first stone! It is my stance that will act as a catalyst and ignite the first flames of remarriage in the minds of Aarti and her family. The role had the required
spark to excite me, so I took it on!
Qs. How did you get into acting?
My father has been a mimicry actor & poet, so in a way we were always connected with the industry. I took up acting 36 years ago when dad fell ill and had to undergo bypass surgery. I wanted to be the son of the house and manage things. I approached Dilip Saab (Dilip Kumar) as my father was close to him. He recommended me. My first assignment was a Telugu film in Hyderabad starring Vijayshanti which went on to become a silver jubilee hit!
Qs. Why do you keep such a low profile?
I am a private person. I don’t go out partying or socializing too much. I love my work and give it my 200 percent. I prefer to the characters I play connect with the audience rather than splash my personal life in public.