ASHISH SHARMA, who is known for his roles in Rangrasiya and Prithvi Vallabh, shares with MUSBA HASHMI his fondest memory from the sets of Chandragupt Maurya, which is now being retelecast on Dangal TV

Your fondest memory from the sets of Chandragupt Maurya.

Chandragupt Maurya was my second show and I must say it was one of the landmark shows in my career. There are a lot of memories associated from the show because it has given me friends and most importantly I met my wife, Archana, for the first time because of the show. I was shooting in Baroda at Sagar Studios for Chandragupt Maurya and Archana too was shooting for a different show in the same vicinity. So, our cottages were also nearby. I was roaming around in the Greek skirt when she saw me for the first time, that’s where it all began. Later, our shoot moved to Mumbai and even she was back in Mumbai. We became friends and eventually things fell in place for us and we got married. It seemed like everything was destined.

Were there any apprehensions about taking up the role?

Not at all. On the contrary, I wanted to do it even before they offered the role to me. My show, Gunaho Ka Devta, was on air at the time when Chandragupt Maurya was launched with younger Chandragupt Maurya. I was very impressed with the way it was shot, executed and researched. It was way ahead of its time. I was aware of the whole history as I had read a lot on Chanakya and Chandragupta and I liked the way they kept history intact. So, there were no apprehensions at all about taking up this role.

A role that comes close to you.

It has to be Rudra from Rangrasiya and Prithvi from Prithvi Vallabh. Both had a lot of me in them.

What kind of roles attract you?

Stories attract me, roles are parts of stories, story has to work for me on a whole and then what am I doing in it. I always look at the story first and how I will be a part of the narrative.

In all these years, what has been your takeaway from the industry?

My takeaway has been that, this isn’t an industry, it’s just a disintegrated field of work and you are on your own. So, one has to be very strong at heart and mind if you have to sustain here for long. Patience and persistence is the key. I have grown not only with my skills but also personally. I have become a lot calmer and more composed over a period of time. I have begun to see myself very objectively. I believe you grow as an actor when you grow as an individual and it is all interconnected.

Was acting always on your cards?

Not really, I guess I just played my cards well. Today, I am absolutely happy with no regrets. I am in a position where I can do what I want to do and choose what I don’t want to do. Over the years I have made some great content and have been a part of great projects.

Is there anything in the pipeline?

Right now, all the pipelines are blocked. Once this blockage is clear that’s when any one would be able to tell what’s in there for them. I have been working on some ideas during the lockdown. I do have some upcoming web series, which I am hopeful will start to shoot soon. Also, I am looking forward to portray the role of a common man whenever I sign up for something. Hopefully, when the situation get back to normal, I will be able to announce some of my projects.