MUSBA HASHMI speaks with KINSHUK MAHAJAN about his role in Star Plus’ latest offering Pandya Store, the attraction of playing it and how his life has changed after Sapna Babul Ka...Bidaai
What is your role in Pandya Store?
I play Gautam Pandya, a shopkeeper. He is a kind-hearted and family oriented person. He keeps his family’s dreams and happiness above his needs. His father is no more with them and his mother is bed ridden, so the responsibility of taking care of the family lies on his shoulders. The story revolves around how he runs the store and during the process gets to know that Pandya Store is mortgaged. He then gets married to Dhara, who then helps him in running the store.
What attracted you towards the role?
The simplicity of the character. There is no need of over-the-top acting, it all comes so natural. Also, Gautam is a person who wants to see everyone happy and that was one of the reasons what got me attracted towards this character.
What all preparations did you have to do?
I had to shed five kgs to fit into the shoe of the character. Also, I had to work on my dialect a bit. Though it was not that difficult because the show is pan India. I had to learn to speak slowly and not just rush into words. And lastly, I have to work a bit on my body language as well.
You have played both negative and positive characters. Which one do you prefer to play?
I would like to play more positive characters because a hero is always shown in that light. Though negative characters offer more scope to show your acting skills, but having said that my priority is always to play protagonists. Also, my face suits best for positive characters so I mostly get cast for such roles only.
With that being said, did you have any apprehensions in taking up the negative roles?
Not at all. I believe an actor should explore all kinds of roles and genres. The more types of characters you play, the more refined your craft gets.
Were you concerned about losing your positive image in the minds of the audience?
The audience liked the characters I played. I have been fortunate enough to have got the audience’s support in whatever role I played. There were no concerns at all. Also, the more negative comments you get for your role, it means you are able to justify your character and strike the right chord with the audience. It is like a validation for your work and we take it in a healthy and positive way.
How did acting happen to you?
I did an acting course and then went on to do theatre for two years. In 2007, I got my first break in Dhoom Machao Dhoom and I shifted to Mumbai for the shoot. Then I went on getting more and more shows and this is how I reached here. Ups and downs are always there in every field, but I was lucky enough to keep on getting shows after shows.
Was there a moment when you felt like quitting?
Not at all. I was mostly busy with work and even if when I was not, that gap was not that big enough to demotivate me. In that gap, I focused on reinventing myself and my craft and never lost hope.
Do you mind giving auditions?
No. Today, we don’t call it audition, we call it look test instead. But it is more or less the same thing and without it things will not work. I never shy away from giving auditions.
How has your life changed after Sapna Babul Ka...Bidai?
The popularity quotient went up. I started getting more respect in auditions. A lot of things definitely changed for the better once the show became a hit. My life changed after the success of the show.