Karan Mehra, last seen in Bigg Boss 10, talks to TRISHNA DAS about what is keeping him busy these days and why he is eyeing Bollywood now
We hear that you have some Bollywood projects lined up. What are theyIJ
These days I am busy preparing for the new member of my family doing interiors and taking care of my wife at home. I am mostly going to take up work in July. At present, there is nothing on my hands to be honest. Talks are on for some TV shows but nothing concrete. But yes I look forward to some Bollywood projects as well.
Daily soap or finite seriesIJ
There are concepts in my mind if something is interesting I would like to do that. Nowadays you have daily soaps that are commissioned for a year. That is good for the actors as well. I have been doing serials for so long that takes a toll on everything — your personal life, your health, etc. As an actor, I need a break now. I would love to have something very different; that’s interesting — something that is bi-weekly. I've been in talks for that. Want to now do smaller meaningful projects.
What about another reality show or dance showIJ
Of course one should do reality shows. I am also open for that. I want to explore different genres. I have done Big Boss and I came out of it with dignity and people respect that. I had a good time there and have also made some good friends for life.
How has the industry changed since your debutIJ
It has changed a lot. I think it is surprising actually how we used to work and how things are going on today, seeing the new generation changing. TV is a medium which you can’t focus too much on. People come, do their acting and go away. Everything nowadays is digital.
Do you think Nepotism exists in TVIJ
Not that I have seen it with my eyes but I am told that it does happen.
Are you open to doing web seriesIJ
I am open to doing anything which is good. There are concepts that are nice if something is interesting, I am open to doing anything which is interesting and has a good story that touches my heart.
Do you have a checklist when you say yes to a role you are offeredIJ
I did not have many options when I started off. later, it didn’t matter much so the checklist never happened. But yes, how good the story is matters.
Your role as a husband in Yeh Rishta has brought you a best pati award. Do you think in real life it is possible to get that type of husbandIJ
After me, I don’t think there is a chance. No, I am just kidding… But there’s a shortage of them in the world of such men. But if you look hard then you can find one.
A great learning experience from Ye Rishta...IJ
It helped me grow as a person at first. I think you go through a lot of things in a show. It gave me name, fame, money and everything. The first show, I did that for the longest time. Everything was positive and nice after that.
Why did you choose acting after fashion designingIJ
Well, I always wanted to be a model that was my childhood aspiration since I was 13. Acting was in my mind but I didn’t know how to go about it since I am from a middle-class background. There was nobody in the industry who could guide me towards it. Fashion designing happened by chance. It wasn’t planned it just came along after my Class XII when I wanted to do something creative. I got into NIFT. I topped and won an award too. I wanted to do something new and that’s when people in the industry told me that I should try acting since I had a face for TV. I came to Mumbai and got a good response. I have been here for 14 years now.