Vivian D’sena aka RK of Madhubala... tells Sangeeta Yadav what made him return to the show after quitting it for two weeks and why he is dauntless about playing a retard instead of an arrogant superstar that viewers were sold out on
Was it planned that you would exit the show and then return in the new avatar of RajuIJ
Not at all. When the show took a leap and I was required to play father to a 25-year-old daughter, I was not ready for it. After a talk with my producer Abhinav Shukla, I quit. I had no idea that I would return as Rajju a mentally underdeveloped man. Abhinav was not convinced of the sad ending of RK and Madhu’s love story. After two weeks, he called up to tell me of this interesting role. I liked the story idea and agreed to return.
This show has been very dear to you and yet you left. WhyIJ
I was not at all game for playing a 25-year-old daughter’s father. I am 25 myself and was unable to relate to it and so said goodbye. But I never expected to play a mentally challenged person. I took it up because I found it challenging.
How are you coping with the new storylineIJ
As I said, it is a very interesting turn. Everybody wanted to know who Raju was and where he had come from. For now, only the producers know how my character will develop. Playing Raju is challenging, enervating and a lot of hard work. I have to make sure I don’t look funny because then the show will become a comic comedy.
There’s hardly any chemistry between Raju and Madhu...
Their relationship is very complicated. Rajju considers Madhu a doll since he has been told that the marriage is like gudde-gudiye ka khel. But it will develop so wait and watch.
Do you think there are shades of Sanjeev Kumar’s role in Khilona in your roleIJ
(laughs). Well, somebody once told me that I act like Robert De Niro in The Awakening. But, I have not copied Sanjeev Kumar to play Rajju. The mannerisms of a mentally challenged person vary from person to person. For me, it’s all about spontaneity and naturalness.
RK was an extremely arrogant lead. Why did you accept such a negative role to begin withIJ
I had to do something out of the box and RK was the opportunity for me. The character had lot of shades which I enjoyed playing — be it an arrogant superstar or a caring husband, RK gave me a new life on TV.
How did your family react to your comebackIJ
When I told my mother that I’ll be playing a grown up man with the mental capabilities of a 12-year-old, she said that it would be easy for me as I behave like a child in real life as well. But she was surprised to see me as Raju when she finally saw the serial. She felt I was excellent.
Is it true that you were getting movie offers when you quit the showIJ
No, that’s not correct. But I would love to work in films as it’s a different medium all together. Working for films will be a great learning experience for me. As of now, I’m very happy to work in the television industry which is going very well right now.
Rumours are rife that Gunjan Utreja (plays Abhay Kapoor) is not happy with your comebackIJ
That’s not true. We are very good friends. In fact, from day one we became buddies.