Veteran actor Dalip Tahil is back on TV & he talks to PRAKRITI ROY about playing Dashrath in Siya Ke Ram
What made you return to TV after 20 yearsIJ
It was nothing spectacular. I just felt privileged that a great director like Nikhil Sinha wanted to cast me as Dashrath. I was excited because I love theRamayana, especially the character of Dashrath and I have never done a costume drama before. I am fortunate to be doing the biggest show on TV right now.
You must have been offered other daily soapIJ
I chose this show because I wanted to do something hatke. I never said no to TV but somehow things never worked out; the subjects weren’t good enough. If you ask me whether I will do more TV shows after this, I have no answer. I never plan what I will do next.
Did you personally do research for the roleIJ
I have read many books related to this subject and I continue reading. It just adds to your knowledge. But after a point, I just focus on the script given to me.
Dashrath is often considered as a grey character, caught between his three wives and sons. How did you deal with these complexitiesIJ
I am sticking to the interpretation that writers have made. There is definitely a preconceived notion about Dashrath, but there are so many things happening in his life — he has three queens, there is curse (from Shravan Kumar), he is worried about the welfare of his sons. He is torn between a lot of emotions and that is what I like about him in Siya Ke Ram. Barring his relationship with Sumitra, there is quite an emotional turmoil with Kaikeyi and Kaushalya.
How have things have changed since you last worked on TVIJ
Technically, it is poles apart since then. CGI has taken presentation to another level. It is exciting! The special effects in this show are of international level. The scale at which TV shows are being done is enormous. Probably right now, TV is bigger than films, seeing the level at which TV shows are being made, I don’t even want to look at films now. I don’t feel that I am doing a show for the small screen, it is nothing less that the biggest feature film I have done. Nikhil is the Ridley Scott of TV.
There are many mythological TV shows being created. Don’t you feel it is an overdoseIJ
It is true that there are many such shows. I guess producers get tempted when readymade plots are available. But that is also the challenge for a show like Siya Ke Ram. Can it stand out from the restIJ Fingers crossed, but I think it should. The perspective and presentation is different and spectacular.
The show has premiered on TV and is getting rave reviews.
The response has been overwhelming. I have been getting innumerable calls telling me how much they like the show. I have been in the industry for such a long time that now I know when people are giving a heartfelt response and that is what we have been receiving. The rate at which word of mouth is spreading is fantastic. My look on the show is also being praised.