22-year-old Avinash Mukherjee couldn’t believe his luck when Ekta Kapoor offered him the role of Ranbir Nachiket Khanna in Itna Karo Na Mujhse Pyar on Sony. He is super thrilled to play the attitude-wala guy, Mukherjee tells Deebashree Mohanty
You disappeared after playing the loveable young Jagya in Balika Vadhu. WhyIJ
It was a long running soap and I was totally dedicated to the role. I did not consider even cameos because Jagya was priority at that time. When my character grew up and my work was done in Balika Vadhu, I decided to take a short sabbatical just to analyse my first brush with acting on Indian television. I wanted to decide whether this was what I wanted to do. The moment I was sure that I wanted to make a living in this field, I was back — and how!
Do tell us how you bagged this roleIJ
It is like a dream come true. Working for Balaji Productions is a huge deal and I was jumping with joy the moment someone approached me for this role in Ekta Kapoor’s new show. Only a fool would refuse such a great opportunity.
What is so special about Ranbir, the character you playIJ
It is not a run-of-the-mill character where a bigada huya tycoon meets the girl of his dreams and settles down for good. There is a lot of depth and intensity to Ranbir’s character. He is something from the outside and a completely different human being from within. He puts on a show for the outside world but is as soft as candy at heart. His parents’ separation has turned him into what he is and he has no problems with his attitude. I love playing these different shades in one show. It gives me more scope to discover myself.
What do you prefer — the soft candy or the rowdy guyIJ
When I am shooting, the Avinash in me takes a back seat. I become one with my character. So, I enjoy playing both. But in real life, I am more the chocolate candy kind who will not disrespect or argue with elders.
How is it working with BalajiIJ
They are a professional bunch of experienced people who know exactly what they want. Every minute detail is noted and everyone has to follow it to the T. This works for all of us because we know what we are expected to do. Ekta Kapoor was involved from day one of the shoot. She is the one who narrated my role to me and she did it with immense passion. She is aware of the smallest happening on the sets.
How was it working with Ronit RoyIJ
He is a walking-talking inspiration. He is the only method actor in this medium that I look up to. He keeps giving me tips and I lap it up. On the sets, he is a strict performer who goes about his scenes in an extremely professional manner but when we have wrapped up our shooting, he suddenly transforms into a playful person.
What plans for the futureIJ
I am a very one-serial kind of a guy and right now I want no distractions. I am happy with the way my role in Itna Karo Na... is shaping up and I am enjoying every bit of the show.