SUMEET RAGHAVAN, last seen in SAB TV'S show Badi Door Se Aaye Hain, has made his comeback on television after two years with India Ke Mast Kalandar. MUSBA HASHMI speaks with the actor about his new show and how has his journey been
What is India Ke Mast Kalandar about?
The show has a unique concept. Here, the talent is to make people laugh. People can show their madness and how atrangi they are on this show. The motive is to entertain people and make them laugh. If the contestants can deliver this they move the next level. This is a platform for the common man to showcase their talent. I am the host and Geeta and Mika are our atrangi judges. It is obvious that there is no vulgarity or obscenity in the show because it is a SAB TV show. It is a full family-based show and it is fun to host it.
Comedy shows are trending. Will this show be able to live up to the standards set by others?
Our show doesn’t aim to compete with any other comedy show. Comedy is a difficult genre; it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Even during the auditions if the person was not atrangi enough we always boost their confidence by saying ‘aap mayoos na hon, agli baar try karein’. There are a lot of platforms for stand-ups but this show is a platform for the people to do weird things and entertain the audiences. Our audience is already loving the show and that is what we strive for.
Having played so many comic roles, which one came close to you and why?
I have been in the industry for the last 35 years. I’m fortunate that all my shows have successfully run for a minimum of two years. Therefore, all the roles that I’ve played — be it Sahil Sarabhai in Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, or Apoorva Shah in Sajan Re Jhooth Mat Bolo or Vasant in Badi Door Se Aaye Hain, had left a mark in the heart’s of the audiences. People recognise me by the names of the character that I have played. This is wonderful because shayad maine apne abhinay se unke zehen main ek chhaap chhodi hai. Some of my fans call me Sahil, some Vasant. In that way, each and every role is close to my heart. What matters for me is which role has my audience loved and appreciated. Having said that, if I had to pick one, it will always be Sahil Sarabhai.
What challenges did you face while playing different roles?
I have never faced any challenge in getting into the skin of my characters. I love acting and get paid for it as well. When you do what you love you never feel difficulties in it, you enjoy it. As an actor, I have to live with the characters that I play on-screen and gradually turn them into reel life characters. I am always worried about my writers because they are the real heroes on the sets. They have to write around 22 episodes every month with that same spark in the script. I always ask my writers how do they expect me to play a character. Then I follow their instructions. The entire process becomes easy for me.
Was there a moment when you thought of quitting a show?
No, I never felt the need to leave any show. Most of the times, when my show has gone off the air, I feel that it is for the best since it means that the show has lost its spark. In such a scenario, it is better to shut down that show rather than drag it unnecessarily. It is always better to leave before your audience asks you to do so.
Define acting. What is your approach to it?
Acting is my passion and I always try to keep it as real as possible. I try to approach my characters with an aim to make them as real as possible so that I am able to connect with them on an emotional basis. A character and a role are two different things. I always try to merge them so that it looks more real on-screen. If an actor can give a valuable contribution for a project it is a big thing because you have to rise above the script to deliver the right content. It is not always possible to have a perfect script. In this case, it becomes a challenge for the actor to play the role with conviction that it reaches the audience in the right manner and message.
Can you share the best moment of your journey?
My journey has been amazing and it is full of fun moments. The most recent one is with Mika. Both of us love to sing and we have a band on the sets. So in between the shoot we always sing and jam together. Other than acting we should always try to make some time for ourselves and have fun. We should never miss out on living the beautiful moments that life gives us.
Who is your favourite comedian?
There are many on my list. Charlie Chaplin and Mehmood are my all time favourites. At present, I’m a very big fan of Dilip Joshi, who plays Tarak in Tarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah. I wouldn’t like to call them comedians. They are fantastic actors who are good at comedy too. I am a fan of their acting skills.
Are there any upcoming projects?
At present, I’m focusing on India Ke Mast Kalandar.