AHAM SHARMA, who started his career with Chand Ke Paar Chalo, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about why he chose TV to begin his career, the lessons the industry has taught him and a role close to his heart
How does it feel to not be working (due to lockdown)?
One does miss going to the sets and be in front of the camera. For actors who are working 24x7, there is so much to do — read books and watch a few things. But all said and done, not be able to go out and meet people and observe people and life from close quarters takes its toll after a while. But it means that one gets to spend time with family, enjoy and relax. There are ups and downs.
An engineer turned actor. How did that happen?
I am from a village Salempur in Bihar. Just like any other middle-class family, I had to complete my studies and take up a job. I did all that. But when I was in college, I realised that I would not be happy with a regular job. I came to Mumbai, gave auditions and once I got work, I quit my job.
Was acting on cards?
Not really. It was not in my radar till I was in college. Before this I had no clue. Nobody in my family had anything to do with acting or any art form. It was all discovered much later.
Why did you choose TV to begin your career?
When I landed in Mumbai, I did a film Blue Oranges, but probably the time was not right for that kind of movie. Back then there were only to mediums — films and TV. I did get some offers for films but those didn’t pan out. I come from Bihar and I needed to survive. I got an offer from TV and took it up since I wanted to act and grow.
Films or TV, which one is better?
Films are going to be the ultimate medium because it gives you ample time to explore and it creates an impact. It gives you chance to work with the best in the industry. Film is essentially a technical platform and it depends on the director how he edits and shape it. Theatre is good for an actor since it connects you with the audience directly. TV is going downhill now. People looking for content are moving away from this medium. It gives you so little time to produce quality content due to time constrains. There is no time to prepare — either for the actor, the writer or the director. Those who are able to give good content need to be applauded.
What made you take up diverse roles — historical, mythological and dramas?
An actor doesn’t want to get typecast. People tend to this once you excel in a genre. They want you to keep doing that. It has been my conscious decision to do as many different roles as possible. But this is not always possible on TV since there are limited roles that one is offered. However, I have tried to do different work so I can keep challenging myself.
How has the journey been thus far?
I am happy doing what I am. Life is about doing more and wanting more. I want to challenge myself more and do more and to the best of my ability. My journey has been like life.
You have been in the industry for so long, what are the lessons it has taught you?
Like any profession it has its own challenges. I am not going to define it as difficult or easy. It is like any other craft one has to work hard and be good at it. If one is good at your work, one will get due.
Is there a role that is close to your heart?
I have not done many shows but have tried to put life into those roles. This is not possible if you don’t put your heart in the character. When I did Karna for Mahabharat I could plan much in advance since there are so many books out there. I had so much material that I could research and give shape to this role. I knew how to layer the character and bring it to fore for the audience. The role also gave me instant recognition. Another role was Arjun in Manmarziyaan, on Star Plus, even though the show didn’t run for long.
I understand you are into martial arts. What made you take up Taekwondo?
I was very much active during my college days and took up martial arts. I took it up since I knew that it would help me since I wanted to act. I also enjoy doing it and know it would come in handy while doing action scenes.