MUSBA HASHMI chats up SHAKTI ANAND, who plays Mukund Tiwari in Zee TV’s Hamariwali Good News, about what attracted him towards the role, his takeaways from the industry and whether he have any regrets
What is your role in Zee TV’s Hamariwali Good News?
I play Mukund Tiwari, who is based out of Agra and is a shopkeeper. He has lost the X-factor in life because of being extremely busy in fulfilling his family’s desires and earning money. This responsibility has put everything else in his life on the backseat. Hence, he has become stern towards everything. He has lost his mission in life. He is rude towards everyone and doesn’t gets along well with his wife or children, but his sister whom he has given the status of nothing less than a God. The story talks about how the transformation happens in his life.
What attracted you towards this role?
The storyline of course. Whenever an actor is narrated about a show, the storyline catches his attention at first. Then comes the character.
From X-Zone Saheli to now Hamariwali Good News, how has the journey been?
It has been good. I have got to play a lot of different roles and got a chance to work with different production houses. Whenever you see a photo celebrating an anniversary of your show, it feels good that people still remember you and appreciate your work that you have done 20 years back. It has been an amazing journey. Even today, people watch my shows with a lot of expectations. This is a big achievement for an actor.
What has been your takeaway from the industry?
This industry is volatile. I belong to a non-filmy background and when I came to the industry everyone told me that things are very dicy here. Sometimes it happens, sometimes not. But when you get into the industry, you think that you can make it there. Then, when you start comparing yourself with people who started with you, you realise that the industry is volatile. You are as good as your last show, shoot or award. This has been a big learning that you have to be on your toes and try out different characters.
You have been a part of the industry for about 20 years now. Do you think you have got your due?
Yes of course. I don’t have any regrets. I never see what I wanted, instead I look at what I have got. To dream is something that will never end. but as an actor you have too see whether you have been able to make a place for yourself or not. Even today, I am giving interviews to the press, this means that people want to know about my life and journey. Everyone doesn’t become ShahRukh Khan or Hrithik Roshan. One in a million people shine in this field. I am happy and positive about whatever I have achieved and whereever I am. In the last eight months, life too has taught us to be content with whatever you have.
A role that comes close to you?
Saara Aakash is a show that comes close to my heart. That was my first show as a lead. Back then, I was a bit flamboyant and risk-taking, so I enjoyed being a part of it.
How easy or difficult is it to shoot during Corona?
It is quite a task. Right now I am shooting for a daily soap in a confined space so it is fine, but for my other action-based shows that I am shooting for OTT platforms is tough.
Earlier, we used to rehearse for the action sequences, but now to rehearse with a mask on becomes tedious. We have a crew of 110 people, who are juniors forget about other people. It is scary.