Viraf Patel, who plays Ashish in Naamkarann on Star Plus, talks to ANCHAl SHARMA about his chemistry with co-stars and what motivates him as an actor
Tell us about your role in NaamkarannIJ
I play Ashish, Avni’s father in the show. Ashish is confident and a successful man but in his personal space he is struggling to strike a balance. He wants to be happy in both the worlds. He is someone who can never go against his mother and as a father he loves his daughter and wants to give her everything she wants except for her time. He is very much in love with Asha but he feels the guilt that he is unable to be by her side all the time.
What kind of training did you have to undergo for playing AshishIJ
I went to South to Aadi Shakti theatre labs in Pondicherry and worked with them on a course of emotion, breathe and rhythm. I have also done many workshops with Mahesh Bhatt sir.
What about the chemistry with the co-starsIJ
I enjoy some great chemistry with my co-stars. Staring with Reema, who is a senior actor, you get to learn a lot on how she deals with her scenes. Then comes to Arsheen Namdaar, she is like a bundle of energy. I enjoy my time with her because our work is starts by exchanging kisses on the cheek. There are two very fine and established performer on television Barkha Bisht Sengupta and Sayantani Ghosh. learning from their years of experience on television is fantastic.
You have done an intimate scene, how comfortable or uncomfortable was it for youIJ
I was little bit nervous. At first I thought I was going to be very comfortable, but when it turned out that, Barkha was more comfortable and I turned out to be the shy guy. There was one incident where I have to put my hands around Barkha’s waist and the director was waiting to my hands come around in the frame. But I just couldn’t do it. Finally Barkha took my hands and put in on her waist. So thank you Barkha.
How much you can relate yourself of the character in real lifeIJ
Most of the time I can relate myself to Ashish, because so many men go through this tragic where they have to choose between the woman who has given birth to him, and a woman in their life or the daughter. Ashish is a very unique situation but not in a strange situation. In my personal life I met many version of Ashish.
How is it working with Mahesh BhattIJ
It is an honour to work with him. I have done so many workshops with him. He is very clear in what he wants and how to get it out from his actors. His brief to me is very clear, that he wants me to keep it real.
What motivates you as an actorIJ
The possibility of being able to touch the emotional retina of the audience and causing some kind of thinking which may cause them to think again on something about their life is what sort of motivates me.