Tell us about your role in Meri Awaaz Hi Pehchaan Hai.
I play Vikrant Khanna and I've been cast opposite Amrita Rao. He’s a self-made and arrogant man who is non-apologetic about his means of gaining things. He is very straightforward. I see a lot of me in him actually.
How was it working with AmritaIJ
She’s a sweetheart, one of the most non-assuming people, something one don’t expect from someone with a film background. She is extremely accommodating, and open to suggestions.
Did you give her any tips for TVIJ
I am no one to give anyone any unsolicited advice. But sometimes I do tell her that ye TV hai, aisa karna padta hai. She doesn't actually need my advice. But she thinks I'm angry all the time. That's just something I do to maintain the mood of the scene.
What all has changed in TV since you first started workingIJ
The mindset, most importantly. Youngsters these days know exactly what they’re getting into and they have no inhibitions about working. In content, there is scope for improvement if writers are given a chance to explore.
What do you feel about the burst of supernatural characters on TV these daysIJ
If you turn one of the sisters on this show into a naagin, it will have the highest TRPs, that's how it is today.
Do you think that’s goodIJ
I think there is a need for our industry to take moral responsibility. We must have genuine shows which have endearing characters. There are educated and well-informed people in the industry as also among our viewers and a lot can be improved.
Why are actors doing shows lacking in contentIJ
It's a catch 22 situation. If I want to act in TV, I have to overemphasise and make it loud. But personally I still try to keep it believable.
Are you planning to work on any web or finite seriesIJ
I would love to. In fact, I am in talks with a few people. The parameters on the web are very different and I'm still trying to figure out what works and what doesn't. It's definitely the future.
Do you prefer finite shows to never-ending daily soapIJ
Finite shows make more sense. Every person knows what's going to happen and they can work accordingly. Daily soap have minimum guarantee acting.
Any films in the pipelineIJ
I’m waiting for a few films to release, like Shor Gul and Pampapur Ki Ramleela, a children's film. With films, I'm going into a negative space to play grey characters.
What genre do you likeIJ
If I want to play safe, I can do those romantic good guy roles, the audience loves me in them. But then there are roles which they've not accepted me like me playing a poor villager. I like to play grey characters. And, I miss doing crazy slapstick comedy.