Hiten Tejwani who became a household name after his stint as Karan Virani in Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thhi is back in a pathbreaking show on &TV. In Gangaa, which went on air on March 2, Tejwani plays a barrister who is ahead of his times. It was a difficult role to play, but it was one of the most important one in his career so far, he tells Deebashree Mohanty
What is Gangaa all about and why did you agree to do thisIJ
The serial is about a young (child) widow who is suddenly ostrocised by the society because her husband has died. It is about her struggles and sufferings. I play a strict barrister in town who is way ahead of his times. For me, these rituals have no meaning, especially if you apply them to a young child. I am the only one who understand Gangaa’s perspective and supports her in everything.
I was approached by the channel long back and I decided this was the role I had been looking for. It’s a strong part to play and I consider myself lucky to have been given this opportunity. I wouldn’t have refused this even in deep sleep.
What’s so special about this barristerIJ
Apart from him being a strict disciplinarian, he is also a humanitarian. My character is not the types to get bogged down by societal pressures. Although the show revolves around the child protagonist, I have an important role to play.
Concepts such as this start off on a high but die a slow death. What do you think is the reasonIJ
This is a newage concept and it will have a very niche audience. The good part aboutGangaa is that we are taking it episode wise and ending every serial on a positive note. There is no lingering pathos to this show. Something that will leave you feeling happy and satisfied. We have only shot for the couple of episodes and it looks good. The rest depends on the production team but I think they are working on a concrete plan.
You have worked across platforms. What is your take on this latest Hindi entertainment channelIJ
They are a professional unit and work according to a plan. But their programming line-up is very refreshing. There is an interesting mix of things from society to action to a reality game show. Another thing that is attractive about &TV is that their shows are very young and will resonate with the youth. It is not an haphazard package of many big production banners, it is a well thought out conglomeration.
From Kyunkii... to Gangaa, what has changed in the TV landscapeIJ
The biggest change that I notice is that the audience has opened up to new concepts and channels are not shying away from giving the audience what it wants. Production houses are willing to take on a risk without feeling deterred. We have seen some excellent concepts on TV and those were unthinkable back then. The present crop of actors too must be lauded for their effort. They are willing to accept challenges and take on roles which was unconventional. I wish these shows were on air when I was doing TV full-time. I would have loved to be a part of so many of them.
You have done some films as well, but you say TV is your only love. WhyIJ
This is because that’s home to me. I started my career from TV and that is where I belong. Whatever I do, I am going to keep coming back to TV. So, people who don’t like me, better get used to this face.
Tell us more about your film Ishq luftIJ
It’s a fun romantic film set in a very urbane backdrop. I play a simpleton who lives in the moment. It’s an interesting plot and I get to do various things in the film. The item number is already much hyped. It’s a good hip hop number and i have my fingers crossed that people will enjoy it.
What about you and Gauri making an appearance togetherIJ
We did a couple of shows for Yeh Ashiqui Tumse Hi. As of now, we are not working together in anything else. It will be awesome to pair up with Gauri. She is an excellent performer who gives it her all. She is a keen learner too and that sets her apart from other people in the industry.