After working in shows like Parichay, Kya Hua Tera Vadaa, Suvreen Guggal, Rakshak and Mere Dad Ki Maruti, Karam Rajpal is all set for his new show Nadaan Parinde going on air on life OK from tomorrow. He chats with Sangeeta Yadav
Tell us about your role in Nadaan Parinde.
I play Sameer, a happy-go-lucky man who loves to play pranks. What he doesn’t know is that someone is spying on him. Then an incident changes his life forever — from a loser he turns into a hero and life gets some meaning.
Why did you find this show interestingIJ
Everything — from set designer-turned-producer Chokas Bharadwaj, to first-time director Imtiaz Punjabi, to my co-stars Gulki Joshi and Nikhil Chaddha, the script and the fact that it deals with day-to-day problems people living in border villages face. It has a perfect mix of thrill, drama, love and fun. As the story unfolds, Sameer goes through a big transformation.
The most challenging partIJ
Imtiaz told me from the beginning that there would be some intense emotional scenes and using glycerine was not an option. I had to get into the skin of the character to do justice to the role. This was the most challenging part. Intense roles are sometimes depressing and impact your personal life.
How much can you relate with SameerIJ
You could say, 90 per cent. like Sameer, I’m Punjabi by nature. I used to play kanchey as a child. I had a care-free life. I had no aspirations. The only difference is that Sameer doesn’t apply his mind but I do.
You had to give many retakes for one scene...
It was a very emotional scene wherein I had to pack my bags and leave. A family dispute back home made me lose focus and I had to give 10 retakes. This angered me. I requested for a two-minute break and spoke with my family to sort out the problem. I told them I couldn’t concentrate. My father said: ‘Ho gaya solve. Go and give your best shot’.
A turning point in your life...
When my father told me to pack my bags for Mumbai. My family knew my potential and supported me in achieving my dream which was acting. I was lucky that I had a job and didn’t have to struggle financially. But being rejected is part of this industry. It taught me a lot about how to be professional. The first project came in 2011, with Hamari Saas leela. Then came Parichay and Kya Huaa Tera Vaada. I also did a cameo in Mere Dad Ki Maruti. The journey has been great.
You also have some magic tricks up your sleeve...
I learnt this trade from a friend who is a professional magician. I love to show a few tricks that I learnt in just 20 minutes.