Faisal Rashid makes a comeback on the small screen with Har Mard Ka Dard on life Ok. He speaks to Harshit Nagpal about the show
How did you bag the roleIJ
I got this show by giving an audition. It was a last moment call for me. When I gave the audition, I was sure that I won’t be selected because I didn’t think I fit the character. But the makers thought differently. I am glad to be part of this project since I loved the script.
Did you do something different for your characterIJ
Frankly speaking, I did nothing. My character is a very bechara kind of a person. I think I got selected because unhe ek bechara chahiye thha aur mein toh naturally bechara sa lagta hoon. So, there was nothing as such to do to build my character. The story is simple, so I have kept my role simple. Everything about me screams simplicity. This is an integral part of the show.
Do you have any expectations from this showIJ
I just hope that people like this show. I don’t know about the future, and I am not so much into TRPs. But the audience should love it since the serial is very relatable and true to real life incidents. The entire family can sit together and watch it.
Reasons for the audience that why should they watch this show.
First, it has lots of humour. Second, is the balance between the characters. Despite the title — Har Mard Ka Dard, it puts across viewpoint of the women as well. Third, it has family values — the respect my character gives to his family. Fourth, is the language used. It is a mix of Hindi and Punjabi. Both languages are sweet. lastly, it is the direction. Parmeet Sethi has created magic. Patiala was our first outstation location and it was amazing.
How was the experience working with him (Parmeet Sethi)IJ
He is a great director. I just follow what he says because what he sees I can’t see. My experience working with him is truly fantastic. All credit goes to him for showing things the way he has on the small screen.
Do you relate to this characterIJ
To be very honest, I don’t. It is not as if these things have happened to me in the manner that has been shown in the show. You know how it works in such serials,. There is need for a bit of drama and exaggeration. Despite this, it has relatability.
How challenging comedy is as a genreIJ
Every genre is challenging. If a scene is nicely written then no genre is challenging. If the scene is not well written, then everything is a challenge. I have cried in Kumkum Bhagya and now, this show is totally different as is the character. For me, what is important is that I prepare well in advance for the role.
Tell us about your journey thus far.
I was born and brought up in Kashmir. I went to Shimla for my schooling. There was a system in our school that every child has to perform on the stage. I was into sports, I would get stage fright. But when I went on the stage, I loved it. Then I came to Delhi for my graduation, I attended acting workshops and did theatre. I got exposed to films and attended film festivals. Coming to Mumbai was a natural transition. I assisted on a film as well. Film and Television Institute of India, Pune, was reopening its acting course, I filled up the form and learnt whatever there was to learn. Then I came back to Mumbai and picked everything I was offered.
You have done theatre with Naseeruddin Shah. Tell us about that.
Mein jitna boloon utna kum hai. He is a great performer and good human being. Whatever I have learnt, it has been under his guidance; he is my mentor. I had met him at Pune as well and then bumped into him in Mumbai.
He asked me what I was doing. When I told him that I had just completed my course, he wanted to know if I would do a play with him. Of course, there was no way saying no. I had a small role to play in Antagony but it was a great experience.
You have done theatre and assisted as well. How does this help you when you actIJ
An understanding of the medium helps a lot. The biggest thing is that, whether a director is in theatre, television or in a movie, when he briefs you, how good is your understanding is important. Since I have worked in theatre, it becomes easy for me when the director is briefing you.