Hussain Kuwajerwala, away from fiction shows for over eight years, is back with SAB TV’s Sajan Re Phir Se Jhoot Mat Bolo. He speaks to SHAlINI SAKSENA
Where have you been all these yearsIJ
I have been around. I was part of Zangoora for the longest period. I have done a lot of non-fiction shows like Indian Idol 5 & 6, and Nach Baliye 3. Yes, I have not been part of a fiction show for a long time.
What made you say yes to this showIJ
This is something that I had not done before — being a part of a light romcom. I am getting to learn a lot since it is a genre that had not been attempted by me. I am doing this serial with a lot of optimism and the journey has been interesting. I am part of a team which is known to bring on the small screen some great comedy shows.
Tell us about your role.
As Jaiveer Chopra, I am extremely rich and do not want money to become a baggage. I want a girl to fall in love with me and not my money. Everyone wants to be loved for themselves.
You left TV when you were much in demand to do dance theatre — Zangoora. Was the move goodIJ
The outcome of any particular decision should not be based on whether it was right or wrong, good or bad. On hindsight, the move definitely worked in my favour since the show is still running. From an actor’s point of view, the move was great. It gave me the opportunity to do something different, it was a challenge. The fact that one overcame that challenge left a great feeling. The attempt is to continuously do different things. I was a TV show host, did theatre and also acted. I have had many opportunities. Having a positive attitude is another thing that is important.
Why did you leave ZangooraIJ
It was a very good product and when you have something that great, you want more and more people to see it. That time was the best period in my life. But every good thing needs to end and so did my stint with the show. It was time that I did different things. I actually had to convince myself to leave it that is how good I felt when I was a part of it.
What changes have taken place since you were last on fiction showsIJ
Things keep changing. There is always a phase on TV. There was a time when family drama ruled— saas-bahu saga, then came rural content, mythological shows, and now reality shows. It is necessary that content changes since TV is all about entertainment.
Will we see more of you on TV nowIJ
For now, I want to concentrate on this show. I will not be able to do four shows now; not that it is impossible but I would like to restrict myself to one fiction and one non-fiction since there are only 30 days in a month.
Where does the challenge lie — hosting, theatre or actingIJ
I am in love with the job that I do. Be it a dance drama, hosting or a fiction show, acting is always a part of my life, a constant as are the challenges. Theatre has its own challenges since you are totally exposed while you are out there. As a host, one has to be on one’s toes all the time, you have to keep the show moving and viewers interested.
Would you be open to doing a dance drama againIJ
Definitely,Zangoora was huge, I almost did 800 shows. A live audience is so different. You can see their reaction then and there. Each genre comes with its challenges. I am lucky that I have been a part of all of them.
Will Sajan Re Phir Se... will take a turn and become a family dramaIJ
Primarily, the show will continue to be a light-hearted love story. Hopefully, it will not turn into a hardcore family drama because that is not what what the show's genre is.
Any regrets, complaints with regards to your careerIJ
I have done hosting, dance drama, theatre, acting. Now, doing a comedy. People believe in me and that is good. so no regrets or complaints.
What about films since it is a benchmark for actorsIJ
It is ‘the benchmark’ for many actors and something that even I aspire to do in the near future. But I want to give my 100 per cent to whatever that I am doing at present. Right now, I am happy with what I have and loving it too.