Piyush Sahdev, last seen as a cop in life OK’s Shapath, is all set to play lord Rama in Devon Ke Dev Mahadev. He tells Sidhi Mishra that since he bagged his dream role, he has quit smoking and drinking
How did get to play Ram in Devon Ke Dev MahadevIJ
After I quit Shapath, I planned to take a break two-month. I hadn’t even been able to go my honeymoon. I was in no mood to work but when I got a call from the channel offering me Ram’s role, I was incredulous. I had not expected to bag my dream role so early on in my career. I am happy that Nikhil Sinha, director of Devon Ke Dev Mahadev, had the confidence that I could do justice to the role.
How did you prepare for the roleIJ
I immediately quit smoking and drinking. I have been a keen reader of mythological books so that helped a lot in research. I have read the Bhagwad Gita and Ramayana which helped me get the feel of the character. I’m also a member of ISKCON temple so I know every little detail about our scriptures.
How are you handling the performance pressureIJ
Playing the role of Ram is a big responsibility but I’m not under pressure. Instead, I’m doing a lot of hard work to give my best and enjoy my stint.
How challenging were your previous projectsIJ
I have treated all roles with equally importance. Every offer is a challenge for me and I give it my 100 per cent. When I was the cop in Shapath, I used to do stunts and even underwent Army training to understand their body language. I always take my work as a challenge and learn from my mistakes.
Is there any other role you would like to playIJ
I would love to play Krishna as I’m a devotee. I also want to play a negative character.
Ramayana has been made many times before, which one is your favouriteIJ
My favourite is Ramanand Sagar’s in 1987. Even today, if we talk about Ramayan, we remember and visualise that series. No one else can play the role of Ram as well as Arun Govil did. He was so real and perfect as Ram.
Is there anything else you would have liked to do in Devon Ke Dev MahadevIJ
I would have loved to be Mahadev. His role is fascinating as the character has the potential to transform himself into various avatars.
Would you like to do any reality showIJ
I would prefer Jhalak Dikhhla Ja as I love to dance. I did Nach le Ve with Saroj Khan on NDTV Imagine and reached the finale as well.
Any Bollywood plansIJ
I have got a few offers but right now I’m focussed on Mahadev. Working in the TV industry is too hectic and when I take up a project, I prefer to dedicate my time to that. Even during shoots, if the director packs up before time, I work overtime to rehearse the next day’s lines.