Chetan Hansraj became synonymous with grey roles after he played Sasha in Ekta Kapoor’s Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki. Now, he plays the evil Adham Khan in Jodha Akbar. He may be getting other kind of offers from other channels but Hansraj prefers to stick to negative characters, he tells Nikhil Dawar
From Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki (KGGK) to Jodha Akbar, how has your journey beenIJ
It has been an amazing journey so far. I’m slowly finding my way to success. My only aim is to be the best actor in negative roles.
You are coming back after a long time... What kept you busyIJ
I have consciously tried to keep myself busy by taking up cameo roles. I enjoyed my bit in Veer Shivaji on Colors and Kya Hua Tera Vaada on Sony. I was also busy with my adventure sports business which I have just started. The idea occurred to me when I was a part of the adventure show Fear Factor in 2006. I wanted to explore opportunities in that arena. Adventure sports has evolved in India. I feel, games like Paintball are great stress busters.
You are playing Adham Khan in Jodha Akbar. What training did you have to undergoIJ
Playing Mahamanga’s son is a great opportunity. Adham Khan is a very negative, rebellious and aggressive person. He doesn’t think twice before killing people. And, it is his mother who inspires him to do so. As for the preparations, there were regular workout sessions and I also had to undergo horse riding lessons. Apart from these physical activities, I had enrolled myself in a crash courses for 10 days on talwarbazi.
Buzz is that the auditions for Jodhaa Akbar took months but you were selected instantly...
(laughs) I was never asked to audition for a role under Balaji Telefilms. I’ve been with them for over a decade and they have seen my work. They thought I was appropriate for this role.
You are also doing the movie Once Upon a time Dobara…
Yes and I am very excited about the role I have. I’m playing Jimmy who is a very stylish, strong and hotheaded person. He is at loggerheads with Emraan Hashmi, the other lead in this film. Jimmy is loyal to Shoaib Khan (Dawood Ibrahim) but gets paid off badly at the end. The movie is currently being dubbed. I’m also doing another movie Woh Aadmi Bahut Kuch Janta Hai which is a fiction story based on modern history.
Which negative character have you enjoyed playing the mostIJ
Sasha in KGGK has been the best experience so far.
Having worked in both TV and Bollywood, which one would you preferIJ
I’ve always found Bollywood very glamorous. Watching yourself on the 70mm is a different experience altogether. I only opt for historical shows on TV because it gives you a strong screen presence. What matters to me is the whole look be it on TV or Bollywood.
Any particular directors that you wish to work with nextIJ
I have liked the work of Farhan Akhtar and Raj Kumar Hirani and would love to act in their films.
How was your experience working with Akshay Kumar in Once Upon A Time...IJ
It was a wonderful experience indeed. He is a very professional and reserved actor. The best thing about him is that you will never see him throwing any tantrums.
Any reality show you would like to work inIJ
I love dancing and have attended workshops by Ashley lobo. I am a great fan of reality shows. They’re 10 times better and much more entertaining than daily soap. Given a chance, I would love to be a part of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. And if someone approaches me for Big Boss, tab to maza hi aa jayega.