The lead actor of the serial 'Saathii Re' has been voted as the 'second best husband material' in a poll conducted by Star. We spoke to him about the poll and his serial which is close to his heart.

Q: How does it feel to have been voted as the 'second best husband material'?
A: It feels great. A poll of this kind has been held for the first time and I feel happy that I have been voted as the second best. This goes on to show that you are being appreciated. It is a way to let you know that your efforts are being recognized and it motivates you to perform better each day.

Q: Is it because of the kind of role that you portray in 'Saathii Re'?
A: Yes, it may be so because the character that I'm playing is very strong and beautiful. But I will give twenty-five percent credit to myself and the rest seventy-five percent to the writer and creative team for having woven such a character.

Q: How close are you with the character that you are playing?
A: If I have to compare my screen character with real life, then I think there are a lot of differences. Rajeev is a patient guy and except for the few fundas that he has, nothing upsets him but Aamir is an extremely shot-tempered person.

Q: We have heard that you are a good father and a good husband. So does it reflect on your screen image too?
A: Yes, it does help on screen too. You tend to connect things with your real life like how would you react to a certain situation in real life or what you would have done or said. So it is helpful.

Q: 'Saathii Re' is slowly picking up. How do you feel?
A: It feels nice that ultimately your show is picking up. It is my first show in the lead and it is doing well. We are about to complete hundred episodes and the show is gaining popularity. So I'm happy and hope that it goes on for a few more years so that I can also make money (laughs).

Q: How does it feel on being able to overshadow the character like that of Arjun Punj?
A: See I do not think I'm the best person to comment on it. Well Arjun's character is not in the picture right now and will be back after about a month so. We should wait for few more months before making any kind of comment.

Q: Do you consider 'Saathii Re' as your first starring role and the rest were script oriented?
A: Yes, it can be called my first starring role.

Q: You are friends with Parakh (on screen wife). So does it help with your on screen chemistry?
A: Yes Parakh is a very good friend of mine and it does help in improvisations. See it does happen that sometime a scene needs improvisations. So I do not feel hesitant to discuss it with her. And the same goes for her too. We can always discuss about it. See I believe in team work, be it among the co-stars, actor-director or the entire unit. Without it the end product does not come out well.

Q: How much are you enjoying the attention that you are receiving lately?
A: I'm really enjoying it and in fact any actor would enjoy it. When ever you go in public and people say that we have seen and liked you in such and such serial, it feels great. I think it could be the best thing that could have happened to any actor.

Q: How has been the experience so far?
A: So far so good. I'm happy and satisfied with the way things are going. I'm also happy with the production team. They always help when the needs are legitimate. It is an organized unit and things are in sync at present. I hope it remains the same all through. -