Q: How does it feel to be part of two successful television serials -- Kasamh Se and Kyunki?
A: The character in Kyunki is different. I have always looked forward to challenges so I'm looking forward to playing the role.
Q: How did it feel when the first episode of Kasamh Se went on air?
A: We had not expected such a huge response when the show was launched. I was working the day the first episode went on air and it was not at the back of my mind at all. It was a usual working day.
Q: What do you think maintains Kasamh Se's popularity?
A: I really don't know. I do not think anybody knows why a show clicks or doesn't. If a producer knew such things, why would he make flop serials in the first place? Well, maybe people found something interesting in the odd pairing of Jai and Bani, their attitude and age difference. But I really cannot tell you the exact reason.
Q: How easy or difficult was it for you to get into the skin of the character Jai Walia?
A: No, it was not too difficult. I think that an actor needs to be professional in order to play any kind of role. I really do not find any logic when an actor says that he cannot play a father or grandfather. We are actors and cannot expect to play characters only of our age.
If that were the case, it shouldn't be called acting at all. At the same time, I need variety too. I would not like to play a Ram Kapoor kind of character all the time in my career.
Q: Who are you most comfortable with on the sets?
A: Everyone. We all gel well with each other and there is not any problem as such.
Q: Prachi is quite a young girl, how comfortable were you enacting romantic scenes with her?
A: I had no problems, I'm professional. I think you need to ask this question to Prachi since she is new and young. For me, it was like any other scene that I perform but I must say Prachi did a good job.
Q: Who do you think looks better with you on screen, Prachi or Roshni?
A: I think it would be Prachi as Bani.
Q: Your overall personality in the show has attracted many women. What exactly do you think clicks with them?
A: This character is all mine. Whatever you find Jai as is because of my inputs. Yes, the screenplay is the work of the creative team but the way Walia looks and behaves is done by myself.
Q: Would you be in favour of another leap of about 20 years in the serial?
A: Why not? I belong to that institution of thinking which feels that an actor should play all kinds of roles. In fact, it was me who asked my wife Gautami to play the character of Tulsi which is that of a grandmother. I am playing a character who is at least 15 years older to my actual age. So give me as many age leaps you wish and I won't mind.
Q: Ashwini Kalsekar is back as Jigyasa, do you think it will give the show a boost?
A: Yes, it definitely will. She was recognized as Jigyasa all the time and everybody missed her a lot.
Q: Do you think the audiences accept replacements easily?
A: No, the acceptance does not come easily. It takes time for people to accept replacement of a big well-known character but I believe it will happen to all major characters in long-running serials sooner or later.