Why did you sign up with Kohrra?
I don’t know about other people’s process, but I think all actors sign up for a script they like. I think something that challenges your intellect. Something complex enough for you to portray and challenging enough for you. So I really liked the script in all those aspects. The show is primarily what you might call the murder mystery. Because that’s how it starts. But the show is actually a compliment to the color of Punjab. And the culture, the manner, the people, the relationships, the interpersonal relationships. The very, very deep psyche of how politics and even love. So it’s a good show about that. Love and all relationships that matter. The show is about how people behave, how different people behave under different circumstances. And when there’s a murder, you know, and so many people are involved. How people behave, how people react. Someone who has lost a loved one, who is dead, is dead. Someone who has lost the loved one. Someone suspected. Someone who does research. Someone who actually has nothing to do with the murder, but how their life is affected. You know, that’s why I said it’s a complex show.
Is it safe to say that the murder mystery genre is your favorite?
Yes, I’ve always loved crime thrillers and I get a lot of crime thrillers. That’s true. But I like dramas. I don’t like dramatic shows, but I really like the right dose of drama. I also like doing comedies. But right now it looks like, I know what you’re saying, it looks like, yes.
How do you get into the skin of the characters?
There are actually a few things. I honestly don’t think I’m the best actor in the world. Who is? We’re just scratching the surface regarding acting at this point. My agenda, as I’ll tell you, a lot of actors and a lot of creators usually are too, their acting styles are influenced by what they’ve already seen on screen. It’s something very strange. Because people are trying to impersonate you, not actually acting. So I try to bring newness to how I feel and behave, rather than being someone else. My process is that I do a few things. I don’t do much work. So when I do, I do it when I know I can leave my full capabilities to the creators. Such was the case with Gunjit Chopra and Sudip Sharma. These people have done so much research on the show and I had absolutely given myself up.
From TV, movies to OTT – How will you describe your trip?
It’s had its ups and downs, but that’s an actor’s life I guess. I think every actor goes through that. Because it is a professional company. First we started. The images and everything, it mattered a lot. And secondly, there are a lot of actors in our country.
Has OTT changed the way you are perceived by the public?
Of course, yes. Not just me, it’s revolutionized the whole filmmaking process, the storytelling process. Long format is the real deal right now. The movies don’t work. Television isn’t, I don’t know how it stands. But OTT, the reason I’m saying this is if you’re having the conversations, the conversation right now, common man, is about the content of OTT. Nothing else. So yeah, it’s revolutionized content for me, lucky for me. But I’m getting a career to be honest. And I was really just lucky to be a part of it and to be in the middle of the whole thing.