Samir Kochhar better known as the anchor of IPL is one underestimated actor. Although he has been there for years doing his stuff, he has not yet got his due. He has been major part of few forgettable films like Jannat, Dangerous Ishq, Hide and Seek etc.
However time seems to be changing, for we were super impressed by his antagonist character in ALTBalaji show Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat 2. “The best part is that my character Palaash is not black, is rather grey. His opening scene sees him helping out a rank stranger in the form of Karan Kapoor’s(Ram Kapoor) daughter Trisha. He has lots of issues with his father which negatively impacts his life,” says Samir.
So how did you approach this layering? “I first needed to understand the entire arc of the show and my character. Season 2 was premised on Tipsy (Sakshi Tanwar) who had a bad childhood time relationship with Palaash making her wary of love. But make no mistake he loves her, just that he is crazy going overboard with booze and dope.”
“One other major change what I did was that although he is a lawyer, he speaks less and to the point. Yet he is a hardcore professional sans emotion. Like when he tells the opposing party client Radhika (Shweta Kawatra) that only did you not live with your partner without marriage, but now bring your ex-husband Karan as your defence,” adds Samir who also was part of Survivor India.
He also had a bit part in the recent super hit Tiger Zinda Hai.
Besides Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat, Samir was also part of ALTBalaji ‘s Test Case as well. “It was a guest appearance. The only reason why I said yes was the concept of women empowerment, and besides it also starred old Delhi friend Nimrat Kaur. We go back years. Also it is only with my character does Captain Shikha’s (Nimrit’s character name) personal side come to the fore. I always love to be a part of Balaji family. They had earlier given me a different character in my only TV fiction Bade Acchhe Laggte Hain which also has the same main casting as Kar Le Tu Bhi Mohabbat.”
Looking ahead Samir seems more inclined towards digital medium as opposed to TV. “It is a great space to be in. I have couple of more web series in my kitty. First is an interesting character in Phantom Films’ Sacred Games which is Netflix India’s first desi offering. Then there is another guest appearance in an untitled series.”
“This year I will also complete ten years of hosting IPL (Extraaa Innings T20 ) and now the property shifts from Set Max to Star Sports, so looking forward to it as well,” he adds.
“I also have lots of fashion assignments plus need to pay attention to my wife and two kids, so busy man.”
Way to go, Samir!!
