Good looking actor, Vikrant Rai, who had given up TV for films, is making one exception by starring in Doordarshan edu-drama, Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon. This social service project, soon having its third season, is produced by playwright Feroz Abbas Khan (Mughal-e-Azam musical).
Population Foundation of India (PFI), Bill and Melinda Gates, along with UK department for international development and population foundation present this transmedia (TV, radio and internet) show, which is hosted by Farhan Akhtar.
“I play a lawyer and husband of the lead, Dr. Sneha Mathur (Meinal Vaishnav), who wants to overcome the shackles of patriarchy, as the title suggests. I am the only entertainment quotient in the show.”
“One of the main reasons for saying yes was that this is not your regular daily drama; rather, it sends a very important message of women empowerment, which is the need of the hour.”
“It was no mean task to be chosen by a maker like Abbas Sahab. He chose me over 150 actors who had auditioned along with me. Also, to be retained over 3 seasons means that I am doing something right.”
“The biggest high for me came during the second season (telecast last year), when we touched a record viewership of 40 crores. Plus, our show is also telecast in 50 other countries (dubbed in 11 languages). What bigger platform can an actor ask for?”
Vikrant had become a big name on TV, courtesy Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann and Maayka- Saath Zindagi Bhar Ka, but then quit, wanting to satisfy the actor within by doing meaty roles in films. “I could have easily continued, for who does not like good money per day. But being a different kettle of fish, I willingly took the risk. I have even overcome the familiarity tag by not being seen for over six years, courtesy four unreleased films.”
“Then finally, my day came when Uvaa (Om Puri and Jimmy Shergil) released in 2015. Recently, one of my other socially relevant films, Bhouri, has also found a new home in Netflix. I am overwhelmed by the amount of positive reaction to the same.”
Looking ahead, apart from features, this armed services family guy would like to try his hands at web series as well. “This new format allows film-makers to transcend creative boundaries of TV, due to lack of censorship and other myriad issues.”
