Manraj Singh has come a long way from playing the very different role in ALTBalaji’s Romil and Jugal.
While most actors have been shifting base to web after enjoying their success on TV, Manraj has enjoyed playing relatable characters on the web space before getting into TV.
Says Manraj, “Romil and Jugal was in a different space. It was more in a real zone and we worked on it with a specific subject in mind. This is the beauty of the web space. I have always felt good working with Balaji Telefilms. They gave me Yeh Dil Sun Raha Hai initially. Since I come from the theatre background, there was a time when I refused to do TV. That is when Balaji offered me Romil and Jugal. Then Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai happened wherein I played Arya, Bani’s boy friend turned husband. Now I am with them on Qayamat Ki Raat.”
As an actor, Manraj believes in trying out various subjects and genres. “As an actor, you cannot be stuck in one medium and genre. This is what I wanted to prove with the shows I have done. Qayamat Ki Raat is a totally different genre for me. It was tiring shooting sequences outdoor and in trying conditions. But all is fun. The entire cast gelled well as a family.”
Ask him whether Aman, his character in the Star Plus thriller will return, and he says, “I do not know as of now. Just as the viewers are kept thinking, nothing has been told to the actors too. Let’s see how the story goes; as of now, Karuna is possessed and huge drama is being shown around it.”
Talking about Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai, Manraj avers, “It was fun shooting with seniors like Ronit Roy, Mona Singh, Gurdeep Kunj. Work will soon start on Season 2 of the popular web-series. I am waiting to know how the character of Arya and Bani will be put to focus in the new season.”
Manraj who was part of the gay love story, Romil and Jugal on ALTBalaji states, “It was fun shooting for the series. The series has been appreciated a lot. But it did not strike a chord with all age groups is what I feel. Guess India does not want to lap up such concepts yet. Having said this, whoever has watched the series have only good things to say about the content and presentation.”
Ask him whether ALTBalaji plans a Season 2 for the series, and he quips, “Well, I have been asked the same on social media by fans. I don’t know whether it is in process or not. It will really be good if it comes; we as actors have grown and will love to experiment with the complex relationship yet again.”
Way to go, Manraj!!