Avinesh Rekhi is very happy at being able to play a Sardar, which he is in real life, for his new Colors show, Choti Sarrdaarni. “I am the first turbaned lead on TV.”
Unlike other shows (Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh, Piyaji), where I had to learn Sanskrit and Bihari Hindi, the cultural backdrop is so like back home in the pinds (villages) of Punjab. The Sikh community is very warm and friendly and in fact, our community was formed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji to foster love and brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims.”
“Normally, Sardar characters are always shown as funny, but here, my avatar of Sarabjit Singh Gill is very warm and intense.”
Coming to his co-stars, he says, “The best part is that even female lead Nimrit Kaur is a Punjabi who has studied in Chandigarh. I too have to have similar links with The City Beautiful, so have a lot to share notes on.”
“Anita Raj mam not only taught me a lot about the acting craft, but has also introduced me to the practice of Buddhist chanting, which brings inner peace and bliss.”
“Last but not the least, I met Manasi Sharma, who plays my sister during our Mahabharata stint.”
Talking about the ratings, he says, “As per sources, it is doing very well. We are getting very good feedback. Even my family, who is my best critic, is loving the show. Our story is also not run of the mill. Rather, it is unique and interesting.”
Avinesh, who has been around for years, is a bit choosy about his projects. No wonder, he took a break after Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh, Piyaji wrapped up last year. “The gap was unintentional I am just lucky to net good diverse projects from time to time.”
“His other well-known projects have been Chhal — Sheh Aur Maat and Ek Ishq Ek Junoon. Interestingly, he played the negative lead in the latter Life Ok show.