Paras Kalnawat the talented young actor plays the very popular character of Samar Shah in Anupamaa, the Star Plus show produced by Rajan Shahi’s Director’s Kut.
Paras who has had a good run in the TV and web circuits plays a role that is an inspiration for the youth of today. The perfect mumma’s boy, fun-loving and smart, Paras’ onscreen character in the popular show is enormously loved.
In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Paras Kalnawat talks about his adorable Anupamaa journey.
Excerpts:
It’s been an amazing role for you in Anupamaa? Tell us how you got the opportunity to play Samar Shah?
Yes it has been an amazing journey as Samar in Anupamaa till now. Telling you about how I got this opportunity to play Samar Shah, few years back, I met Rajan Sir for another character for another show. However, at that time, things could not be worked out. This time around, when I met him for this particular character, I was briefed about the role. I was told of how Samar was always with his mom, being the happy character. I completely got mesmerized by the role. I will give all the credit to Rajan Sir, as he helped me get into this role.
Being a youngster the trend is always to go for youthful shows as lead. What prompted you to take this concept and the role of the younger generation lead?
Yes, it is a trend to be in the posters for a show as the lead. Being a youngster, it is always easier to be part of the youthful shows. But for me, this was a comeback on TV. I was doing web for the last one and half years. I wanted it to be amazing, different from what I have done earlier. When I got to know that I will be one of the younger generation leads, with the faces of the show being Rupali Mam and Sudhanshu Sir, I was happy to share screen with these legends.
So my thought process was not to be on the posters. I wanted to be a lead character. I am happy with what I have got. I want to give good work to the audience. I want to prove myself as a good actor. I have got the space to prove that.
Tell us what you like the most in Samar?
I love the energy and positivity in Samar Shah. Samar is that joyful guy who can cheer up anyone in the family with his high spirits. The love for his mom and for the entire family that Samar has is outstanding. This spirit is not seen much in today’s younger generation. One thing I love about this character is that he has all the traits that a today’s youngster should have. This trait of Samar is close to my heart.
How similar or different is he from your real self?
There are a lot of similarities between Samar and me. I am not that great as Samar. But I am very close to my parents. I am extremely attached to my mother. The fun-filled attitude that is in Samar for his family is there in me too. I love to see the smile on my parents’ face, and do cute things for that. I see my onscreen family as my own family. I am learning from the character and this has increased my respect for my real family.
It is surely an amazing learning experience with such experienced actors around. Tell us about your favourite memories from the set with the senior cast?
There are a lot of memories from the set which will be with me for long. I have been seeing Rupali Mam and Sudhanshu Sir for a long time now. Now I call Rupali Mam as Mummy and Sudhanshu Sir as Papa off the screen too. I am very close to Rupali Mam on the set. I keep talking to her about my life happenings. I share everything with her. The pranks that we play together are sweet memories that I will always cherish.
What is the kind of inspiration that Rupali and Sudhanshu give for you youngsters?
Even after working for so many years, and after being such legendary actors, they are so very close to all on the set. They love everyone and unite us as a family. They give equal respect to each and every actor and crew member. This is what you need to learn from them.
Also the love they have for animals is to be seen and observed. I have learnt a lot from them to safeguard animals. All this inspires me to be a better human being, grounded and humble.
Did you ever imagine Anupamaa to be such a huge hit?
I never expected that Anupamaa will take the Number 1 slot in such a quick time. I knew the show would be a hit, being from DKP. This show is a big break for me. People recognize me as Samar Shah. I am very happy about it. It is the blessings and love of all. I am very happy that our show is topping the charts. Our lives have changed because of the show.
How does this show as a viewer impress you in the age you are in?
As a viewer, the show has impressed me in many ways. The love for the mother, and also the disrespect that is shown for the mother are so natural. As a viewer, it has been an eyeopener as the mother of the house is always taken for granted. I have realized that nothing is important than the mother and father. This show would surely have changed the mindsets of many viewers. People would have surely gone on a guilt trip seeing our show. This show teaches a lot to the viewers watching it. Anupamaa has always been in the natural zone and as a viewer, I watch all the episodes.
Your chemistry with your onscreen mother gives goosebumps. How is it for you?
The chemistry with my onscreen mother really gives me goosebumps. The reason behind that is the love that I have for her in both real and reel life. The bond that is seen onscreen between me and Rupali Mam is so real. It comes naturally. I don’t use glycerin to cry. All of it is so natural and I connect with all the scenes and give out my reactions.
Tell us about your good onscreen chemistry with Anagha?
Anagha is a very sweet girl. This is her second show. I was also at this phase earlier. Even now I am learning. She is a very hard working girl. She works on herself. We bring in the freshness needed for a pair. She is a very jolly girl and we play a lot of pranks when we are not shooting. We are very happy off screen, and this makes our chemistry onscreen nicer.
Every mother will wish for a son like Samar. How proud does this statement make you?
This statement makes me feel so good. People see me as Samar. My character is an inspiration for the youth of today. I feel happy to hear such talks. This has happened to me in real. I get loved by the mothers in my building. It is unconditional love that I get.
Tell us your experience working with DKP?
This is the best production house that I have worked till now. They keep actors like a family. They make sure that they solve even the smallest of problems. To be very honest, there are no problems at all. We get so much of love and respect that no difficulties are faced. I am very happy to be working with Rajan Sir. It is a dream come true to be working with Sir and with DKP.
Do you have any regrets in life?
I don’t regret anything about life. Lot of incidents have happened in my life that I wish would not have happened. As for regrets, I regret the second television show that I did. It did not do well onscreen. Many people told me not to do it. Later I got to know that the makers lied about the character.
Is there any dream role that you have?
I have many dream roles in my mind. I want to portray the role of a very powerful man. That’s my dream. The aura of the character needs to be like that of Yash’s in KGF. I will work hard to play such a character. I will go to any extent to prove myself in such a role.
You are so good at dance. Why not a dance reality show?
Talking about my dance, I will not say that I am very good at it. I am still learning. I did a Diploma from Terrence Lewis Academy few years back. Talking about dancing in a reality show, I will love to do that. I will love to learn more and showcase this side of mine in front of the audience. I don’t want to lose any opportunity that comes my way. If I get a reality show, I will do. If I get an anchoring opportunity, I will take that too. I will keep entertaining all until my last breath.
Your message to fans
Thank you so much for loving me and being there for me. I have got unconditional love for whatever I have played. I just want to tell you all that I love you a lot. I do not get the time to talk to you all. I would love to say thank you to each and every one of you. If you are there, I am there. Thank you for loving Samar.
