Multi-genre actor Malhar Pandya, who will soon be seen in Zee TV show Aghori, loves the supernatural fantasy mould. “It gives me the chance to show my physical side i.e. either doing stunts with a harness or riding a bike. I have always been a sporty kind of guy right since school.”
“The best part about Aghori where I play the negative is that our fresh story will take you into the world of graveyard-living spiritual healers.” He has no problems with the bhoot-pret element, “As this popular genre offers you an escape from the humdrum of normal life. How long can you only have dal chawal? You would want to try out other stuff as well, right?”
How is your equation with Gaurav Chopra, who is playing the protagonist in Aghori? “At first, I was a bit shy, but later opened up. We now have a great brotherhood sentiment.”
Malhar, who has also done mytho shows such as Devon Ke Dev…Mahadev, Ramayan and Suryaputra Karn, took to negative with Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki. “The grey shade gives you options to do more with your style and expressions. And if you have a good sense of humour, you can add stuff, taking your character to a new high. People like seeing comic baddies.”
Malhar had also done a cameo in Kavach… Kaali Shaktiyon Se, which is now coming with season 2 with a new story and cast. “I still remember shooting one scene with Mona Singh where I was playing a doctor who was exorcising the evil spirit that had entered her body. Man, she acted so well that I had goose bumps.”
In closing, when asked about his Ishqbaaz Season 1 experience, he says, “It was a breeze working in that Gul Khan production. With everyone knowing their job, there was no friction as often happens on other sets.”
“Our five-camera set up automatically took care of close ups, master shots, etc. So we had to put in our best only once.”
Although he was not part of season 2, he accepted that, “The ending was a bit unfortunate. The fans were miffed at the exclusion of Surbhi Chandna and reportedly even took out a protest rally.”