Apurva Agnihotri the fabulous actor needs no introduction!! Every time we see him grab a role, we expect a newness in it, and we look forward to Apurva tapping into newer territories and unearthing something more as an actor.
He has exactly done that in Anupamaa, the numero uno show, that beams on Star Plus. With this, he associates yet again with Rajan Shahi. The role is something quite unique, and Apurva excels as the unpredictable thinker and healer, Dr Advait.
We get into an exclusive conversation with him.
Excerpts.
Welcome Back. Nice to see you on screen.
Thank you, that’s a nice feeling.
What prompted you to take the show Anupamaa?
Honestly, there were two factors. Firstly, it was Rajan Shahi. I have known Rajan for so many years. I have such a feeling for very few people in the industry, and I love him from my heart. When he called me and narrated this character, I was bowled by it. Very rarely do you get to play such a character like Dr Advait. We may talk about characters and concepts evolving, but most of the characters look caricaturish to me. Dr Advait is a happy character; he is not a melodramatic guy. This is my third show with Rajan after Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin and Bidaai.
Are you bringing back the nostalgic moments of the past being on the set of Anupamaa?
We do talk. There is a cameraman on the set, who was there in the team of Sapna Babul Ka.. Bidaai. Rajan and I do talk about how we started and associated earlier. We always sit back, think of it and laugh (smiles).
Dr Advait is not someone you will come across often. What do you like the most about him?
I like the fact that he attempts to make people smile. He does not mind making a fool out of himself, even when he is saying something really important for the other person. He says big things in a very non-preachy way and that is the best part about him. So he is this new madness, fresh breath of air.
How is it to be with the cast and crew of the numero uno show Anupamaa?
(laughs), feels good. I have already worked with Romesh (Kalra). I have worked with Paras Kalnawat. Sudhanshu and I know each other for years now and stay in the same building. The rest of them, I met for the first time. Rupali too I met her for the first time and she is so good to work with. Many in the crew of Rajan’s team who I know, are also here shooting for the other show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. So it is a great time shooting on the set of Anupamaa.
What can viewers expect now?
Viewers can expect nice intimate and real drama. I don’t think we are going to take this track in a melodramatic way. The episodes to come in Anupamaa will make people smile and even cry.
You take your own sweet time to get back on screen. Take us through this habit of yours.
Oh!! Can I tell you one honest thing!! When I was of the age of 20 and above, I had this basic instinct to work and do more challenging roles. But my big ‘sapna’ and dream has always been to chill and retire once I hit my 30’s and 40’s. So my wife Shilpa and I are actually doing that now. Having said that, if any work that is nice and challenging comes across, I will be happy taking it. Otherwise, we are definitely setting up something nice and big in the near future.
Tell us more about it.
This is going to take a lot of time and attention of ours. We are getting into production and direction. We have done a tie-up. We have certain people who will take it to the next level. Now things are really premature to talk about. Right now, the groundwork is on. I would like to make great content. I am looking forward to this journey from being an actor to a content creator. Thanks to the OTT boom, good work is happening. This is a golden time for writers, producers, directors, actors to make the right impact. When I started out, people only wanted to see some 4-5 actors onscreen. It was very difficult for newcomers. But now, there are a lot more opportunities.
When actors like you decide to come back, we sit up and take notice and assume there is meat in the role.
Oh, thank you for that!! I will like to give huge credit to Romesh, Director of the show and Dialogue Writer of the show. This character is all about dialogues. They are simply amazing and create such a huge impact.
Have you taken your jab?
Not yet. I am taking a lot of steam, in fact before I go out and after I get back too. It is quite effective. Jab will happen when I am back in Mumbai. Above all, vaccination centers will be all crowded as of now.
How did the last year’s lockdown treat you?
I guess we are now getting used to it. But last year, initially, we were not prepared for it. We kept thinking that it was going to happen to every other country except India. But we all were so wrong. For us, it was a little boring. There was so much trauma around. The trauma this time has doubled. The virus has changed and become something else. Everything starts with your mind. If your mind is not healthy, your body will catch up with all the negativity around you.
What is your message to your fans in this tough phase of living?
Be happy, that is what I will tell you all. This is what I have always lived with. Look into yourself and be happy for what you are. Don’t ever look at any other person and compare or wish to be in his shoes. External journies are always happy, glorified, where you see people roaming around in Maldives, skiing and doing what not. But when you see deep down, that might not be what it seems to be. So live life the happy way.