Actor Param Singh, who has dedicated nearly 13 years to his craft in the entertainment industry, is filled with excitement as he reflects on his long-awaited opportunity to embrace a role that allows him to delve into new depths as a performer. He recently joined the vibrant ensemble of the acclaimed show Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, of Star Plus produced by Cockrow and Shaika Entertainment. In this new chapter of his career, Param takes on the intriguing role of Dr. Neil, a character that presents fresh challenges and complexities unlike any he has portrayed before.
In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Param Singh talks about his journey as a performer, his new role and his choices.
Read here.
What kept you away from TV for the last few years?
It was a conscious decision on my end to do something different from television because I thought I was getting typecast. The roles I was getting were brooding, intense and toxic in nature. That’s what made me decide to take up different avenues. While I was away, I did theatre for 18 months, some web shows, a film and a couple of workshops to furnish my craft.
You have mentioned that you have not seen characters getting explored as Dr Neil. What makes Neil different?
I don’t know if characters like Dr Neil have been explored on ITV, honestly. I took up this character because it had an arc none of my roles have had so far. The sweet, nice, gentle, sophisticated and patient nature of this character seemed interesting to me. The sorted, nice and happy nature of Neil felt like a structure I haven’t come across online for male leads so far. I also felt playing this character was a good step in the direction of breaking the monotony my previous characters held, which were poles apart but had some or the other issues. The way this character sees goodness in others and executes the same in himself makes Neil different.
Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin- have you followed this show earlier? Now that you are in this cult show, what does it mean to you?
No, I haven’t followed this show or even any other show for this matter. However, before signing up for the project, I watched a couple of episodes and found the execution, performances as well as direction quite smooth and fresh. I don’t see it from the perspective of it being a cult show to avoid pressure from seeping in. I see it as a new character that I am playing and being honest with.
Had it been a fresh show with this same character, I would have taken it up because I liked the character. I may work on a highly famous project, but if my character isn’t good or lacks sync, I don’t think I will be accepted.
Tell us about the traits of Neil that you like the most?
There are a lot of traits I admire. I like his patience, honesty, equanimity and the way he is composed. His family-oriented nature and the softness he holds to be vulnerable is something I really love. The reality to him and the space of being himself is simply great.
What are your expectations with this popular show?
Personally, I don’t have any expectations. I just want the show to be successful, and as an actor, I want to delve deeper into my role. I believe in moving forward whilst working on myself without any expectations intact.
Is there added pressure on you as part of the new cast to deliver numbers, considering that Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin has gone for a transformation when it has been doing well?
No, I don’t think there’s any pressure as such for the cast. Everyone is just doing their part and is very committed. Nobody is obsessed with numbers and none involved in the project has asked us to work on TRPs. All we are doing is to work as a unit that feels real, with honesty and sincerity intact.
TV is seeing a trend with relatively older shows doing well while many of the newer launches have failed. Do you find it an easier proposition to enter a well-accepted show and not a new show? Explain your thoughts.
This industry is filled with competition, and I think being accepted or what you can work through is subjective. It wasn’t a conscious decision to join the show, I just got the offer and had the instinct to work on this role. Had it been a fresh show with this same character, I would have taken it up because I liked the character. I may work on a highly famous project, but if my character isn’t good or lacks sync, I don’t think I will be accepted. It’s simple: jumping the wagon midway can be both a good opportunity and a risky step from where I see it. Content is king, I feel. Over time, I don’t fret over what shall happen or how things will pan. I simply focus on what I have to do and cross the bridge as it comes. I picked up the role not because it was a continuity but because it was a great team working on it and my role.
How is it working with Sanam and Vaibhavi who are relatively new to this TV pressure? What are conversations like about the show when you work together?
It’s great working with them for how dedicated and serious they are about their craft. I find them very hardworking, focused and open as individuals who work on exploring their characters. I am grateful to have them as my co-stars because they are good humans and work on narrating a story as a unit. There’s no sense of competition; it’s a healthy space to be around, and I really find them very dedicated to their goals.
How has the fans’ response been till now?
I haven’t been active, but the response has been positive from whatever I have seen. I am grateful for the love that’s coming in for my role and the show at large.
Best of luck!!
Digvijay Gandhi in Pocket Mein Aasmaan is quite hot-headed for a doctor: Farman Haider
I react positively to positive comments; avoid looking at negative comments: Adrija Roy of Anupamaa
