Sumit Kaul, the versatile actor known for his memorable roles in projects like Tanaav, Laila Majnu and Afwaah, has shared his perspective on the growing trend of podcasts. The actor, who is set to play the role of Girgit in Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama, believes podcasts offer a unique blend of information and entertainment while allowing artists to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Speaking about podcasts, Sumit said, “From an audience point of view, podcasts have become a great source of information and entertainment. It’s also a wonderful platform for artists to present themselves in an intimate way. It will always be up to the artist how much of their life they want to divulge.”
Sumit also touched on how the trend of celebrities being more open about their personal lives has evolved. He explained, “With a sharp increase in content, platforms, and competitors, the share of the audience’s attention pie has reduced considerably. It’s inevitable that some artists would choose to overshare personal details to titillate or shock the audience. That’s a choice every artist must make individually. I draw my boundaries, even if it means being less interesting.”
In an era where social media, interviews, and podcasts leave little room for privacy, Sumit believes maintaining personal space is still possible. “There is always room for privacy. While camera phones make it easier for people to capture moments you’d prefer to keep private, there are ways to maneuver around that. We, as artists, have to accept a certain degree of privacy infringement, but not everything about our lives is up for public consumption.”
When asked about celebrities announcing personal milestones on public platforms, Sumit maintained a balanced view. “In an attempt to keep their fans engaged, celebrities do get creative with the kind of information they share. To each their own. For me, I share only what I’m comfortable with and what aligns with my principles.”
Talking about his character in the show, Sumit says, “Girgit is a character with a deep personal grudge, driven by the sole purpose of destroying Tenali and the Krishna Devarai kingdom. Playing him brings a new dynamic to the show, as he poses a significant and constant threat to the protagonist. Unlike a typical, physically dominant villain, Girgit’s strength lies in his sharp intellect. He creates obstacles for Tenali by constantly changing his personality, keeping everyone guessing and adding layers of intrigue to the story.”
