Tell us about the new series Kahani Navbharat Ki and what got you onboard?
Ans. The new show Kahani Navbharat Ki, is basically a celebration of a glorious 75 years of independence. It is a celebration of what makes us what we are. It’s a very highly researched non-fiction show. We had a lot of sociologists, historians, and academicians who were a part of our research team, and that’s what makes it more exciting. Somewhere down the line, I always wanted to be a part of something like this, something informative, something that talks about our rich and diverse culture, and also, somewhere down the line, there is a massive sense of pride amongst each one of us that is associated with this show. Because we are celebrating 75 years of independence, it was an idea to share what’s gone into making India what it is today. Considering the fact that we have the largest democracy in the world, one of the most robust legal institutions in the world, it’s an informative show it’s about inspiring people who are watching it. it’s about creating a sense of curiosity about what happened in the history, and all these things were the primary reasons to why came on it.
How did you settle in the role of a narrator?
I think half my job was done by the research team. I had a wonderful research team and director like Aparna who made it clear as to what she looking for, from me. As I said, it was something that came from within me so it is not all that difficult. I just wanted to go out there, share my wonderful experiences with the audiences. There were so many anecdotes, there were so many historical facts that I was unaware of. There were so many unsung heroes, so many untold stories. The primary idea was to go out there as a host to inform the audiences about our proud heritage, to sort of inform them, also intrigue them, and raise a sense of curiosity amongst the younger generation, and these were the larger points that we focused on and that’s how we took it forward.
Having experimented with different mediums and genres, how do you look back at your journey in entertainment?
God has been kind and most importantly the audiences have been kind, pretty satisfied with how things been so far and I’m not someone who actually plans life firstly I take each day as it comes, so today you know if I look back at my journey from television to film and OTT and now back to television again with Kahani Navbharat Ki, I think overall I’m really satisfied, really grateful and thankful for the opportunities that have come my way and there’s a lot more to be done, but I’m taking each day as it comes.
Recently your name had come up in conversation about actors rejecting films because of no A listers in the cast. What were your thoughts?
I think it was misinterpreted. So, she (Taapsee Pannu) has already put out a clarification, which is accurate, and I wouldn’t want to further comment on that. That’s about it.
Your experience of working on Mumbaikar.
Working on Mumbaikar was just fantastic. I’ve always admired Santosh Sivan sir, I’ve grown up watching his films and Mumbaikar marks his return as a director after almost 11 years or so. It’s a perfect opportunity for me to explore my own skillset with a veteran like him. Also got an opportunity to work with such an ensemble cast including Ranvir Shorey, Vijay Sethupati sir, I’ve always looked up to them and their work. I am very excited and hoping the film comes out soon.
