Avinesh Rekhi is very different from his on-screen persona!

Actor, Avinesh Rekhi who is currently seen as Umashankar in TV show 'Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh Piyaji', says unlike his on-screen avatar, he is very cultured in real life and believes in gender equality.

About his character, the actor said, "Being from a Marwari family, Umashankar is religious. He doesn't believe in changing people's mindset and just wants everyone to do what is right as per their religion. He is very simple."

"Just like my character, I am also very cultured in real life. But, unlike my character, I am a believer of gender equality," he added.

'Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh Piyaji' is a sequel of the popular TV show 'Diya Aur Baati Hum'. 

After the show hit the TV screens, there have been a lot of comparisons between Avinesh and actor, Anas Rashid, who played the role of Sooraj Rathi in 'Diya Aur Baati Hum'.

"There shouldn't be any comparisons between actors. All the actors did a wonderful job in 'Diya Aur Baati Hum'. Now the makers have come up with a fresh story. Anas Rashid did his job brilliantly and my character is totally different from his role of Sooraj," Avinesh said.

"Sooraj was never seen doing Yoga and was not too religiously inclined," he added.

Avinesh, who has previously appeared in shows like 'Chhal - Sheh Aur Maat', 'Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon', 'Bharat Ka Veer Putra - Maharana Pratap' and 'Darr Sabko Lagta Hai', considers himself lucky of not getting stereotyped to a particular image on Indian television.

"I have done both kinds of roles - negative and positive. I was never stereotyped to a particular image. I consider myself lucky about that. If you can transform yourself into a character, then you can do your job well," he said.

"As actors, we are supposed to move on and not get too much attached to the characters we have played earlier because then we won't be able to focus on our present role," he added.

Talking about his future projects, Avinesh said, " Currently I am focusing on this show and not thinking about anything else. I am happy in my own space right now. After this show, I will decide what should I do next.

'Diya Aur Baati Hum' was a legacy. So, who would not want to be a part of its sequel? There was some nervousness and it was a challenge to bring it forward. I am honoured to take this legacy forward."

'Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh Piyaji', which has been shot across various locations in Kerala, Rajasthan and Mumbai, also features Rhea Sharma, Neelu Vaghela and Kanika Maheshwari.