'I do not think Indian political system is reliable' -Yashwant Singh

How were you selected for the character?
I was called for auditions from the channel and after the usual rounds of auditions and look tests I got selected for the role. I had been giving auditions for several shows when Dhoond Legi Manzil hamein happened to me.

How will the storyline go ahead in the show?
Presently the storyline revolves around Abhishek (Deepak Wadhwa) and Nandini wherein Nandini is kidnapped. As far as I know, Alka (Sara Khan) and Chander will reach out to Nandini (Deepali Pansare) for her help and the further tracks will concentrate on Chander and Alka too.

How easy or difficult was it to portray Chander for you?
Fortunately Chander is similar to me in real life, apart from certain things here and there. Since I am also little reserved and introvert, it was not that tough for me to get into the character. But initially I was a little doubtful about the character because the briefing given to me about Chander was that he is a fun loving guy who resembles Akshay Kumar in Namastey London. But I had decided to do the role, come what may, and finally I was relieved to know that the character is opposite to what was described to me.

How did you prepare yourself for the character?
Since it is a simple character, there was not much work to do and the briefing and the character sketch was already given to us which made it easier. And since it was similar to what I am in real life, it was easy for me to transport myself into the character.  

In the show you have a very close and friendly relation with your father; how is it in real life?
I was a kid, when I lost my father and hence I miss those moments that a father and son have, but at the same time I share a good rapport with Ajay Rohilla and he is a good friend off screen too.

The show deals with a topic which is sensitive; do you think in the future there can be controversies related to it?
Till now the show has not gone into the intense political level which can lead to a controversy. And since the show does not deal with a particular issue or any party directly, I do not think even in the future there will be tensions or arguments related to the show. We are just highlighting a common issue that can be seen anywhere.

What is your personal take on politics in India?
This is a serious question for which I need a great time to think about (laughs), but all I can say is that the system is not stable; it is not a system on which people can completely rely on.

There are several new faces in the show; how is it working with them?
Initially all were uncertain about the co-actors as all were new and did not have a background in acting. But then gradually everything went well and today Abhishek, Sara and I are great friends on the sets and we have great fun.

Dhoond Legi Manzil Hamein replaced Miley Jab Hum Tum; how has been the response of the people towards your show?
I used to watch television before I started doing the show and have seen the promos of Miley jab Hum Tum. Even though I have never seen the show, I had heard that the show was good and was doing well. Conceptually our show is different from the shows that Star One usually airs and it will take some time for the characters and the concept to sink in people's mind. 

Do people recognize you today as Chander?
Yes, definitely. It was just yesterday that a part of the unit was shooting in one area and they had taken my bike. Some girls recognized it and thought that I would also be there in the location but were disappointed. Today wherever I go people do recognize me as Chander and it feels really great.

There are rumours that your character will see an end that will urge Alka to get into politics; is it true?
Since I have no clue on how the track will go on in future, I cannot comment on that. But I guess the character Chander will not see his end.

How is Yashwant in real life?
Yashwant in real is as simple as Chander, but is a bit more reserved and silent.

How did acting happen to you?
I had been into theatre during my college days and acting has always been there as my dream.  After I came to Mumbai I had been into modeling and done several commercials too. 

Your upbringing and professional background?
I was born and brought up in Himachal and I completed my Graduation in Arts from there. I was into theatre during my college days and I did my Diploma in theater from there. Now it has been six years in Mumbai and the journey had been great with modeling and commercials. Initially I tried my hand in Bollywood, but it did not work out the way I thought it would. And finally I felt television would be a good platform to start my career in acting.

How is the experience working with Mohan Joshi and how is your rapport with the other co-actors on the sets?
Mohan Joshi is a great actor and it is a pleasure to work with him. Even though I have had only a few scenes with him, all those were really great. The scene wherein Chander goes to Nityanad after he drops Alka at the airport was a very intense one. At that moment Nityanand was in a state wherein Abhishek has left the house and Alka was also not around and that makes him say that if he had another son, it would have been you. That scene was really touching for me.

How is the experience working with Star One?
Star One is a great team to work with and the people are very cooperative. We have a great direction and creative team and it is a pleasure to work with them.

What are your expectations from the show?
I just wish the show does well and becomes a super hit in Star One and in Indian television.                                                         
Reporter and Author: Saranya valsarajan