I look up to Nitish Bharadwaj: Mrunal Jain

Mrunal Jain who essays the role of Lord Krishna in Kahaani Hamaaray Mahabharat Ki spoke to us about his debut, playing the young and old Krishna, professional life and beyond…

On playing Lord Krishna…
This is my debut on TV and I am glad that I got the biggest break ever with a big production house. I am only focusing on playing Lord Krishna right now because it will be difficult for people to accept me in a different role at the same time.

Debuting with a mythology…
I am glad that my first break was a mythology. This version of the Mahabharat is completely different from the earlier version. People are commenting on the costumes that are used in Ekta's version but they are not giving it enough time. I don't think there is any vulgarity on the show.

Landing the role…
I gave the auditions and I was supposed to play one of the Pandavas but when I met Ekta she decided that I play Lord Krishna. I would have been a fool to miss the opportunity. Initially, I was very surprised and confused as to whether I would play the young or old Krishna. Over the course of time, I was offered both the roles.

On comparisons with Nitish Bharadwaj
I was confident that I could do it but I had the fear that people may not accept me as Lord Krishna. And now I am happy that I am being accepted. Nitish Bharadwaj made such a big impact on people and I look up to him; I want to leave a mark on people's mind and I am sure that I will.

Preparations for the role…
Playing different ages is a big challenge. I am working on my voice, body language and have stopped working out. I need to look innocent and portray a childish behaviour. I also did some reading on Krishna and some Bhagwad Gita as well. The voice needs clarity and from my smile to each and every expression has to be innocent for the young Krishna. I am a Gujarati and I need to speak pure Hindi but I am taking efforts to improvise on that.

Working with the Balaji banner…
Working with Balaji has been fantastic. One of the reasons that Ekta chose me to play Lord Krishna is that I am a pure veggie. I don't have onions and garlic. You can find me wearing kurtas most of the time. I have totally got into the character and follow certain things strictly. I have been provided with all the comforts. The directors are more like teachers and are really cool. So it feels great to constantly have people to guide you in learning.

Life on the sets…
Everybody on the sets addresses me as Krishnaji and respects me. In fact Ekta Kapoor touched my feet on Krishna Janmashtami because she looks at me as Lord Krishna and not Mrunal Jain. And when I am in Krishna's outfit, I am very polite and calm. I want to give my 100% to whatever I do and give the best shot.

On the success of reality TV…
We have good daily soaps these days and the concept of saas-bahu is going away. And reality shows are a big TRP booster. It is a change for people especially dance is very entertaining. It is ultimately what people want and reality shows are working well.

Big screen vs Small screen
TV is watched everyday but it is not the case with movies. It is cut-to-cut acting on the small screen. And everything is different between small screen and big screen from pin to airplane. Both the media are good in their own ways but I want to do movies as well.

Life beyond work…
I work 18 to 20 hours everyday and I hardly get anytime for myself. But I make it a point to visit the temple everyday. I watch some TV and it is mostly travel and living and some news channels. I also love designing for automobiles. I would have been an automobile designer if not an actor. I also hit the gym whenever possible. I work on the weak areas of my acting; I take feedback from my seniors.