TOI: I am very choosy about TV-Mohnish

Am very choosy about the TV shows I do

Says Mohnish Behl in a hearty conversation with AT during a recent trip to city

Shruti Jambhekar


Although he started his career as a lead actor in Tere Bahon Mein,the role he is most remembered for is that of Jeevan in Maine Pyaar Kiya where he played a negative character,followed by his heart-warming performances in Hum Aap Ke Hain Kaun and Hum Saath Saath Hain.After Devi and Dill Mill Gayye,Mohnish is now essaying a lead role in the soon-to-air prime time soap Kuchh Toh Log Kahenge (KTLK).Excerpts from an interview:

ROLE PLAY

When I met Rajan Shahi,he narrated two scripts to me.First one I heard for three hours and told him that I will think over it.Second script which was of KTLK,I heard it for five minutes and told him this is the one I would take up! This soap is adapted from successful Pakistani serial Dhoop Kinaare,but,I've not seen any episodes of it because I dont want to be influenced by the original serial and want to give my own feel to this role.

CHOICE MATTERS

Im out of work by choice.Although,I have not been noticed in many roles in films,but,when I do television,Im very choosy.I have rejected more shows than accepting on small screen because I simply wanted to do the shows which can be catered to family.I'm very particular about what I do on TV.I did Star Vivaah because that was a concept I believed in and the same holds true for Sanjeeevani,Dill Mill Gaye and Devi.

STORY SO FAR...

I have been through tough times.My first six films were flops.Post that,it was Maine Pyaar Kiya.And whatever I have achieved today is because of two men Sooraj Barjatya and Salman Khan.It was Salman who recommended me in Maine Pyaar Kiya.Sooraj made me explore the myriad roles be it MPK,Hum Aapke Hain Kaun... ! or Hum Saath Saath Hain.And these are the films that have defined me as an actor.

THREE DECADES IN SHOWBIZ

I have completed three decades in the entertainment industry.It feels awesome.I have seen ups and downs.Though,I have not been recognized in all the roles,my kitchen was running,I was never in financial trouble.But,I feel the film industry has changed and evolved for good.In terms of budgets,promotions,story-lines,good films are being made.Im still learning though,sometimes I do think of turning a director,but,acting still has so much to offer that I dont think Im ready to direct a film yet.I can do it in the future.

FAMILY MAN

Im a complete family person.I love spending time with my wife Ekta and our daughters Pranutan and Krishaa.Pranutan is 18 and is studying law,she was getting offers to act but,I asked her where does she want to see herself 15 years down the line and that's when she opted for studying over acting.Krishaa is two and half years old.Actually,I couldnt give much time to Pranutan while she was growing up so now,bestowing all that time and space on Krishaa.