Interview of Mehul Kajaria

Still fresh in public memory as the disabled Harsh Virani in Kyunki, actor Mehul Kajaria is pulling all stops to prove his craft in his new latest show, Playtime Creations' Teen Bahuraniya. His portrayal of Rohit Gheewala in this Zee's daily is already creating ripples by good word of mouth.

Here's a Q-n-A with this Gujarati chokro.

"You play a serial writer in Teen Bahuraniya. How novel is your characterization and the show?"
Yes I do play a TV show writer. The character Rohit is someone who takes inspiration from small things in life and makes notes of it to be utilized for penning scripts. Teen Bahuraniya is a very realistic show in which there is no unnecessary howling or melodrama. The situations are very real-life like and the family audience can relate to them absolutely. I would say it's a commercial real-life setting garnished with a tinge of light comedy. The atmosphere on the sets is very good and cordial. Also almost all the actors are from a Gujarati background. As I too am a Gujju I can easily relate to them.

" As this show is backed by Paresh Rawal's production house, have you got a chance to meet him? "
Paresh ji is too busy with his own work. And whenever he has visited the sets, unfortunately I didn't have shoot on those days.

"What kind of feedback you have earned for the show?"
People tell me that the show is realistic and everything is told in a lighter tone. It is a Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki with a different treatment and audience can instantly relate to the characters.

Going by the cast of the Teen…isn't it highly a women dominated arena?
The TV industry itself is women dominated. The audience is by and large housewives. Just like the film industry is male dominated and the women don't complain, it's the fairer sex who rules here and the men don't grumble. Let's accept the reality.

Do you regret leaving Kyunki …?
I quit Kyunki…when a leap was being brought in and I was not willing to play a father. I only want to play my age and that is what I am doing in Teen Bahuraniyan. I can't see myself papa, mama or chacha.

Has your equation with Balaji gone sour after that?
No. We parted ways amicably. If they offer me a substantial role I will surely take it.

Is Bollywood on your agenda?
Yes, I would love to do films but right now I am not making any efforts. Whenever one gets a break from TV one needs to work on physique, polish their PR skills and go for regular auditions. I haven't commenced that exclusive struggle for films.

We've never heard about your love life. Reason?
I don't want to get into any emotional commitment right now. Career is top most priority. I shoot at least 20 days a month. When things have to happen they will happen. I am not going out of my way to find a girl for myself.

Any other passions?
I recite poems penned by Javed Akthar and Kaifi Azmi. It has been a passion for more than four years. I have keen ears for gazals by Gulam Ali.

Tell something which people are not aware of?
My mom is a journalist.