Lead or no lead doesn't matter - Rushad Rana

He debuted in a youth centric show based on the lives of school going students in Hip Hip Hurray and his comeback after a hiatus of two years on TV, has again made him a part of youth show, Rang Badalti Odhani, on a youth centric channel, STAR One. Feeling proud of becoming a part of the channel, Rana is kicked about giving his best to the character of Akshay Khandelwal replacing the original actor. Lead or no lead doesn't list on his agenda as he just worries about the content of the show. And Odhani has certainly caught his interest this time.

He talks about the show and coming back to television.

Why have you been on and off television?
Two years ago when my TV career was on full swing, I signed a movie titled Yeh Faasle and had to quit television. The movie took time as it was shot in intervals as a result of which I had to wish away with a lot of plum TV offers. Now that the film is complete and all set to hit theaters, I am back on television.

Was the period when you had to miss out on TV offers frustrating?
Oh it was indeed extremely frustrating. But I always knew that whatever happens, happens for good. I got to work with a very able director in Yogesh Mittal and had a seasoned co-actor in Anupam Kher. He too is highly impressed with Mittal's work. The movie is looking nice. The biggest achievement is that I am playing the male lead in it.

How did you brave through the depressing phase?
I turned to spirituality. Getting back to my roots pulled me through. I am a Parsi so I started going to the Fire temple and praying regularly. I got drawn to that direction unconsciously. I became stronger and more positive. Now I value my work a lot. Earlier when I used to get calls from producers, I used to get irritated thinking, that why do they have to bug me so much, but now my views and attitude has changed completely.

Please tell us a bit about Yeh Faasle?
The movie is about the estranged relationship of a father and daughter. The daughter is played by new face Teena Desai. One day, she realizes that her father (Anupam Kher) had murdered her mother. And this kick-starts a war of sorts between the father and daughter. I play Teena's love interest, confidant and also the lawyer.

What prompted you to take up Rang Badalti Odhani?
The production house Beyond Dreamz is owned by my very old friend Yash Patnaik and co-producer Swapna Waghmare is a friend too. This is a reason enough to take up the show. Swapna ji had earlier directed me in India Calling. This is a good show with good substance.

How have you been briefed on the character?
I have to bring a lot of warmth and niceness to the character and especially my relationship with my wife. We will have some nice and cute moments in the nearing future.

Are you romantic in real life?
Oh! yes, my idea of perfect date is a candle light dinner on a beach.

How was your first day at shoot?
Oh the team was very warm and hospitable. It never looked as if it was my first day on Odhani. I didn't shoot with the lead pair so can't say anything about them.

Have you been following the show?
Please pardon me for my ignorance on the show. But I will now be watching it to get a hang of it.

Do you regret losing out on those valuable three years as now you are getting to play a brother on the show?

I know that I am not getting any younger by the day. I have two of some very good shows on my platter - Odhani and Sangini. Apart from that my film career too is all set to take off. I am playing lead in the movie and doing great roles on television. Lead or no lead on a show doesn't deter me from taking up a show.

How has Bollywood treated you? TV actors feel sidelined in Bollywood.
I don't know about others but they have been really nice to me. Infact they are always in awe of TV actors. What gives us an upperhand on them is the fact that we are spontaneous. On television, you don't get time to mug your lines as its a day to day job. You are given your lines a day before to the maximum and you are usually spontaneous with your reactions and acting. On the contrary, they get days to learn their lines and get into the skin of the character. They acknowledge our hard work and potential.

How has TV changed from your Hip Hip Hurray days?
Television has changed big time. We see so many Bollywood celebrities descending to television. TV, as a medium has become huge.

What has your 12 years of experience in the industry taught you?
Don't take anything or anyone for granted. You fend for yourself and make a mark of your own.