Our soaps need to grow up: Rohit Roy

Mumbai, July 28 (IANS) Star Plus' star-studded new daily "Viraasat" has raised the bars of Indian soaps in many ways.

First, it is the first soap to feature such a multitude of top marquee names on television. It is also the first soap to show lovemaking scenes, which is quite bold by small screen standards.

The serial features Rohit Roy, Aman Varma, Kiron Kumar and Sangeeta Ghosh in important roles. Obviously, there were ego clashes on the sets, especially since TV stars are known to have egos many sizes larger than the screen.

But the soap's romantic lead Rohit dismisses the ego theory: "Yeah, I know TV actors are known to clash. But believe me, we were all fine with each other. I can't say we are one big family like I felt when I was doing my first soap 'Swabhimaan' 10 years ago. But yes, we all get along fine."

"Aman Verma, who plays my elder brother, got along just fine with me. And Kiron Kumar was my first dad on screen so I have a soft corner for him. As for my co-star Sangeeta Ghosh, we hit it off from day one or maybe day six or seven. I found her hot on screen even before we acted together. But after 'Viraasat', I found Sangeeta not only hot but also warm," he told IANS.

And the warmth is being translated on television in what is a bold step ahead on Indian soaps.

"Sangeeta and I play an Indian Romeo and Juliet. We have some rather bold lovemaking scenes, the kind never seen in any soap. No nudity or anything but quite bold by our soap's soppy standards."

Rohit justifies the bold scenes by saying: "Come on, our soaps need to grow up. We are competing with the likes of 'Desperate Houswives' and 'Sex & The City'. I think couples need to express themselves more honestly in our soaps."

Now that Rohit has belled the cat, does he think it is the beginning of a new bold phase in desi soaps?

"I hope so. I don't mind doing lovemaking scenes as long as they are done aesthetically. And they are very delicately handled on 'Viraasat'. I wouldn't do anything to be ashamed of. I have got a little daughter at home who will one day pull me up for my mistakes."

What about Rohit's wife Manasi Joshi?

"Hah, the first thing I do when I go home is to tell her I have done a love scene with Sangeeta. Fortunately, she is an actor herself. So, she knows what needs to be done has to be done."

Rohit is rather nervous about "Viraasat".

"All my co-stars have other serials to go to. I don't have any other serial on hand. I think I had done some really satisfying work in my last soap 'Sarrkkar'.

Unfortunately that didn't work. 'Viraasat' is much more massy."