"I always wanted to work for Rajan Shahi"-Kunal Verma

After portraying the obedient son on Star Plus' Tujh Sang Preet Lagayi Sajana and a supportive friend in Sony TV's Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle Ka Naata Koi, Kunal Verma has groomed himself to essay yet another simple role in Rajan Shahi's Hawan on Colors.

In an exclusive talk with Tellybuzz, Kunal revealed how he always wanted to work for Directors Kut Production and shared his other thoughts...


How did you bag the role in Hawan?

After working for Surya the Super Cop, I got approached for Rajan Shahi's new project. So I went and got shortlisted after the auditions were done. In this way I got selected for the role of Atharva in the show.

You play the obedient son of Baapji. Do you think the role is similar to the one you portrayed in Tujh Sang?

Not fully, but I think to some extent the role is on the similar lines of that the role in Tujh Sang…

What is the character all about?

Atharva is a lawyer and a very descent guy. My character is very sober and genuine, someone who always follows what his father says, never goes beyond his words. The character is not complicated and has no grey shades in it.


How is the experience working with Rajan Shahi?

Frankly speaking Rajan Shahi is the one I always wanted to work with. I had heard about Directors Kut being one of the best production houses to work with, that means the working atmosphere which sets you free to explore yourself as a character. So I always wanted to work with him and as I have received this opportunity I will see to it that I prove myself.

We heard were considered for a role in his previous shows as well?

The vibes you get when you work with Rajan Shahi on a set are wonderful and it makes you more enthusiastic to work. Now it is like head on my shoulders and I just have to 'Click'.

You have undergone a makeover for this role?

Not really. But to some extent yes, I have changed my hairstyle as normally my hair was a bit long but now I have made them short for the role, otherwise everything is the same.

The show is set with in Bihar. How easy or tough was it to get the grip of the dialect and mannerisms?

First of all the background is not Bihari but has a dialect from Bundelkhand so there was nothing to grip in terms of the mannerisms. Regarding the dialect then nothing was compulsory for my character.


The cast of the show had been finalized long back. What was the reason for the delay of its launch?

It's true that the show got delayed but a few unavoidable issues are bound to crop in a project like this. We were about to launch the show in July but due to the monsoons, we could not shoot at the location which we wanted and other such issues led into the delay of the show. But one is thing is for sure that everyone was waiting for the show to go on floors.

Your last show Tera Mujhse Hai Pehle Ka Naata Koi did not get an expected run. Were you apprehensive about taking your next project?

I really can't comment on my last project because as far as I knew I was giving my best to the show but may be the script didn't appealed to the audience which started with a different concept but took a different turn later. As far as this project is concerned I know if we all give our best, it will definitely rock.


Any memorable experiences so far?

We have just started with the show but working with thid production and the cast is fun.


You have actors like Narendra Jha and Shubhangi Atre Poorey in the show. How is the experience working with them?

Both of them are clean hearted, very beautiful people and genuine actors. So working with them was always welcomed and a memory in itself.

You have tough competition being in the 7pm slot...

Yes, there is a competition but let's see where the show is destined to be. But I believe when the entire cast works hard, the show automatically gets clicked with the audience.


What are your expectations from the show?

I hope we all reach to what our producers and audience expect from us.

By Tejashree Bhopatkar