'My role is that of an underdog in Kismat' - Rahul Bagga

Tell us something about your character in your new show Kismat?
I am essaying the character of Kabir Khan in the show. Aditya (Viraf Phiroz Patel)  and I  are born on the same day, and the difference lies only in the place of birth. My mom is basically a Muslim lady who comes to Hyderabad during the partition time, and resides with a Hindu family. After she dies during child birth, the boy is brought up for about eight years by the Hindu family. Then he gets to live with a Muslim family, and this provides him with an upbringing of both the cultures. Then he moves over to Mumbai city where he gets to spend about 12 years, where his struggle actually starts from a tea stall.

Slowly and gradually he starts improving in his work and later on meets Aditya raj Merchant who is of his age. Eventually life brings us both on such a stance where we both envy each other. One will have to see how circumstances expose the strengths and weaknesses in us. We work towards the same goal, and that is to become Victors in life..

How far is your real life different than your reel life character?
The first most difference is that I have not come from a poverty line. I have been fortunate to get all the needed necessities in life. I have always been with my parents, but Kabir is the one who has been subjected to loneliness throughout his life. His whole life was spent in search of some support who he can rely on...

So talking about support, does anyone come in Kabir's life who could share his pain?
Yes, of course he meets many such people with whom he spends good time but no one remains with him forever. Everyone's presence lasted only for a short period of time. But after seeing such a painful journey in his life he somewhere becomes like a coconut, a bit hard from the outer who craves for every happiness from within.

How is your rapport with your co actors?
It is very good, actually frankly speaking it is my second show with YRF and the best thing  about the two shows is the brilliant casting, good editors, camera person, costume designers  etc we have got. We have 300 speaking characters and around 2000 people in the frame.

What prompted you to take up this role?
The first thing that attracted me to take up this role was the fact that this role was of an underdog, a guy who moves from rags to riches. This is something which has always appealed to the audience.  And as I said, my character has a time span of around 60 years, so essaying such a character which has so many various shades in it seems very challenging for me. I don't think any of the actors from the film industry could have got such a great opportunity to show a big life span. And I think I am quite lucky to have got it.

Any memorable incident you would like to share while shooting for Kismat?
I have discovered many relationships while shooting.  I can't disclose it but definitely I can say that while shooting for this show, my love towards my father and sister increased. I could realize how important the feeling is to be with family..

How do you think the show will do?
Fortunately the show's name is Kismat. I think this show must do well because the story is so very gripping. As the story unfolds, the characters will get revealed and the story line will get intense.  The most important USP of the show is the emotion and bonding between characters. 

Which shows do you watch on small screen?
Well, now I don't get time to watch any of the shows but I like watching shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati. Otherwise I do not like the reality show formats seen on TV, especially the MTV types which open up your personal life on screen. If you are showing your personal life to everyone, that means you are not true to yourself.

It has been said that Kismat has been inspired by a novel, is it true?
Well I would say the premise of the story that shows the lives of a rich and a poor guy is something which is relatable. But it has not been picked up from any novel or book. If said that the story has been copied, it would be unfair on the part of the script writer. The story is basically of self survival.

So will the show narrate only the struggle between the two?
No it's not like that. There will be a love story, extra marital affairs, infidelity and everything that is seen in this world. It can be called as A Modern Mahabharat.

Reporter and Author: Tejashree Bhopatkar