His roles may not have been central to the story yet Mahesh Thakur made his presence felt in films like “Hum Saath Saath Hain”, “Aashiqui 2” and “Akaash Vani” among others. Equally at home on the small screen he is quite a familiar face on TV having worked in serials like “Tu Tu Main Main”, “Sasural Genda Phool” and “Astitva…Ek Prem Kahani” Apart from acting Mahesh in his leisure time writes scripts. “Apart from my work I love to spend time with family –– my wife and two sons Aryan and Araish,” shares the actor.
The actor is back on the small screen in an unusual role in the show “Ishqbaaz” which premiered this week on Star Plus.
In an interaction he discusses his role and how he views TV as a medium.
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Tell us about the grey shades you are portraying in “Ishqbaaz”.
After getting offer for this role, even I was surprised and wondered, ‘How can one cast me for a role, I have not done before.’ I asked my producers if they were confident of their choice? Nodding, they said: ‘You are an artiste who always accepts challenging roles.’ I started and gradually enjoyed overcoming the challenge.
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In this show I portray Tej Singh Oberoi, who owns a colossal business empire. He is an opulent, arrogant and egoistic person but in front of his mother he is very humble and teetotaller. She is the only one whom Tej fears and respects. An entertaining story of three brothers, ‘Ishqbaaz’ has vivid emotions like love and hate, revenge and redemption.
Substitution of actors in TV shows is quite frequent.
Yes it is true but it does not always work. If an artiste is giving exceptional performance and is received with open arms by audience, substitution can be hard-hitting. Sometimes roping in a popular artiste for show because of the high TRPs of another show doesn’t work. It is a double-edged weapon and sometimes it impacts the whole series.
Do you agree that newcomers treat television as a stepping stone or to make quick money.
Such a situation is history now. Today, it is not like that. Luck may drive you upwards but it is no a cakewalk to earn money. One should have passion for acting at the core. An aspiring actor should have passion for work and should zero in on that only.
What do you prefer – television or films?
See both are part of entertainment industry. While TV series have a proper beginning, middle and end, which develop over a period of time while films are like novels which last for a duration of two to three hours. Though I personally prefer films, I am selective about the work I do. If it is really challenging like my role in ‘Ishqbaaz’, I will instantaneously say yes.
You have done many roles, which one is the favourite of your children?
I don’t allow them to watch television. Tej is the first reel character I have showed them. They are allowed to watch selected channels like National Geographic for a maximum period of one hour. This apart, they are at liberty to indulge in extra-curricular activities and outdoor games. These are must in their tender age apart from studies.