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EXCLUSIVE: Parth Samthaan on playing Anurag, working with Erica Fernandes in Kasautii Zindagii Kay and more
In an EXCLUSIVE interview with Pinkvilla, Parth Samthaan spoke about bagging the role of Anurag, his reaction to Shah Rukh Khan being the narrator for the show, chemistry with Erica Fernandes and much more.
Parth Samthaan is the new Anurag for Ekta Kapoor's show Kasautii Zindagii Kay. The actor who became popular by playing Manik Malhotra in the youth show Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan, will be seen romancing none other than Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi actor Erica Fernandes in the show. Parth enjoys a huge fan following amongst the youth but with Kasautii Zindagii Kay, his stardom is sure to rise like never before. In an EXCLUSIVE interview with Pinkvilla, Parth spoke about bagging the role of Anurag, his reaction to Shah Rukh Khan being the narrator for the show, chemistry with Erica and much more.
The actor also revealed how much does he identify with the character and the nuances he picked from the original show. In the original show which aired between 2001-2008, it was Cezzane Khan who played Anurag. Khan's chemistry with Shweta Tiwari AKA Prerna was one of the most loved ones and Parth reiterated that he hopes to recreate magic onscreen with Erica.
Without much ado, here's an excerpt from the interview:
Given that you were pitted amongst the likes of Shaheer Sheikh, Barun Sobti, Ssharad Malhotra amongst others for the role of Anurag. How did it feel bagging it finally?
I did not know what is happening regarding the show when the team was in the hunt for actors to play Anurag. I did not even know that the show is being remade. I got a call from Balaji regarding this while I was in America but when I got to know that I have been finalised to be a part of the show I basically went on to recollect all the memories related to show, what I had seen during my childhood. The next thing I called my parents to inform them and they said go for it. I told Balaji that it is a big project and I am excited and then when I came back we met and we finalised pretty quickly.
Do you know why you were chosen to play Anurag?
Oh yes, I myself recently discovered why I was given this chance. Ekta Ma'am recently revealed in an interview that there is something she saw in my eyes which she was looking for in the character of Anurag so that is something she thought which can actually work out.
How excited is the team about the reboot given the expectations people have from the show?
The team is very much excited and everyone is nervous to see what will happen. A lot of people are having huge expectations from the show as it is returning after a huge gap and it was already brand and we just want to make sure that we don't disappoint the fans. We are giving our 100% and are working hard to make it a success, to make sure the chemistry between the pair and with the family is worked out well.
How did you family/friends react to the news? Were there any warnings issued given you will be stepping into the shoes of an iconic character?
There wasn't any sort of warning. They were very happy to know that I have bagged such a big role.
Did you pick any nuances from original Anurag to get into the skin of the character?
Oh yes, a couple of things, a couple of traits as I want to keep my own identity to it as well. His simplicity, the way he respects people, among others are a few things I picked up for Anurag, he has nothing to do with the outside world.
How did you and Erica break the ice on the sets?
Now I have to think about it. We had shot something regarding the show first and later we shot the promo. Erica is a wonderful person to work with, we met and gelled around. She is very helpful and co-operative. Later, I got to know she has also come from a show which had a lot of romance and did wonders which is really good. Also, she is very experienced when it comes to acting. It is great to learn a couple of things here and there and there is a long way to go.
What do you think of your chemistry with Erica onscreen from the promo shoot you guys did?
I am no one to say. To be honest, I just believe it is a chemistry between a couple who is in love and besides that, it is up to the audience to decided/judge if they are liking the chemistry between the couple and whether they want to watch the love story. Our work is to act and make sure that the connection, emotions and relationships are played right.
Do you identify with Anurag as Parth at all?
No, No, Not even close to. I would rather connect myself a bit with Manik which I played in my previous show. This Anurag guy is a very simple guy that is one of the things I relate with Anurag as Parth, as in, the way he treats everyone. That is something I believe in personally but besides that, his thought process, the behaviour is completely different. There are creatives, directors to guide us. They have given me some motivational speech that slowly and steadily I will get a hang of it.
Shah Rukh Khan has turned narrator for the show which in itself is a huge thing. What was your reaction when you heard about it?
The promo was shot really nicely and has come out really well. I think it couldn't get bigger than that, coming from the iconic romantic legend, Shah Rukh Khan, himself. I have learnt so much from him. So, when we got to know about this, we were really excited and happy and we thought now something really good is going to happen. In fact, after watching the promo, many people got nervous too as now people will expect more. We have to deliver! (laughs)
Kasautii.. is a story of two karmically connected lovers who live for each other.. do you personally believe in such love?
I would like to say that I believe in love and when I say that, it includes this angle too. Love has no boundaries, no age factor, no caste, religion and now gender too. Beyond that, love is more important for people and it is not necessary that you should have expectations from them. I personally believe if you love someone, then the person is with or without is irrelevant, expecting from that person to love you back is not necessary. That's not love, then. Love is a pure, beautiful feeling and one should just enjoy it.
You made headlines more so for your personal life of late. Do you think you are better prepared today to handle criticism and trolls?
Right, I was not bothered by what is happening. I believe in this thing that you should not care about what people think and just do your own thing. I have learnt a few lessons, everyone grows from their experience. I am in a positive frame of mind right now and I am more focused on the show itself.
Do you finally know who is playing Komolika? There are rumours of Hina Khan doing it?
Even I don't, the makers have kept everything under wraps. I did not even know if I am playing Anurag so this I definitely did not know.
No , m not checking anyone out #picoftheday #psteam #white #colouroftheseason Pic : @thegreydot
But hypothetically speaking, if she does play Komolika, how excited are you to collaborate with her?
I really don't know a lot of actors here. I have kept away from the TV for some time. So whoever Komolika would be, I will be most probably meeting her for the first time on sets. In fact, I did not even know Erica. I met her for the first time on sets. So, I am also waiting to know.
Kasautii Zindagii Kay premieres September 25, 2018 on Star Plus at 8 PM.
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