“I feel Shiv as a character enables me to showcase my versatility as an actor”, mentioned Lag Ja Gale’s actor Namik Paul

Q 1. Tell us about the concept and storyline of Lag Ja Gale?

1. The concept, plot and lead characters of Lag Ja Gale are quite differentiated from any other jodi, love story or drama that you’ve seen till date and that’s what will make it stand out. The show revolves around a very unlikely couple brought together by compelling circumstances and family dynamics. Set against the backdrop of Delhi, the storyline follows the journey of an affluent, self-made young hotelier, Shiv Dhoopar, and a hard-working girl - Ishani Kulkarni - who juggles between multiple odd jobs as the sole breadwinner for her middle-class family. Despite multiple misunderstandings and misgivings that lead to the two starting off on a wrong foot, they choose to come together in marriage for the sake of their family’s happiness. Both Shiv and Ishani are truly an interesting depiction of today's generation, who are very clear in their heads about what they want from life and hence we feel audiences will be able to closely connect with the show.

Q 2. In an era where TV shows go off-air in a few months, what do you think will make Lag Ja Gale stand out and be successful?

1. I truly believe that the story of Lag Ja Gale is so engaging and the characters are so relevant that they will create a place in the hearts of the audience for years to come. In fact, all the characters have been developed so well and the plot has several layers, twists and turns, that will keep everyone hooked. Each relationship in the show is also woven explicitly and showcased in such a way that it will make for an intriguing watch. Most importantly, the unusual relationship of Shiv – Ishani, their sense of repartee, tashan, chemistry and the situations that they find themselves in will make the audience tune in and stay invested in the show.

Q 3. In the promo, we saw how Shiv and Ishani, who are all set to get married, have a lot of friction and how they end up bickering. Can you elaborate on the dynamics and issues that Shiv and Ishani have?

1. Shiv and Ishani’s equation is very complicated. Though they are very similar in certain aspects, they come from totally different family backgrounds and have very different outlooks towards life.  While Shiv is an ambitious, workaholic jet-setter, who has realized the value of money early in his life and built a successful 5-star property from scratch, Ishani is a simple Maharashtrian girl, who smartly leverages her networking skills to her advantage in times of need. In fact, she does multiple jobs throughout the day and in the evening, she helps her father sell Chinese food in the bylanes of Delhi. Not only do they come from different family backgrounds, but they also have completely opposite thoughts about love, life, profession and money. What’s similar between them is the fact that Shiv and Ishani’s love for their family makes them go to any extent for them. Though they have something to bond over, they start off on the wrong foot and they end up bickering about each and every thing. Despite these differences, they agree to marry each other, but why they take this decision, what happens after their marriage and what is the root cause of all the issues between the duo are things you will come to know as the story progresses.

Q 4. Personally, what is your take on a person getting married to someone that they don’t share a good equation with?

1. Lag Ja Gale is a work of fiction that is crafted for entertaining the audience and it looks at the journey of a couple who come together under unusual circumstances. Their marriage is largely an outcome of their family dynamics where both Shiv and Ishani agree to tie the knot for the sake of their siblings. While I personally believe that one should not marry someone that they don't share a good equation with, life is all about unpredictability, everyone has their own reasons to choose a certain life partner and it may not always be love. You’ll be surprised to know that there are a lot of couples who may not hit it off from the word go but warm up to each other as they go along. I feel audiences will not only connect with the protagonists of Lag Ja Gale but root for them to come together as the story progresses.

Q 5. Tell us something about your character, Shiv, and what convinced you to essay such a role?

1. My character, Shiv Dhoopar, is an ambitious, workaholic jet-setter who has realized the value of money very early in his life and built a successful 5-star property from scratch. This young hotelier is the main pillar of the Dhoopar family, for whose happiness and well-being, he can do just about anything. He has very odd working hours as well as an unconventional lifestyle that often annoys his mother. Getting the opportunity to play such a unique character, one who I relate with, was the reason why I chose to be a part of Lag Ja Gale.

Q 6. How has the transformation journey from Namik to Shiv been for you so far? Are there any preparations that you have done for your character?

1. To play the role of the charming and charismatic Shiv, I altered my look a bit. Not only have I been putting in some extra hours at the gym, but I’ve also changed my diet slightly for a leaner, fitter look. I have also taken some liberty to style my beard and hair to make Shiv stand out. What’s more is that I feel Shiv as a character enables me to showcase my versatility as an actor. His love-hate relationship with Ishani is really unique and to get his intense reactions right, I have been watching films of various actors who’ve played intense parts as references and adding my own touch to it. I believe Lag Ja Gale will present me in an all-new avatar and I am quite excited about it.

Q 7. You are coming back on television after almost three years, is there any particular reason that you have been selective in choosing TV shows?

1. I have always been very clear that I wanted to take my time and choose the right projects and characters. A television show is a massive commitment and I want to be sure of the projects and roles I am taking up. I don’t want to be a part of a show just for the sake of it or to earn money, I want to make a difference, I want to entertain people as well as evolve as an artiste. I did get a lot of offers, but during the pandemic, I got a lot of time to introspect about the kind of character I want to play next and as soon as I was approached for this show and I understood the plot and characters in detail, I knew this was the ‘one.’