“I THINK NEPOTISM EXISTS EVERYWHERE, BUT TALENT IS WHAT SETS YOU APART”

VIKRAM MASTAL, who plays Hanuman in Ramayan on air on Dangal TV tells JYOTHI VENKATESH in this exclusive telephonic interview

How are you spending the lock down?

I think the lock down has taught everyone the value of money and how to survive with only essentials.

What are your thoughts on Dangal TV?

Dangal TV has given me all new popularity. The way they have used the lockdown time to telecast mythological shows is superb. I am very thankful that they are doing a re-run for Ramayan, in which I am essaying the role of Hanuman.

Didn’t you think twice before signing for the role of Hanuman in Ramayan, since Dara Singh had already created a benchmark in the earlier version?

I never thought about being compared to Dara Singh ji. The role came to me unplanned. At that time, I didn’t have a massive personality suitable to play the role of Lord Hanuman. During the time of auditions, the person taking the audition asked me to pick up any script and perform. At random, I picked up Lord Hanuman’s script. The casting person asked me to narrate the dialogues irrespective of which character it was of, since they were only looking at people who could speak proper Hindi. The audition went off well. Anandji offered me the role of Lord Hanuman, in spite of my persona not being a massive one required for the role. I was given six months to prepare for my role. Anandji in his personal capacity financially supported me to build my body so as to look like Lord Hanuman and offered me Rs 12,000, which, twelve years back, was a huge amount to spend on an actor. They provided me with a gym membership and also a nutritionist to maintain my diet. I went on from 76 kilos to 101 kilos in 6 months.

Were you not skeptical that your expressions won’t be seen since you would be wearing a mask?

As an actor who had just entered the industry, I had no option. I was struggling to get good roles one and half years before doing Ramayan. I did have some financial issues, but getting the role of Lord Hanuman in Ramayan, solved them all. When they selected me for Hanuman, I had doubts about being able to portray the role due to my lean body structure. I thought they would select me for any other character. However, I was blessed to get an opportunity to play the role of Hanuman.

How did you make your debut as an actor?

My first serial was Aankhein which was on Doordarshan which was a Sagar Arts production. The producer, Moti Sagar is my godfather. This was 3-4 years before I did Ramayan.

Why didn’t you try for a career in films?

I am still trying for films. Since I come from a small town, it does take a lot of additional effort to create your name in the industry that already has numerous known faces.

During those times, wasn’t nepotism an issue?

I believe, nepotism exists in every field. For instance, a politician would always prefer to have his son continue his legacy. Everywhere, people would prefer their children first over others. I believe its one side of the coin. What really matters the most is the love and affection one receives from the audience. An actor might get three to four chances to prove his mettle, but if the audience doesn’t like you as an actor, nothing can save you. The audience makes or breaks you.

In how many serials have you acted so far?

I have acted in serials like Aankhein, Air Hostess, Koi Toh Hoga Apna, Woh Ladki Anjaani Si. As an actor I am never satisfied and always look forward to do roles that help me grow. In Ramayan, where I played the role of Hanuman, due to the mask my face wasn’t revealed, but I was satisfied with my acting.

Do you feel that you lost out on publicity, as your face was not seen?

I do sometimes get the feeling. But I looked at it from a point of view of surviving in the industry. I received money which is important to survive. If you can survive in Mumbai for 2-3 years with the money you earn in one role, it definitely means that the role was good. I worked hard to get the result/reward.

Which are your 5 best serials as an actor?

Aankhein, Ramayan, Ek Ladki Anjani Si, Koi Toh Hoga Apna and Ganga Maiya

Which are the serials you are currently part of?

Currently I'm not a part of any show because I felt that I was locked up because of the same things being done on a daily basis. There is no doubt it has added to the kitty of my experience and has given me the confidence to plunge into web series and movies.

Have you acted in web series too?

I have done two web series. Saragarhi 1897 a period drama produced by Contiloe pictures which was aired on Discovery Jeet and is now available on Netflix. Mohit Raina is also a part of the show. I have also done a movie called Suspense released in 2019 with Antara Banerjee and Madhumita Biswas. The other movie is Sakshi which was due to release in March/April but due to the lockdown, its release has got postponed. It features Madhumita and Gehana Vasisth. It's a suspense murder mystery. I am also doing one web series directed by the well known director Shekhar Suri for Amazon Prime Video. I am playing a cop. I believe that the role will enhance my visibility in the film and TV industry.

Can you tell me the wish list of the directors you wish to work with?

I wish to work with Anurag Kashyap and Rohit Shetty, because I am trained in martial arts. I would like to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali as well, as I believe he can create an actor’s journey and becomes an essential part of it. In fact now I am very comfortable and confident with any role, in front of any actor or director though I wouldn’t say that it was the same 5 years back. The directors and my roles so far have polished me.

Will you be comfortable with web series which require nudity and even intimate kissing scenes?

Not yet. In any case, I don’t think it is required or is essential for acting. I don’t think it is necessary at all. But I haven’t decided! I haven’t actually said no to any offers because of the same. I have done 2 songs, one with almost 8 million views and I have avoided the same in it. If it is not necessary and does not change the story line, I think it can be avoided. Though, if it is necessary and creates a big impact on the story, then I would do what it takes. I think people are becoming bored, watching the same kind of scenes again and again, because, be it the web series or the movies, the story is the hero. Newcomers are winning the audience with the help of relevant content.

Who are your favorite actors?

Earlier Guru Dutt and now the work of Sushant Singh Rajput and his journey inspires me. Other actors who have caught my eye are Vicky Kaushal, Ayushmann Khurrana and Akshay Kumar. Among the actresses, earlier Madhubala and now Aishwarya Rai is my favorite. Though all actors are good because the moment someone gives a bad performance, people only reject them, irrespective of who they are. Kriti Sanon, Bhumi Pednekar and even Sara Ali Khan are very good.

Would you lay the blame on Sushant’s suicide on nepotism?

There is a big wall. I can’t say for sure if it's there or not because I haven’t made it there yet. It’s like a reflection or like a mirror, but I am still not sure of what it holds for me. I think nepotism exists everywhere, but talent is what sets you apart.  Sushant shouldn’t have given up the fight so easy. He had a lot on his plate. Though his story is a reflection of how we can’t stay on Mt Everest, you have to touch it and come back. You can’t escape that cycle of life. Every star has to touch heights and come back and strive again, as one can’t constantly stay at the top.

Where do you see yourself after 5 years?

I always wanted to be like Irrfan Khan who is appreciated for his acting and didn't bother about his star status. I want to see myself in his shoes in the next 5 years.

Can you explain your growth as an actor in the last 15 years?

I have become a lot more confident and I think that it is a very important thing. I don't hesitate to work with anyone today. And I believe that the number of years you've spent in the industry doesn't matter but only your confidence matters.