I WOULDN'T SAY THAT ANIRUDH IS CUNNING SINCE HE IS ONLY TRYING TO GET KAVYA BACK INTO HIS LIFE

RUSHAD RANA, who made his debut with Mohabbatein, besides films like Veer Zara, James, Dor, 8 x 10 Tasveer, Shireen Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, I Am, Maatr, to name a few. tells JYOTHI VENKATESH

When did you make your web debut? What are the projects you did on the web?

Before joining Rajan Shahi’s Anupamaa, Rushad Rana did a strong cameo in Shakti. He also worked in shows like Muskan and Yeh Undino Ki Baat Hai.

Happy with how all these previous shows panned out and all the love his character Anirudh Gandhi has been garnering in Anupamaa, the actor wants to continue entertaining his audience.

He talks about the prominent works he has done so far in different mediums, how Rushad, who is back with a bang in Anupamaa bagged Anupamaa and more in this interview:

What are the prominent shows you have done that you would like to talk about?

Right from my first show Hip Hip Hurry till date, people remember me for Woh Rehne Wali Mehlo Ki, Kehta Hai Dil, India Calling, Savdhaan India, Piya Ka Ghar, Kumkum, among others.

Tell us about the prominent films in your career?

I started with Mohabbatein, though I had a small part but I got good feedback for the role.

Then I did Veer Zara, James, Dor, 8 x 10 Tasveer, Shireen Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi, I Am, Maatr, to name a few.

When did you make your web debut? What are the projects you did on the web?

My web debut has been a show called Punch Beat for Alt Balaji. I would like to thank Vikas Gupta for that.

It was a very popular show on Alt and I played a boxing coach in it. I am currently working on season two of the series.

I also did a short film called Cottage and a full-length feature called Peshawar for Ullu app.

Presently, two of my web series are ready. Web series are in. They give a lot of scope for performance.

What are the anchoring projects that you have done so far?

I did a bit of anchoring many years back for a Zoom on a show called Page 3. Off late I had anchored a crime show called NRI Haadsa which was aired on Colors UK. The same show was also aired on Voot. Anchoring gives a very different kind of kick.

How did you bag Anirudh’s character in Anupamaa?

Swati Soni a dear friend suggested last year during the lockdown to get in touch with Rajan Sir.

She also shared the contact details of the casting director of Anupama, where I sent my pictures.

After a few days, I got a call from them saying that they have a role for me but my character won’ be constant. I liked the part and auditioned for it and things worked out.

How much do you relate to the character of Anirudh ?

I relate Anirudh in more ways than one. I'm a divorcee and to play a guy who’s going through a divorce is relatable because it is something that I have already gone through.

You really want to forget these things in life but it’s difficult. Because of my personal experience, I could handle the scenes with sincerity and depth.

I can totally relate to the fact that Anirudh is madly in love with his wife and doesn’t want to let go his wife Kavya (Madalsa Sharma), who’s a slightly immature character and head over heels in love with Vanraj (Sudhanshu Paney).

Many feel the character is way too much cunning. Comment.

I wouldn’t say Anirudh is cunning. He is trying his best to get Kavya out of that relationship and bring her back to his life.

Yes, he is sarcastic, sometimes loses his temper and is very famous for his taunts and one-liners but I feel he is very human.

His emotions are real, which is why the character is connecting well with the audience.

What is the best compliment you got for the role?

Recently, Sudhanshu complimented us on our common Whatsapp group saying how we should have more of Anirudh as the character is layered and has a lot of power and substance to add the story.

I felt humbled by his words. Madalsa too keeps complimenting me. Public opinion matters the most, thankfully they too like Anirudh’s punch lines, dialogues and his sarcastic smile.

How has been the experience working with Madalsa Sharma?

My bond with Madalsa is wonderful. The other day when we were shooting, I reminded her that we both entered the set of Anupamaa on the same day.

And we instantly hit it off from day one. We’ve become good friends. She is not just talented but a beautiful human being. I wish the best for her always.

Are you missing shooting for Anupamaa on thoise days when you do not report for the shoot?

I am absolutely missing shooting for the show, the day I am not reporting for the shoot. Anupamaa is the first show where right from day one I got attached to people and the set of the show.

Each and every cast and unit member is gracious and welcoming. Working on the show felt like working with family.

The pandemic has brought a lot of changes in the industry. Comment.

I think the biggest change the pandemic has got in the industry is the fact that people are moving towards more meaningful and substantial content unlike before only the grandeur used to matter.

“Now we are in a space where everyone wants to concentrate on good content. The biggest blessing of the pandemic has been the OTT boom.

I don’t know what actors and technicians would have done and even as an audience I am thankful to OTT or else as people we wouldn't know how to kill time, those people who are not busy enough with their routine".

If not an actor what would you have been and why?

I would probably be a lawyer or a photographer. In my school time, I used to argue so well with my teachers and always had logic supporting my arguments.

And my teachers used to tell my mom that why don’t you make your son a lawyer, he totally shuts us up (laughs).

I am also very fond of photography so if not an actor I would have been a photographer as well. In fact, sometime soon I am planning to pursue my passion for photography.