MEET AASHISH MEHROTRA AKA PARITOSH OF ANUPAMAA!

Jyothi Venkatesh

Aashish K. N Mehrotra is currently playing the character of Paritosh Shah in the show Anupamaa. He speaks about his role, his experience working in the show and his passion for painting.

How will you define Paritosh Shah in Anupamaa?

He is in the middle of discovering himself, he loves his parents unconditionally. He is studying well and for that, he gets his father’s love. He does say things to his mother Anupamaa but it is not intentional and later on when he realizes that he apologizes to his mother. Paritosh loves his family. He is a next-door guy.

How will you sum up your experience working with Director’s Kut? 

It’s been great. I have been in the industry for eight years now and I have never experienced anything like this. Working with Rajan Shahi sir is a great feeling. The way the production house is taking care of the whole unit is simply amazing. Right from sanitising the sets to provide us with healthy drinks they are doing it all the time. I was a bit scared to go to the set again but once I started shooting I felt secure from the very first day. My perception of the production house is changed and not everyone's the same, Director’s Kut is very humane in approach. I am blessed to be part of this show.

How are the vibes of the set? 

The vibes of the set are very friendly and it feels like family. The way the whole unit works on set it’s just amazing. I am looking forward to going to the set of Anupamaa every day and that’s a booster for every actor.

The show has got very good numbers in the first week, how does it feel? 

It feels great. We just hope and wish that we keep delivering and the audience likes our effort. Trp is not in our hand but our work is.

Are there any traits of Paritosh in Aashish?

Well I have no qualms of admitting that I was like Paritosh in my school-college days, that has been one phase of my life. And I don’t regret it. I do take care of my mom now and see that I don’t hurt her. But when I hurt my reel mom Anupamaa I feel so bad and when later on I go and apologise to her I feel so better. Thanks to the writers who are writing such great scenes for Paritosh. The most emotional touch of your life is your mother and the show has touched that so nicely.

How has been the lockdown period for you? 

It was filled with mixed emotions, I was restless and yet wanted to resume my work. During lockdown, I have started baking and made so many dishes on my own and that’s great learning. I am an actor so I have done some acting and workout workshops online. I believe in preparing myself as an actor you need to be prepared always and when the opportunity knocks you nail it.

Your social media has also some brilliant paintings, you have a plan to come up with your own gallery one day? 

Yes during lockdown I have actually done 15 canvas paintings. I am still learning, during lockdown I have given a lot of time, and all my restlessness and negativity I have diverted through my painting. Creating something different is always a good feeling, putting colors to our life canvas. A lot of time we fail and there is no harm in failing. There is no competition in my work, initially, I have started giving to people. But recently I got an order for a painting from the UK and I am so happy. I am also launching a specially dedicated social media handle for my paintings and also named as Hanging Art.