In Kankhajura, you and Roshan Mathew play against one another in a pitch-perfect jugalbandi?
With time I have realised it’s very important in a two-actor story, that both actors are secure. Otherwise, it can become very tricky. Luckily, I had a great experience. Roshan is very secure about his craft. The give and take in each scene was organic. The base of our equation was that, and now we do share a lot more than just actors.
Was it tough getting into the mind of this complex morally ambivalent character?
Kankhajura gave me an opportunity to play Max an extremely complex character, our director Chandan Arora was very clear since inception about the layers of Max; it’s his baby and he has spent a lot more time on it than us actors, I just followed his vision.
But how do you view Max?
Max is both, a man on a mission to achieve everything by hook or crook and not letting go of any opportunity. He can go to any extent to achieve what he desires.
Do you see the OTT space as a blessing for actors like you?
The OTT space is definitely a blessing, a lot has changed in the last 2 years, and makers have especially realised mediocrity will not be accepted, you have to have something different to pitch to the audience, they are currently ruthless.
Did you watch the original Israeli serial Magpie?
I deliberately didn’t see the original series as I didn’t want a reference point in my head. At times it’s good to start on a clean slate.
Was it hard snapping out of such a dark character?
Snapping out of a character now after working for so many years is not that difficult, few breathing exercises and a look in the cell phone does it for me.
Are you satisfied with your journey so far?
I am satisfied with my journey, though I feel there’s still a lot to explore and I still have a lot more in me to give.
What next?
Next is a love story. Hopefully should be able to talk about it soon.
