I've done comedy on stage, in fact it is one of my strong points.
I never improvise. I create the character and transform into it.
If the way I've performed a scene isn't to the director's liking, I discuss it, try to understand why he doesn't like it, and incorporate the suggestions. But sometimes I also take a very strong stand.
I put a lot of pressure on myself, I can't say today is a bad day, I can't do that to myself. Whatever it takes, I have to deliver a scene.
The audience basically likes complex characters, and bringing out the complexities is the actor's job. The audience doesn't have the script, the actor does.
I was waiting for a good show on Amazon and 'Paatal Lok' had all of it - good script, story, and cast. It joined all the dots beautifully.
The struggle is to sustain the quality. When I look at my work and the kind of responses I'm blessed with, I feel I need to do so much more.
There's a lot of opportunity on the web that you couldn't imagine some years ago. People are experimenting at a fast rate.
The cast you are working with is important because it involves a give-and-take relationship. For me, when you have strong performers, multiple things happen, the magic of creation happens. That's where you build the craft.
I like to play Gandhi, but I've got tired of it, though not bored of it. I have to go through the physicality of losing weight.
Money is very important to me, but its source is important too. As of now, I can say that I will never ever do films that demands me to sell my craft.
I didn't want to get into any Amazon Prime Video show just like that. I was waiting for a big series to come where the script is good, the role is good and where there's great talent.
When you watch me on the screen, you should not be able to recognise me. If people say, you're a natural and an organic actor, that's an insult. If you're being yourself all the time on screen, that means you don't know how to act.
I feel great when people like my work, but after a day or two, I don't keep that in my head. I go back to working and training. I don't rest on my laurels.
When you are a journalist, you have a big responsibility towards your audience and it is important to respect that responsibility.
I don't discuss my journey in the Hindi film industry since it is something personal to me.
I do work on stage as an actor. I do films as well. Television, I haven't done much.
Well, to tell you honestly, I am still waiting for much better roles. And I am slightly surprised that despite seeing the quality and hard work, the Hindi film industry is still not creating projects that I can be a part of.
Relationships have become like pizza and coke, which might look fancy but has nothing good to offer.
I remember watching 'The Lunchbox' that released around the same time 'Ship Of Theseus'. Both films found space in the independent cinema circuit. But at a personal level, 'The Lunchbox' is one of the favourite films.
