Arhaan: I fear monotony

by ASJAD NAZIR

AFTER making a stunning debut in hit Star Plus drama serial Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya, award-winning actor Arhaan Behll has been lighting up television in a wide array of projects, where he has mixed up hosting with portraying powerful roles. A recent chapter in his decade long success is a starring role in fantasy drama Yehh Jaadu Hai Jinn Ka.

With another big project on the way, Eastern Eye caught up with multi-talented star Arhaan in lockdown for a quick catch up.

What have you done to cope in lockdown?

Honestly, I did not find it difficult. There’s nothing you need to do. Just follow the guidelines, be aware and do things that you always wanted to do, being at home. I have been doing the same.

How do you look back on your acting journey?

I take things a little easy. There is no race, no competition and no fear for me. I just love what I do and put my heart into it. Considering that, I feel the journey has been ‘tailor-made’

Which of your projects challenged you the most as an actor?

Every character I portray challenges me. There are certain characteristics or mannerisms that you need to create for every character to make it lovable and for people to find ‘the connect’ with it. Also, to make it different from other similar characters. These details are never there in the script or creative brief, so I have to create on my own and I find it really stimulating.

Which of the characters is closest to your heart?

All of them are close to my heart, but if I have to pick one, then it would be Krishna from Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya.

What is the greatest lesson TV has taught you?

I feel that life teaches you everything. And what you learn, you implement wherever you work.

Tell us about your current project?

I finished shooting for Yehh Jaadu Hai Jinn Ka in March. I have not taken up anything yet, but talks are on for a web series.

What kind of content do you enjoy watching as an audience member?

Time travel and concepts based on space pull all my attention. Besides, I love watching Middle East cinema. Recently, I saw The Spy and enjoyed every bit of it. The last show I binge watched was Dark on Netflix, and it was worth it.

What would be your dream role?

I would love to play a  character that requires a lot of study and preparations. Something that would push me to explore and find something within to help connect! I would love to play Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker.

If you could master something new what would it be?

It would definitely be surfing. This has been an all time favourite desire and soon, I would be working on it. The feel of physically flowing with the ocean waves is indefinable and I want to master it.

Why do you love being an actor?

The only thing I fear is monotony. And this profession helps me deal with that. It allows me to be a different personality and lets me be under different skins every time. Besides, the joy of performing is phenomenal. It’s a different high.