‘Beyond a point, playing similar characters gets boring’
I love to experiment and challenge myself as an artiste. Every actor tries to find out his range and limitations, and that’s how I choose my projects. After a point, it is not even about my character; the story should attract me. If I like the script, I feel the audience will like it too. Playing similar characters or choosing the same kind of script gets very boring.
I am open to all kinds of roles and genres, and I don’t want to limit my opportunities as an actor.
‘I am comfortable with doing multi-starrer films’
Apart from playing lead roles, I am comfortable with doing multi-starrers. But it should be an important character that adds something to the story. For me, the biggest achievement will be when people don’t recognise me as
Raunaq
, but as one of the characters from my films. I work really hard to bring my onscreen character alive. For instance, for my next film, I made sure to put on weight as the role demanded that.
A still from Happy Family: Conditions Apply
Before I signed the show Happy Family: Conditions Apply, JD (
Majethia
) sir and I had worked on a
Gujarati
web series which was never released. He called me to audition for this show and I got selected. Working with
Atul Kulkarni
,
Raj Babbar
,
Ratna Pathak Shah and Ayesha Jhulka
was an amazing experience. I learnt a lot and made new friends. I also shed inhibitions and broke stereotypes by playing a guy with alternative sexuality
-On his first OTT show
While getting into character, I function differently. I prefer interacting with the writer and director about how they envision it. I also talk to my co-actors because ultimately, a scene is more about action and reaction. I don’t believe in doing all preparations internally. For my upcoming period film, I didn’t isolate myself in a room to prepare for the role. I would keep discussing the scenes with the makers before the shot
-On how he prepares before a project
Raunaq with Netri Sheth
As far as I know, there are no wedding plans yet this year (laughs). Netri (Sheth) and I have been together for seven years and are going strong, but we will probably wait a little longer before tying the knot
-About his personal life
English (US) ·