Avinash Mukherjee is looking forward to his new &TV show Jaat Na Poocho Prem Ki, based on the super hit film, Sairat.
Says Avinash, “In an attempt to take the story of this one-month-old show ahead, my grayish character was introduced. Arjun Mishra will be the third wheel in this upper and lower class love marriage story, front-lined by Kinshuk Vaidya and Pranali Rathod.”
“I have always done socially conscious stuff, beginning with Balika Vadhu (Colors) which challenged child marriage, and now this.”
What is your personal take on the caste issue? “While it would be wrong to say that the caste schism is healed, it is relevant even in bigger metros. A lot of this stems from the fact that we are still under the impression of earlier generations, when caste really reigned supreme. But yes, it will be non-existent by the time our next generation comes of age, as today, no one really cares about these things and only merit counts.”
He had taken a break from acting after Man Mein Hai Visshwas, in a bid to set up his own business. Point out that &TV is not doing great and should he not have chosen better comeback vehicle, and he says, “An actor should always have a backup plan. Hence, now I have an online set up which runs on autopilot, giving me time to return to acting.”
“As for &TV, it is still in the top 6 GEC channels and you also need to appreciate the fact that ratings per se have dropped. At one time, 6 TVR was huge. Today, even clocking 2+ is a feat.” His other shows have been Sanskaar – Dharohar Apnon Ki and Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar.
Since you mentioned online, what do you feel about actors going on SM overdrives? “I am no one to comment on what others do or don’t do; to each his own. Having said that, today Instagram has become huge. Casting happens not on talent but on the number of followers you boast. This is something that I don’t get.”
But does this not lead to buying of followers and likes?
“Those in the know are very well aware that bought followers will not get corresponding engagement. You can’t fool everyone all the time.”
Best of luck, Avinash!!
