Ankiet N Narang takes on the character of Sagar in Colors TV’s latest show, Manpasand Ki Shaadi produced by Rajshri Productions. Despite the unsettling nature of his role, which has earned him a reputation as one of the creepiest figures on the screen, Ankiet’s performance is drawing significant acclaim. His portrayal captivates audiences, leaving them both intrigued and shaken by his compelling depiction of being the bad man.

In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Ankiet talks about the role and the show.

Read on.

I find grey characters more interesting. I look at them as people with morals and choices that are poles apart. 

You have played baddie roles before. Do you think this is the creepiest of all of them?

Yes, I think he is. But if I judge him, I will not be able to play him, which actually happened once during a shot. So I am justifying the character by how Sagar thinks. Having said that, he is a very different antagonist that the audience will get to watch on television. He is not over the top; he utters cheap stuff nonchalantly and is very interesting as he is a businessman aspiring to be a DJ, which is a weird combo. There are so many layers to the character, which will unfold eventually.

What is the attribute in Sagar that challenged you to play him?

That he is nonchalantly manipulative, gross and fun-loving at the same time. He is not as serious as we perceive villains to be. He is jovial and mast maula with bad streaks that he portrays unabashedly. For him, humiliating someone could be fun.

The USP of Manpasand Ki Shaadi is that it’s a lovely Rajshri Productions show made by the legend Mr Sooraj Barjatya Sir, which in itself is a USP.

How would you, as an actor, prepare for such a role which is totally not in sync with your personal self?

There is no process as such to prepare for Sagar or any other character, for that matter. Sometimes you try and find similarities and differences with the character, sometimes you pick some attributes and the thought process of the people around you. Sometimes a music piece resonates with your character, and eventually you dive deep into the mindset of the character..Well, as for Ankiet, he wouldn’t even befriend Sagar. 😜

You are taking up negative shades recently. Will you like a change and go white?

My last show was Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana, where I was honing the character of Angad, who was a completely positive boy. I have been fortunate enough to be cast in roles which have been different from my last works. All my negative roles have also been different because they were different characters with bad intentions, and so were my positive ones. God has been kind. Also, I find grey characters more interesting. I look at them as people with morals and choices that are poles apart. So I don’t know if my next work would be white, black, or grey; I just know it would be interesting.

I look for something which is non-identical and contrasting. The roles should compel me to dive deep within myself for the character.

Tell us about the USP of Manpasand Ki Shaadi?

The USP of Manpasand Ki Shaadi is that it’s a lovely Rajshri Productions show made by the legend Mr Sooraj Barjatya Sir, which in itself is a USP. But having said that a Sooraj ji says, it’s a take on marriage from today’s generation’s point of view. It’s where a girl and a boy take time to understand if they are compatible or not. MKS is all colours and nostalgia, to be precise, a Rajshri Family Show.

How is it to associate with Rajshri Productions?

It’s a dream come true to work with Rajshri Productions. As a ’90s kid, I grew up watching their cinema and being emotionally moved by them. It’s the most peaceful environment that I am working in right now. The energy in the office and on the sets is like how it is inside a temple. I feel so blessed and grateful to be working with Sooraj ji. In fact, this is not my first association with them. There was a project where I was finalised in the past under their banner, but unfortunately, that show couldn’t see the light of day. This is my second show with them. My first show was Sangamarmar, which was a Digital TV Show for a web space, which hopefully will be released soon.

What are the factors you look at when you take a role?

I look for something which is non-identical and contrasting. The roles should compel me to dive deep within myself for the character..

How do you think the newcomers are in this show – Esha and Akshun?

They both feel like a breath of fresh Air. Both of them are extremely talented, and it doesn’t seem like this is their first project. They are brilliant at what they do and very natural. Lekin usse bhi ache insaan hai dono. They are great co-actors one could have asked for. It’s fun shooting with them.

What do you expect from this role?

Frankly, I don’t expect anything. My only focus is to play Sagar and make it as real as possible.