Young actor Utsav Singh is currently capturing hearts with his compelling portrayal of Raju, the foster son of Lakshmi and Srinivas in the Zee TV show Lakshmi Niwas, produced by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms. Raju, who is deaf and mute, brings a unique dimension to the storyline. His deep sense of belonging, along with the love and respect he shows for his family and siblings, makes his character truly resonate with viewers.
In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Utsav goes through the challenges of playing Raju and how his innate reactions have changed as he plays the role. Read on.
Speaking about his role and its authenticity, Utsav says, “I come from a theatre background, and perhaps, this experience has helped me a lot. Yes, I was sceptical about playing Raju when I started. But slowly, I got into the groove, and my tuning with the Director helped me a lot. He liked how I was playing the role. I have innovated a lot with sign language, so that I can successfully convey what I have to say to the person in front of me.”
Utsav talks about how he has to have strong control over curbing his reactions. “It is an innate human behaviour for a normal person to react in some way or another when a person talks. To play Raju, I had to stop myself from reacting. This happened with practice. Now, I can avoid reacting to people talking around me when I want. I have been supported by everyone on the set – from the team to co-actors.”
“I now have good control over my reactions. After I finish my set, I have my cooling time, which I spend driving my car and listening to music. I can switch on and switch off after my shoot,” expresses Utsav.
I want people to realise that I am not just a good-looking actor. I have it in me to go beyond my looks and play a character with conviction.
On playing such a complex role after being the lead in Prem Leela, Utsav says, “When I got this role, I took it as a challenge to get the love of viewers in this role. I feel this is a role where I can get immense scope to perform. I have a long way to go in my career, and the good-looking hero roles can wait. Having said this, I have done Prem Leela. Now, to get into the show of the common man character of Raju, whohas his own problems, is a great feeling.”
Speaking about his intent on using sign language that a layman can understand, the actor sheds his secret, “I read my script and work on the sign language that I want to use. The fact is that proper sign language cannot be understood by the viewers who see the show. There will be a loss of connection with my character if I learn sign language and perform. So I make sure my sign language exactly conveys what I need to say.”
He has special words for his Guru and says, “I am indebted to my Guru Ji Shri Arun Marwah Ji. I am nothing without his training. Today, whatever I am doing is just because of his training and blessings. I am happy that I have settled into the character now.”
Utsav has been getting a good response, especially for his emotional scenes in the show. “Emotional scenes always grab the attention of viewers quickly. I have had a few good emotional sequences in the show till now. I have got a lot of positive comments and responses from people I know and from fans.”
Lastly, on his expectations, he says, “I want my audience to love my role and performance. I want people to realise that I am not just a good-looking actor. I have it in me to go beyond my looks and play a character with conviction.”
Best of luck!!
