Sehban Azim, fondly known as Akshay of Star Plus’ Silsila Pyar Ka is in shock, post the sudden development to kill his character in the show. Terming this experience as a rather strange one, the actor is trying hard to come to terms with the reality.
In an exclusive chit-chat with Tellychakkar.com, he talks at length about his ouster from the show...
So how does it feel to be out of action so soon?
It is certainly strange, as I did not see this coming. I have given so much to the show, and have worked hard to get into the skin of the character. I have been living this role from the time I got in, that was last August. The worst part is that the character has been on screen only for two months now. To tell you frankly when I bagged this show, I had two more shows in my kitty. I thought it to be good to join the illustrious family of Rashmi Sharma Productions. Also, Silsila was the first show that started first, while the other two were still in pipeline. So having seen all that, it really is a bad feeling to be out of action so soon.
When were you told of this development? How did you react?
Honestly, I was not told of the development at all. Only after I read the script, I got to know of the death. Even then, the team kept telling me that there is nothing decided yet. Having said this, I could sense that the end of Akshay was near. At that juncture, I clearly told them that I will not get back, if needed with a negative avatar. I do not want to portray a baddie at this phase of my career. I hear there was a meeting three days back, and post that, they freed my dates.
So did you not attempt to meet the Producers?
I could not meet Rashmiji, as we were busy shooting. We also had an outdoor schedule to complete. Yes, I have heard a lot about Director Pawan Kumarji liking my work a lot, and that he is keen about working with me again. Well, whatever be it, at the end of it, it is a fact that I was not told by the production house of this development.
Do you think lady luck evaded you in this case?
Haha, I have been quite lucky in the roles I have played so far. You would know that I played the only grey character in the otherwise romantic show Dill Mill Gayye, and won hearts. My role in Humsafars was very much appreciated. But I have to confess that I have not got such good reviews ever, like the ones I got for playing Akshay. I was actually living the character.
How have you taken the development now?
Well, I have no grudges whatsoever with them. Rashmiji is a very nice person to work with. And Pawanji is a wonderful guy. Everyone in the unit has liked my professionalism, and I had no problems whatsoever. Yes, the faces of all in the team, starting from the spot boy, to the lighting team and creatives were very sad, when I was shooting my death sequence. I knew it was a shock to them too.
To sum it up, how was the journey in Silsila?
Oh, it has been a fabulous journey. Everyone has loved my performance, and I excelled as an actor. I did great work in the emotional scenes given to me. At the end of it, I cried when I was shooting them. Also, I improvised a lot in the few funny scenes I had with Kajal and Raunak during the college days. Wish it lasted longer!! You never know, I could have ended up bagging an award (smiles).
There’s a consensus that the growing popularity of the other couple – Raunak and Kajal did give rise to this turning point?
Well, to tell you, I had very good scenes with Chhavi, though they were not romantically inclined. Even now, seeing the way the plot has been opened, it will be very difficult for the makers to show a blossoming love story between Raunak and Kajal. As you know, it has always been one-sided. And now for Kajal to accept Raunak after losing her husband would be a big ask. Let’s see how the story pans out.
What will you miss the most?
Aah, I will miss everything, and most importantly, shooting for the show. I had a great time shooting with Shilpaji (Shirodkar), Chhavi (Pandey) and Abhay (Vakil). The whole crew was brilliant to work with. We used to sit together to have lunch and talk. The direction team was so sound. Well, I used to dread the very thought of going to Mira Road daily for the shoot, but now I miss the same ordeal.
You waited so long for this show. Isn’t it tough when you are out of it in just few months of launch?
Yes, especially after I did my job so very well. Everything was so abrupt, that I am still trying to get over it. Yes, I am calm, quiet, simply sitting, and chilling off. Having said this, I am confident that I will get good work. So this will also pass off.
Do you want to get an explanation from the team?
Well, certainly. I plan to go and speak to the Producers directly. I know that they have nothing personal against me, and the story demanded this. But my only grief is that they should have told me of it. That would have made things little better.
So what’s in store now?
I will certainly opt for a break this month. And with my birthday coming, I will want to keep myself free. In March, I need to attend a wedding of someone very close. So I plan to get back in March end.
What kind of a genre will you want to look at now?
I very much prefer the romantic roles, as that has been my comfort zone. Having said this, I will want to give the mythologicals and historicals a serious try. I guess there is a lot to learn in that genre for an actor.
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