Hailing from a small town of Madhya Pradesh, Ujjain, actor Sandeep Anand has his fair share of struggle before bagging the role of the male lead in Life OK’s comedy series May I Come In, Madam (Edit II Productions). Claiming himself to be one shy person and absolutely different from his on screen characters, Sandeep has many prominent shows in his credit including FIR, Betaal Aur Sinhasan Battisi and few more. An early player in the theatre circuit, Sandeep feels that stage performance is a form of basic education for any actor.
Perhaps one of the most modest and sorted actors in the industry Sandeep for sure is a confident soul. As we engaged with him into a conversation with him over a phone call, we discovered a composed and deep side of the actor.
Excerpts.
What made you give a positive nod to the character Sajan in May I Come In, Madam?
The sole reason behind selecting the role of Sajan is Shashank Bali, the writer of the series. I whole heartedly believe that Shashank is a genius, who is well aware about how to beautifully narrate a character. And I won’t give away any opportunity to work with him, hence when I got to know that Shashank will be the one, portraying my character, I had to agree.
From the very beginning it has been said that May I Come In, Madam is a naughtier version of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai. So what do you have to say about this comparison?
I knew that this parallel would inevitably be drawn someday between May I Come In, Madam and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, as most of the members of the cast and crew are same. And I am completely comfortable with such resemblance. Even I want our viewers to make comparisons, because in order to do so, one needs to watch our show, which in turn will increase our viewership. So, I sincerely want audience to find some likeliness in both the shows. But once they start watching the show, they will realize that both are very much different from one another. The language, punch lines, set up of Bhabiji is very much rural, whereas, Madam is set up in the urban scenario. Moreover, with the introduction of a ghost, we have also tried to give a super natural touch to the series.
Do you think that the comedy actors, like you, in television industry have often been type casted?
Of course, we have been type casted. But, the reason behind this relies absolutely on the restricted and narrow mindset of the show makers. Show makers of the current time prefer to remember an actor for his first hit role. They don’t even want to explore with different genre with the same actor.
Being a stage actor, how much influence does theatre has on you?
I joined theatre during my teenage and learnt about the basics of acting from theatre only. I believe that theatre prepares every artist about the minute details of acting but, acting itself is an inborn talent. One who does not possess that skill can never perform irrespective of taking many courses on the matter. The art of acting should be there in every actor.
So far the roles which you have portrayed, which one has remained closest to your heart?
This one is very difficult to answer. I have enjoyed all the roles that I have essayed so far. Most of the characters that I have portrayed till date are very much different from what I am in real life. For one of my shows, I had to play a Canadian rapper. Hailing from a small town of Ujjain it was indeed difficult for me to pick up the mannerisms of a Canadian rapper.
So, how do you prepare yourself for such characters?
Though I am a very shy person in real life, once I face camera all my nervousness goes away. I don’t know how, but I can get into the skin of any character. I guess since I am aware that I am very much unlike from what I play on screen, I get attracted to those roles which I am not in reality.
Given a chance who would you like to become one day?
Well, in a city like Mumbai, we often miss out to enjoy minute happiness of life and we end up leading a fast and complicated life. That is perhaps, the reason why nowadays people are inclined to meditation and yoga therapy. Hence, given a chance I would love to lead the life of saint someday, away from the rush of material world.
Quite a philosophical thought, Sandeep.
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