A man of many roles The multi talented Karan Mehra aka Naitik in a free wheeling chat

As a newcomer Karan Mehra aka Naitik of Star Plus’ Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai exudes insurmountable confidence. And this comes from time well spent behind the camera. A fashion designer by profession Karan has styled superstar Amitabh Bachchan. Despite his good looks chocolate face Karan kept himself away from the arc lights for long until Yeh Rishta… happened to him. His entry in the show has pushed the show to a new high. Tellychakkar spoke to Karan about life so far, plans ahead and Yeh Rishta… There could not be a more auspicious time to enter the show than Holi? I know it’s quite a good timing. I think everything is destined to happen at the right time. I had been sitting idle for sometime as something great was to come my way and nothing better than Yeh Rishta… How did Naitik happen to you? I was called for the audition for the role of Naitik. And the next thing I knew was that I had cleared the auditions. Normally, one doesn’t think too much after giving an audition. But this time I was fortunate. The very next day after the audition I was met Rajan Shahi who briefed me on the role. What kind of grooming did you undergo for the role? I attended a couple of workshops. The writer Rajita ji also explained the character of Naitik to me. Rajan Sir too keeps giving me his valuable suggestions. So at this stage I am like a sponge who is absorbing every bit of advice to enhance my skills. I have tried my best to infuse life into Naitik and hope that audiences love me in that role. Is Karan like Naitik? Karan is not that similar to Naitik. Karan is a very simple guy sans hang ups and hassles. But he isn’t being pampered like Naitik. Naitik gets the attention of females and loves it and basks in that glory. Is Naitik’s character inspired by Salman Khan’s character in Rajshri movies? What Salman does is the ultimate and has style. I don’t think I can relate so much. But this guy is an egoist and he wants people to follow what he says. He just wants his wishes to be taken as a command. He is a master at getting his work done. Naitik can make people dance on his little finger. Tell us about your background? I am a Delhi lad and my folks are in Noida. I did my Fashion Designing from NIFT, Delhi. Did you always want to become an actor? I wanted to become a model first and then acting came to my mind. Since the time I turned 14 modelling was a passion. Though I am not very tall modelling always fascinated me though I never wanted to walk the ramp. I came to Mumbai to pursue this dream. I also did ads and the latest is the VIP ad with Shahid Kapoor, Hotspot mobile store and 7UP. I have also done numerous print ads for various banks and institutions. You have worked behind the camera? I had worked behind the camera for three years. I was into styling and also worked as an assistant director and assistant stylist. I was an assistant director to Ram Gopal Verma during Shiva for six months. I was costume stylist of the hero then. I have also worked with Raju Hirani. I have styled Amitabh Bachachan and the list also includes Jimmy Shergil. I was also into production and modelling simultaneously. And then I stopped everything about two years ago. Since then I have been just doing ads as a TV artist. Have Hina Khan and you have been accepted as a jodi by viewers of the show? We just want our chemistry to click and liked by the audience. It’s the audience’s verdict that matters at the end of the day. We just want to establish our jodi and make our way to the hearts of the viewers. Till now we have got a positive response from the viewers. They have liked us a couple. I am pretty positive about the audience accepting us warmly as we have put in so much of hard work. Who is you favourite actor in the television industry? Amarr Upadhyaya as Mihir Virani of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.