95% of the work I am offered is mythological shows: Sourabh Raaj Jain

Known for playing the roles of Krishna in Siddharth Kumar Tewary’s Mahabharat and Shiva in Mahakaali - Anth Hi Aarambh Hai, actor Sourabh Raaj Jain feels he has been typecast. However, the actor adds that playing the role of Shiva was challenging and too good to say no to: ‘I would like not to believe that I have been typecast, but the truth is that I think I have. Almost 95 per cent of the work that I am offered is mythological shows and costume dramas. After I played Krishna, I was approached for Krishna’s character in so many shows, but I refused as I didn’t want to do the same thing. But when Swastik (Productions) called me for the role of Shiva, I took it up as a challenge and an opportunity to showcase my versatility.’

Ask him how his Mahakaali journey of has been, and he says, ‘The journey has been great. I never thought anybody would see me playing Shiva after I played Krishna, as both are completely different characters. I want to thank Swastik Productions for giving me this wonderful opportunity.’

He adds, ‘The entire team is great to work with, from our directors to writers, creatives, camera team, dress dadas, light man, spot dadas, and my co-actors. Each one of them is great to work with.’

After having done various shows, Sourabh says he is happy with the way his career has shaped up. ‘I am happy with my journey so far. For a long time, it was survival that mattered to me the most. I am happy because I have done varied roles in various shows from Remix and Parichay to Uttaran, Mahadev, Mahabharat, and Mahakaali – Anth Hi Aarambh Hai. Not only this, I have also anchored shows like Savdhaan India and Bhakton Ki Bhakti Mein Shakti. I even hosted 92.7 Big FM’s radio show Arth for almost a year. So yes, I am happy, but am I satisfied? No. I know I can do a lot more and am just waiting patiently for the right opportunity to come along,’ he says.

So what does success mean to him? ‘Success to me is to see my family happy and in that regard, yes, so far, I am successful.’

However, he knows his limits. ‘If success means that I have to be deaf towards my conscience, then that is something I am not okay with. Like after Mahabharat, I was called at many events where they wanted me to be in Krishna’s costume. I didn’t have to perform, just stand there as the Almighty or greet people as Krishna. I declined all those lucrative offers because I am not willing to do what I don’t feel is right. I have always stood my ground no matter what the situation has been and will continue to do so.’

The actor says that making it big in the industry is based on many conditions. ‘I think it all depends on a combination of things like destiny, talent, financial capacity, and lot of other factors. But the main thing is consistency and that requires inner strength and real passion.’

He now wants to take up a show that is unlike everything he has done before. ‘I honestly want to take break from costume dramas for now. I wish to do a love story, which involves well-written characters.’

‘I am open to taking projects in the digital space as well. I will wait for something different patiently and meanwhile I will continue to work on myself,’ he adds.