Mannan Handa: Chikoo- Yeh Ishq Nachaye will help teenagers to see the positive side to everything

MUMBAI: Mannan Handa will star in Nilanjana Purkayasstha and Herumb Khot’s Chikoo- Yeh Ishq Nachaye. The actor will play the role of Aparshakti in the show, which is a second instalment of the popular Chikoo Ki Mummy Durr Kei.
 
“I am excited to be a part of the second season of a successful show like Chikoo Ki Mummy Durr Kei. I am not taking any expectation pressure because every new show and character brings in excitement and something new for the audience. The concept of the new show is amazing and realistic at the same time. And, I am sure viewers will enjoy this journey as well,” he says.
 
Manan adds that he connects with his character Aparshakti well. “There are many similarities and I am so much into the character that I feel like Aparshakti is playing Mannan in real life. In school also I was always well scheduled and a multi-tasker which helped me connect better with Aparshakti, who is a child prodigy and genius and has reached college at a very young age. By portraying this character I want to act as a role model for all the aspiring teenagers who want to make big in life,” he shares.
 
The show will address the pressing social issue of body-shaming. Agreeing, Manan also reveals that entering his teenage years, he is also facing his own set of issues ranging from pushing boundaries and challenging rules.
 
“I have been bullied and body-shamed at school for having long hair due to my ad-world commitments that have made things even worse for me. Therefore, I strongly feel that when we talk about such things, people are able to connect to it very easily as they relate to it both from the perspectives of discussion and solution. This show will definitely help teenagers to see and understand that there is always a positive side to everything and we should always love the way we are.  I am very proud and happy to be a part of this show,” he adds.
 
Talking more on body-shaming, the actor adds that this is a problem which is more prevalent among the present generation.
 
“I have seen teenagers losing their confidence on being labelled something based upon their body type and how much it affects their mental health. I have seen my classmates not actively participating and engaging in any kind of activity for the fear of being body-shamed. This may also have a lasting impact on people. Therefore, we have to be considerate and value people for who they are and not judge or pass comments on based on how they look. I feel this show will definitely help and spread a positive message against body-shaming to a larger audience,” he ends.