Nishant Malkani has two popular shows to his kitty Miley Jab Hum Tum (Adhiraj) and Sasural Genda Phool (though he didn’t have much to do in the show). Now he is all set to fit in the shoes of ‘Anukalp’ in Zee’s next Ram Milaayi Jodi. We caught up with the actor to know more about him and his similarities with Anukalp… Ram Milaayi Jodi mainly comprises of a Gujarati and a Punjabi family. Was it a conscious decision to target these audiences? I think it was the production’s decision. They probably thought it would suit the storyline. Also the chemistry between a Punjabi and a Gujarati would look great. It is a great concept about this guy who is sweet, innocent and docile. He is on a good post in a MNC, but is a little shy about girls. The girl, on the other hand, is outgoing, bindaas and chulbuli. He gets attracted to her and feels only she can complete him. How similar are you to Anukalp? Pretty much! I couldn’t relate with my earlier roles. In real life, I am a mellow person, shy away from girls and am also a bit reserved just like Anukalp. But he is a typical example, I am slightly different. How is it working with a newcomer? I was a newcomer in MJHT, so I understand the difficulty a newcomer has to go through. What you see on screen is completely different from what happens off screen. It’s an interesting experience working with Priyal (Gor) who is still very young. I am trying to nurture her as an actress. I have never been to an acting school and I have learnt whatever little I could in the course of my shows. I am trying to teach her whatever I can and she is picking it up fast. You are relatively new to the industry and you have been a part of popular shows like Miley Jab Hum Tum and Sasural Genda Phool, how has it been since then? I have been very lucky. Luck, talent and hard work is important to be successful and I would like to believe I have been gifted with it. I just hope to give my best and make the show a big success. A similar show on a rival channel did not work at the 9 pm slot; do you think your show will be a hit with the audiences? As far as I know the show had introduced a lot of drama element in it. In our show we will strive to show the fun mood always, everyone has problems in their lives but the difference is how you approach it. In the show you will see the fun way to deal with problems. You will laugh at the situations. You have a direct competition with Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai… Yeh Rishta… is a good show but we will strive to make our show the best. I believe our show is better than any of the shows right now (smiles). You have done a romantic role before, then why Anukalp? Adhiraj was a romantic, a complete romantic but Anukalp is different. Adhiraj was powerful, he had convincing powers but Anukalp is a bit hesitant. He thinks a lot, he doesn’t hurt people. They are poles apart. Any shade or any character you want to portray? I want to play a negative character because I think I can play them well. I would love to do different roles but stay romantic. Though I think I am best suited for romantic roles. Out of all the co-actors who are you most comfortable with? I am most comfortable with Priyal. I think Ramji has been kind. The whole cast is nice to work with. It was fun to work with them. Do you think the scope of performance for a lead pair is very limited? I disagree. Every character has limitations but the actor has the liberty has to experiment as the story progresses. Are you a director’s actor? Not really. I try to better than what they require from me. I am lucky enough to be called a one-take artist by my director. So am happy. You have suddenly exited Sasural Genda Phool, was Ram Milaayi a reason? No. My track was supposed to be an on-off track. I wasn’t shooting much with them either. I spoke to the production about this offer and they were happy to let me go. Do you have a mentor in real life? No, I was just plain lucky. I am my own teacher. I keep improving myself. Tell us about your background I am from Delhi, am 23, I finished my MBA. I got picked up by a modeling agency and I got MJHT later. This happened last year. God was kind enough to let me fulfill my dreams. Any Ram Milaayi Jodi in personal life? That is yet to happen (laughs)! Any actor you want to work with? There are a lot of actors I would want to work with. I have been lucky to have worked with experienced actors. They are very supportive, give me suggestions and I follow them. I am privileged to be a part of the team.