Manish Goyal was the dark horse in Nach Baliye and it took him a lot of hard work to come up to second position in the show, but he is not complaining.

The adulation is still pouring in, as are the offers. It's been a long journey for the actor from Kasautii Zindagi Kay to Saara Akaash then to Bhabhi and Nach Baliye.

Kavita Shyam chats up the actor who's just returned from a holiday with family in Delhi....

There's a buzz that you might not be interested in playing an older character in Bhabhi anymore...
Well, I have been promised a meatier role in the next month and a half in Bhabhi. I made it clear to the channel that I want an individual track, which is my main concern, and if that happens, I stay and if that doesn't happen, I quit Bhabhi. I already play a father in the show, a matured character, so it won't be a younger me anyway!

How's life been after Nach Baliye?
I am extremely happy and wherever I've been post Nach Baliye, people have recognized me as Manish and not as Tilak, my character in Bhabhi ! Both me and Poonam are invited for special appearances, inaugurations and functions at various places. That itself is a big high!

What kind of roles are you looking forward to?
I was offered eight roles last year, but I was in no hurry to pick up any role that came my way and so I refused all. They were very similar to Tilak's character. Also due to date problems and certain issues, I couldn't take up the offers. Now I am getting offers where I get to play a younger character but I also want to do a completely negative character as well as comedy which excites me enough.

I am not looking at lead roles but strong cameos wherein I can break the image and leave a mark on viewers' minds. Of course, I don't want to get typecast or take up any role just for the sake of good money.

What else is in the pipeline for you?
I am going to host Weekend Popkorn on Zoom, besides there is a BBC project for the cause of AIDS that's to be choreographed by Shiamak Davar and directed by the cameraman who shot Sarkar. Also I am negotiating for a new show where I get to play a younger character. There could be a film in the pipeline this year which could be a multi-starrer with some fresh faces and mine could be called a parallel lead.

What is your frame of mind at this point in your life?
I work hard with honesty and I am very focused and clear about the kind of work I want to do in the future. I am happy with the kind of response I have got for Nach Baliye and there's no temptation to do anything that comes my way for the sake of money. I am also not averse to taking risks of any kind.