Karamchand is back with a bang after twenty years. Pankaj Kapoor, the man who rose to fame with this historical show two decades ago is back to dangling the carrots yet again. The veteran actor has aged by twenty years but his charismatic Karamchand aura will continue to melt the viewers in his trademark style along with Kitty (played by Sucheta Khanna) and the carrots. The detective series will commence from 10 February at 9 pm on Sony.

Kavita Shyam spoke to Karamchand himself in a candid conversation...

How much has television changed from the time you had started out with Karamchand twenty years back?
Television has become very regressive nowadays. There is a misrepresentation of our Indian culture and there is definitely more to the small screen than the sindoor, saas and bahus.

Why did you want to get back to doing Karamchand after twenty years again?
Pankaj is a good friend and when he asked me to do it again, I couldn't say no. When I started out years back, I was new to Mumbai and also to the medium. Karamchand had started as a different show and yes made a mark for itself with the character etched in people's memory for years together.

How different would the show be in its new avatar?
The show will obviously retain its characterizations. What has changed is its attitude, look, besides the plot also will be fresh. It's made in such a way that the people who have watched the show earlier as well as the new viewers can connect to it.

Do you think doing television fetches you enough money?

I've led a very simple life all my life. I am a middle class man and have middle class lifestyle as my father was in the banking sector.
For me any work in any medium which gives me creative satisfaction and appreciation gives happiness.

Have you thought of getting into television direction and is there any likelihood of getting into production?
I have directed two detective series in the past and would like to take up film direction in the future. I can't be a producer, as I can handle manpower but can't handle money.

So what's next for you in terms of work?
I've Karamchand and Naya Office Office besides as many as five movies lined up for release.