Character artists! You don’t find them too often on television these days. Balika Vadhu has exposed us to such artistes and prominent among them is the hugely talented Satyajit Sharma, the actor with the unconventional looks. The seasoned actor has been widely appreciated for his portrayal of Basant, the elderly man married to a minor, in Balika Vadhu.

The show has the nation in mourning with the death of a young groom. We caught up with Satyajit to know about this tragic turns of events and more.

Excerpts from the interview:

So, Pratap’s death has enabled Balika Vadhu to become the number one show. Do you agree?

Well, I wouldn’t know that whether this was done with any agenda. However, as an actor, I’d like to believe it’s just a natural progression of the story. Besides, there is no evidence or clue to prove it. I understand your point. It’s a fair argument if our show wasn’t doing well but Balika.. has constantly been generating high TRPs.

Was this track part of the plot or was it introduced recently?

This was something which we’ve been hearing for quite a while on the sets. However, there was never any intimation from the producers. I personally never made an effort to find about it. One tends to hear a lot of things but often you must take them with a pinch of salt.

What’s going to happen to Sugna? It’s speculated that she’ll get pregnant.

Yet again, I have no idea and nor am I curious to know about it. I’m not trying to be evasive but the truth is that most of the time I don’t even see my own screenplay.

What effect will this tragedy have on the lives of Basant and Gehna?

No idea. You know how it works on television. There’s no place for any future gazing.

Is Basant the most defining role of your career?

Let’s put it this way, it’s one of my most visible roles. And visibility only comes with success. I reckon we created a record of sorts by scaling to the top spot in less than three months since the show’s launch. As an actor, such a character does give you a creative satisfaction. It must also be noted this creative satisfaction is never constant. There could be a time when you’re not visible in the show for few weeks.

Were they any apprehensions when you were first offered this role? Have you ever enacted such a role before?

Frankly speaking, I don’t even think there was any reaction. I was given a sketchy brief of the show. For me, it was about work, employment. All I took into consideration was the production house and plus the fact that the show was having a strong social message.

If at all there’s one criticism of Balika, then it’s that the show in some way glorifies child marriage.

If SRK plays a don does it mean he’s glorifying the underworld? At the end of the day, it all boils down to story-telling. Having said that, positive and negative go side by side. A show may carry a social message but the viewer can perceive it as an endorsement or protection. The audience judge on their own understanding. You can’t push them into agreeing to something.

An elderly guy marrying a young girl. Various new shows are adopting this theme. Don’t you think this will harm Balika Vadhu too as people might get fed up watching the same thing in most shows?

Well, that’s the reality of television. Any concept that does well tends to get emulated. There’s a market for such shows. However, what works in our favour is the longevity. TV is all about getting habituated to a show. And, Balika has its loyal viewer. It’s the story, group of character and the storytelling which establish viewer loyalty.

You play a father in Kitani Mohabbat Ki while a husband in Balika... Perhaps, you’re very lucky to play such diverse roles at the same time. Do you agree?

(Laughs) Yeah, I couldn’t agree with you more. I don’t know who was the last guy to have played such roles simultaneously. As a matter of fact, it’s quite exciting. As an actor, you need to know when to switch on and switch off. Time management is an issue

Balika Vadhu and Kitani Mohabbat Hai. Both your shows air at the same time. Which show would you like your fans to watch?

Now that’s a tough one. I’m happy with whatever they prefer.

Now that you’re reaping success on TV, has your film career taken a back seat?

Not at all. I’ve done a few films. The most recent one was Hijack and there are couple of films which I hope will release in the near future. If I have the time then I don’t mind taking any offer.

Can you tell us about your background?

I come from Delhi. Post my graduation, I enrolled into the National School of Drama in 1991. In 1996, I came to Mumbai and was lucky to get work on television. Through the next decade, I kept myself busy with TV and theatre too.

As an actor, did you come with any dreams or goals when you came to Mumbai?

Well, I always knew I can never be the chocolate guy or the action hero. I was happy to do whatever came my way and more so I was making money out of my passion.

What about your personal life?

Well, I’m happy and single.

Have you never been in any relationships?

(Laughs) Well, I’ve had my crushes but somehow they didn’t blossom into any relationship. Besides, I never made any conscious effort to settle down in life. Now, I don’t see myself receiving too many proposals. Also, after Balika Vadhu most women perceive me as a bad man.

Your on-screen wife Gehna (Neha Marda) says that you’re a very knowledgeable man, one who keeps a tab on all current affairs. So, can you tell me what going on in the world?

One news that that is spreading like fire is the assassination bid on Sri Lankan cricketers in Pakistan.

I love reading everything especially newspapers. Usually, I spend 30 minutes reading newspapers. These days I surf the internet more. My co-actor thinks a bit too highly of me. I will have to ask her not to overstate facts.