The dashing Parsi bawa Viraf Phiroz Patel leaves a trail on every path he treads.  With no starry attitude, no tantrum tales, the man has emerged to be a credible performer, who is loved and revered by fans and fraternity, alike. 

Post his poignant portrayals in shows namely Mahhi Way, Ek Boondh Ishq, he is back making love to the camera in Star Plus’ Naamkarann, helmed by ‘the’ Mahesh Bhatt.

The daily sees him as a Gujarati filmmaker torn between his lover Asha (Barkha Bisht) and his mom Daya (Reema Lagoo).

Viraf stands tall as he shares screen space with notable thespians like Barkha, Reema, Sayantani Ghosh and Arsheen Namdar, among others.

Recently, we got into an exclusive conversation with Viraf who bared his heart.

Excerpts from the interview.

Congratulations on bagging a notable project. Tell us about the offer...

(Smiling broadly) Thank you so much. Tell me what do you want to hear? I went to Guroudev Bhalla (producer) and told him to cast me (laughs out loud)? To be honest, I feel the character of Ashish was in my destiny. Ashish attracted Viraf and vice versa. I think what interested me most about Ashish was his dilemma. And when I signed the contract, I surrendered myself to Mahesh Bhatt and trusted his vision to the tee.

Ashish is someone who doesn’t stand for his love and bows down before his mom. Do you feel you will be hated for your role?

To tell you honestly, I have surrendered myself completely to the character. Now it is up to the creatives, Mahesh Bhatt and the producer to decide where they want to take Ashish. Although he doesn’t fall under the template of the perfect hero who does the right thing, he is the connecting factor between the women in the show. He is in a unique place and I don’t see any character on TV similar to Ashish.

Interestingly, you are the only man in the show...

Hain na? I feel luckiest that way (Winks naughtily). I have Barkha and Sayantani to romance. The child prodigy Arsheen is there to create magic and Reema ji is my mother. Who wouldn’t feel glad? Added to that I have Bhatt saab mentoring the show that airs at the number one channel in a primetime slot. I think it is the biggest one in my career.

Big projects, challenging roles, talented co-stars- do you feel you have always been lucky?

Aaah...I think I am in a stage when the industry also realises that I am a self made man. I don’t go picking roles as I believe that an actor doesn’t find stories but it’s vice versa. It is beyond our control for there is an unknown force that makes our destiny.

Even before the show went on air, your intimate scenes with Barkha became the talk of town. What do you have to say on that?

(Sheepishly) Ohh, I had to work so hard on Barkha (laughs). I think I will give due credit to Mahesh Bhatt for picking the most intimate part of us and connecting it with our characters to create some magic. Mahesh Bhatt is like my North Star who I follow blindly.

Tell us more about your interaction with Mahesh Bhatt and how much did he help you become Ashish?

I will share a short story with you. During one of our media interactions, Mahesh ji said that he has a team of finest actors, where Barkha is like Smita Bansal, Sayantani reminds him of Shabana Azmi. I was left anticipated of whom he would compare me with. And then he said that he has never seen an actor like me. He was curious where I do my research and who do I emulate (with twinkling eyes, he added). I am thankful that he and his supremely talented team are with us giving us an insight that helps us perform better. Above all I have my yummy delicious co-stars who help me grow as an actor with every scene.

Viraf, though it’s every actor’s dream to experiment,  how does one battle the ratings fever?

I really don’t care about it. There are certain factor that is beyond our understanding and perception. Success is not in anyone’s hand and I have stopped rationalising success and failure. It’s a trap that people fall for. But I must add that Naamkarann is one of those shows that will quietly create its magic on the TV screen and rise above ratings and recognitions.

Well said, now coming to an important subject. The focus of the show will be on the topic of ‘illegitimacy’- what is your take on it?

(Broadening up his chest, with a pride in his voice) The reason why I love Naamkarann so much is that it reaches the emotions of every individual. It will make people question illegitimacy in a level that has never been done. It would pave way for a transition that would help people learn and accept the facts. While working for the documentary of daughters of sex workers, I think I have evolved and hope viewers would get a new perspective too.

You sound like a very mature and different person- has life been the teacher?

Really? Thank you so much for telling me this (gives his infectious bright smile). I believe that you live and learn. There has to be a coping mechanism of dealing with things that happen to us. It will help us deal with our present. I think spirituality is like a psychological balm that gives me the strength to keep walking ahead in life.

And finally Viraf, you have always been linked to your co-stars. This time sadly Barkha is taken...

(Roars up in laughter) Well, trust me I can’t control such things. I can be only truthful to my life and who knows when and where the ‘lucky one’ will walk into my heart.

Wish you luck for that Viraf!