MUMBAI: Actor Arun Mandola has played the role of Lakshman twice in Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman and Vighnaharta Ganesh in his career. While the actor is not complaining have played the same character a number of times, but now he wants to explore more.

“Sometime you do it out of choice and there are times when it has been a necessity. I take both positively. Now I want to do something more. I have been getting TV offers but they are not good enough, hence I did not take anything up yet. I am waiting for the right offer and also trying my luck in the web space. I enjoy watching web series myself and find the space thriving,” he adds.

While he has no qualms in doing mythological show, but he is more interested in doing films and web series now

There is too much competition in the industry and the actor is ready for it. “Competition has always been there in the industry. In fact it’s there in every field of work.  I never think about competition. I concentrate on my work and believe in myself. Before I got the opportunity to play Lakshman, I had faith that I would get the roles that I wanted to do and I got it. Moving ahead I am sure I will get opportunities in films and OTT too. Our industry takes our test and once you clear those exams you reap the benefits,” adds the actor.

Arun feels actors should also have an alternate profession. “If you depend only on acting then your future might be full of difficulties… This pandemic is the biggest educator to all actors. I know a lot of people who returned to their hometowns because they never tried a second option. I feel smart people always have a backup,” says the actor, who enjoys playing positive characters more.

His fans feel that his long hair is his USP. The actor too agrees, “I always feel my long hair is my lucky charm. I look totally different from other actors. My fans like my look too. I know there are not many characters for actors sporting long hair but I like my unique style more, I find it special. I am also very particular about my fitness. I never give priority to six pack abs because I don’t think abs won’t give you work. But you need to be fit to get work. Abs look good but are not necessary.”

In the current pandemic scenario no mythological shows are not being launched as they require a huge cast, crew, set and budget. “Yes that’s true. But when things get better such shows will happen again because we have a huge audience of such shows in India,” he adds.

Talking about how the pandemic has changed his lifestyle, the actor says, “There are two types of people in this universe, one who see everything in positive light and others who are usually negative. I see this pandemic in a positive way and I am focusing on learning new things and staying calm. I know these are tough times, but we should not panic. Rather we must follow norms and help each other,” he wraps up.