Playing Narad, the mythological character with a twist on Narayan Narayan Chulbule Narad Ki Natkhat Leelayen, Mantra Mugdh is enjoying his time as an actor. 

Talking about the challenges, he said, “I think we take God too seriously. Whatever we know of them are through books or Ramanand Sagar shows, and to present it in a fun way was difficult, but now I am enjoying my time. It is a fun take on the religious issues.”

When asked whether he wants to stick to comedy and anchoring or also move to regular fiction shows, Mantra smiled and said, “Why not? I am open to all kinds of shows and characters. And now that I have decided to drown myself in the world of acting, I think it is a must to try my hands at everything. Of course, I feel that comedy is a genre that I enjoy the most.”

Narad, who was known to be gossipy, we wondered if Mantra too enjoyed the same, he said, “Not at all! I think I am someone who doesn’t spread news even when I know so many secrets (laughs). I am a great secret keeper!”

Talking about his inspirations for the character, the actor quipped, “The makers wanted it to be really cartoonish so I took inspirations from Mr Bean and Jim Carrey. We want to cater to the young kids as well.”

When quizzed on whether hosting gives acting opportunities, Mantra said, “They are two different worlds, but I think work attracts work. So if you are actively involved in any project out there in the media, people tend to recall your face when casting. This is how it works. But destiny and calibre take you places and as an actor you need to be like water, shape yourself in any role.”

Asked about reality shows, he instantly quipped, “Host or participate? Honestly, I am open for both. I think reality shows would be fun to do!”

And finally, when asked about settling down, he said, “I am too much into love to get married!”

Like that, ha?