Harssh A Singh, who was last seen in Kyun Utthe Dil Chhod Aaye, says character-actors make a big difference in daily soaps...

What are the TV projects that you’ve done so far?

I’ve done very few projects on television actually. In 2015, I did a show called Lajwanti on Zee TV and didn’t like that experience much. So, I kind of avoided TV for a while, but then this year I did Shashi Sumeet Productions’ Kyun Utthe Dil Chhod Aaye (KUDCA), and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.

You’ve done films, television, theatre and OTT. Which has been the most satisfying experience as an actor?

I can’t honestly decide. They are all different and also similar in a way. All I have to do in each of the mediums is act, but people view each medium differently. Television has its own audience. OTT projects are different; you get to work on the characters in much more detail. So as an actor, it’s satisfying. And people are watching a lot more web series these days than TV.

In television, there are not enough roles for character actors. Do you agree or disagree?

Not true at all. Television runs on character actors like us. We may not get our due because the lead actors and the saas-bahus get the lion’s share in the credits, but the truth is that actors like me cause conflicts in the story. We are the fun part; otherwise these shows would be so boring without actors like me.

What kind of roles would you like to take up on television?

After playing the main villain in Kyun Utthe Dil Chhod Aaye, I think I would love to play more complex characters of people whom you love, but also hate.

What do you have to say about the changing content on television?

I think television will need to change a lot more. Web shows have better writing and different concepts to explore. Television will need to catch up. How many reality shows and dance shows will the audience watch? Now even Bigg Boss has shifted to OTT. I mean, there is a dearth of new ideas on TV and that will need to change soon.

How do you decide while taking up an acting offer?

I look for a good concept and a good premise for the show. I look for a character that’s changing or affecting the story line. Does this character change the lives or stories of the other characters on the show? Then I try to put myself in the audience’s shoes.

On television, do you look up to anyone?

Kunal Jaisingh. He played my stepson in KUDCA. What a tremendous actor and what a wonderful human being! He’s like half my age, but so wise. I call him for advice a lot and he always has an honest feedback. Geetanjali Tikekar is also someone I look up to. She’s had such a long-varied career, but still has the same hunger to keep improving.

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