Abhaas Mehta: I've never been specific about the kind of work I want to do!

Seen in shows like Badalte Rishton Ki Dastaan and Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Do, actor Abhaas Mehta has now joined the cast of Colors popular show, Mahakali– Anth Hi Aarambh Hai. Produced by well-known TV producer Siddharth Kumar Tewary, the show was launched on 22 July and has been performing well on the TRP chart ever since.

Abhaas will be seen in the role Shumbh on the show.   Talking about his role, he says, “My character is called Shumbh. He is the king of demons and along with his brother Nishumbh, he has the blessing that no one, whether human or God, can kill him. The plot revolves around his love for Parvati and how she transforms into Kaali to fight demons.”

Being part of a costume drama is always fun, says Abhaas, however, the actors adds that he keeps his suggestions limited to how he should act and not how he looks. “The look is unique, something that has never been seen in an Indian show. There is a lot of detailing in the costume and the makeup. Of course, all actors should have their inputs on how they perceive the character they are intending to portray. I don't interfere with the look and all of that. My inputs are only performance based which I discuss with my director and then we go ahead after he gives his opinion.” he says.

Being on the set is fun for Abhaas and he has made a lot of friends too. “Danish (Akhtar Saifi), who plays my brother in the show, and I are perpetually shooting together so we get along quite well. I happen to know Saurabh (Raaj Jain) a lot as he is my girlfriend Zeenia's (Wadia) friend for some years and now I'm fortunate enough to be a part of the same show as him. I admire Pooja’s work quite a lot. I think she's apt for this role. Haven't shot much with her but whatever little I did, it was fabulous and I think we got along fine. I have had only a few conversations with Nikita (Sharma) and Falaq (Naaz), again due to shooting at different locations, but they are so sweet,” he says.

However, the best part of the show is to get an opportunity to work with Siddharth and Rahul Kumar Tewary, says Abhaas. “I have waited to work with Swastik (Siddharth and Rahul) for quite some time. I'm finally proud that I have fulfilled that desire. Siddharth is a creative genius. Working under his guidance will teach me so much and hopefully, it takes my performance to new heights. I am extremely thrilled to be working with them,” he adds.

Meanwhile, since he is covered in prosthetic makeup, this show has given Abhaas the chance to try out different hairstyles. “I love experimenting with my hairstyle. And this show gives me the liberty to anything since it's all covered in prosthetic makeup on screen. So it's the best time to go crazy with the hair!” he says.

Talking about future plans, Abhaas says that he has never really been specific about the kind of projects he wants to take up in the future and likes to concentrate on the present. “I have never been specific the kind of work I want to do. I want to do what I like and at this moment I love Shumbh and Mahakali,” he says.

He might be at ease in front of the camera now, but Abhaas says that he still remembers his first shot and how nervous he was. “I remember my first shot, it was in 2009 for a show called Bairi Piya. Ironically that was for Colors too. I was nervous as hell and I remember after the first shot the director said one more and immediately the DOP said to one of his assistants, ‘Baby ki height Kam Kar Aur Mundi Kaat’. Before I could even fathom what they were doing and why I was being referred to as a baby, the assistant came next to me and started fidgeting with a light. And that's when I realized the light beside me was called Baby,” he signs off.