Jai Singh: Exploring new horizons

TALENTED actor Jai Singh has gone from theatre to entertaining audiences on Indian TV and was most recently seen playing a key role in drama serial Ishk Par Zor Nahi.

The versatile Mumbai-based performer enjoys taking on new challenges and is looking  to push his acting horizons further with interesting future projects.

Eastern Eye caught up with Kolkata-born Jai to discuss his journey, experience of working on Ishk Par Zor Nahi, inspirations and his dream roles.

How do you look back on your acting journey?

The journey has been really good, but not easy. I have learnt and evolved a lot since my first Bangla telefilm, which I did when I was just 21. The journey to Mumbai took time, but it has finally happened.

Which project has given you the greatest joy?

All the projects are special to us as actors, so it’s difficult to choose one, but if I had to pick, I would say Ishk Par Zor Nahi. It happened after a long gap of being alone in the pandemic and the show has made me really happy and it got me a lot of love too.

What has been the most challenging role you have done?

I did a web film for ZEE5 called Satyamev Jayate, directed by renowned Bengali director Arindam Seal. I was the last one on board and the shoot was supposed to happen in two days. Prepping for and playing the role of a brigadier with certain characteristics was difficult in such a short time, but work is work. I’m glad that it was much appreciated.

What has the experience of acting in Ishk Par Zor Nahi been like?

Ishk Par Zor Nahi has been a great journey – it has involved long, rigorous hours of shooting, but it has been a lot of fun too. The cast and crew were great to work with. We all are a close-knit family on the sets.

What has it been like working during the pandemic and lockdown?

It was scary initially, but we learnt to deal with it in time. It comes to us naturally now. But yes, the shoot in Diu was much easier because we were shooting in a bubble with all the Covid protocols in place.

What kind of content do you enjoy watching as an audience member?

I enjoy watching everything which feels real and stirs my soul, be it the comedy, horror, thriller, or romantic genres.

What inspires you?

My mother at 75 and my sister at 48 are my biggest inspirations. Life has been hard on them, but they never gave up.

What would be your dream role?

I would love to play Kabir Khan from Chak De India or Ram from Taare Zameen Par.

Why do you love being an actor?

It gives me wings to fly. It’s like thousands of butterflies tickling in my stomach when I play different characters.