ACTOR DICUSSES HIS HISTORICAL TV DRAMA AND INSPIRATIONS
Rahul Sharma has followed up great performances in immensely popular drama serials like Ek Ghar Banaunga, Ek Rishta Aisa Bhi and Kaal Bhairav Rahasya with another winning turn in Yashomati Maiyaa Ke Nandlala.
The Sony Entertainment Television mythological epic based on religious text Bhagavata Puran has quickly crossed 100 episodes, since it premiered in June of this year. The versatile Indian actor adds to his acclaimed body of work and is enjoying the challenging new role.
Eastern Eye caught up with him to discuss the popular show, his character, passions away from work, inspirations and what he would love to master.
How does your new show Yashomati Maiyaa Ke Nandlala compare to others that you have done?
It’s very different from the other shows I’ve done in the past. First, it’s a mythological from the people’s point of view. I call it our history. Characters related to God and divine intervention require a different kind of skillset and mentality. Also, a lot of preparation on the language was needed. Your speaking ability, especially Hindi, needs to be good. You need to have that awareness of our history and mythology of the culture. So, I have put in a lot of extra effort, while keeping the performance simplistic and natural.
Rahul Sharma on the sets of Yashomati Maiyaa Ke Nandlala
It sounds very different to your other shows…
Yes, and that made it exciting. Other shows were simpler and not as challenging. There weren’t a lot of outdoors and the language wasn’t as different. It is a village kind of setting and gives us a break from regular social shows based on contemporary stories, which don’t always work.
What has been the greatest challenge of playing this character?
Mostly, the language. Also, wearing the costume, especially the pagdi (the turban). We have shot in very extreme conditions, including heavy rains and the harsh sun. Being a costume drama and historical means we have to work harder than other shows. There are a lot of challenges.
What has been the most memorable moment from working on this show?
What I remember most is having to wait six months for the show to launch. Shooting happened initially, but not continuously, so it took time to start. It’s the longest I waited for any kind of show. What else will always remain memorable is the wonderful vibe on the set. The set itself is so beautiful. That will remain with me as a beautiful memory, especially having coffee by the river, and enjoying the sunsets.
The show has quickly clocked up more than 100 episodes. What is the secret of working on such a demanding schedule?
It is a combination of good planning and hard work from the entire cast and crew. This show being delayed by six months meant we had 30 episodes in hand, so we hit the ground running and then when the show came on air, we started shooting continuously.
What are your big passions away from work?
My big passion away from my work is travelling and it has now become more exciting because I’m documenting everything by vlogging on my YouTube channel (Your Rahul Sharma). I also document my life, behind the scenes, in my personal and professional life, and share it with my audience. Vlogging has made me more curious about my work and motivated me to learn more. It has helped me in my acting and taught me some directional skills. My vlogging passion is enabling me to document the history of India and other countries.
What do you enjoy watching as an audience?
I enjoy watching anything that is well directed, with a strong storyline and great performances. All of this will always make a strong connection with audiences, no matter what the genre or medium, whether it is film, television, or web. I appreciate anything that is well written, acted and well-made.
If you could master something new, what would it be?
I would love to master direction and storytelling. I would love to tell stories. This is my new thing, which I am exploring right now and maybe in the future it will happen, and you’ll see some of my work.
Tell us something not many people know about you?
Firstly, I don’t have any godfather or family connections in the industry. I’ve done whatever I have thanks to the grace of God and blessings of my parents. Secondly, I love talking and sharing my experiences with others. I am also very protective about others, whether I have known them for one day or 10 years. I can’t help myself when I see someone going through difficulty and try to help them.
What inspires you as an actor?
Normal life and human stories inspire me to be an actor. It makes me want to tell those stories and portray those emotions on-screen, through the characters I play. Human emotions give me a better understanding of others and enables me to evolve. That is why I’m looking forward to giving more good performances and taking up good projects.
Why should we all tune into Yashomati Maiyaa Ke Nandlala?
Most know the story of Krishna, what he did and his ‘leelas’, and this very real show takes you back to that era, in a very relatable way. The show makes it feel like your story. Also, the bonding of Nand, Yashoda and Krishna is shown in such a beautiful way. It’s a realistic and live show.
Instagram: @rahulsharma777
Lunchbox is a powerful one-woman show that tackles themes of identity, race, bullying and belongingInstagram/ lubnakerr
She says, ''do not assume you know what is going on in people’s lives behind closed doors''Instagram/ lubnakerr
He says "immigrants are the lifeblood of this country"Instagram/ itsmetawseef
This book is, in a way, a love letter to how they raised meInstagram/ itsmetawseef
The crew of The Ministry of Lesbian Affairs
A still from Sarkar, inspired by 'The Godfather' and rooted in Indian politicsIndia Glitz
Sarkar became a landmark gangster film in Indian cinemaIndia Glitz
The film introduced a uniquely Indian take on the mafia genreRotten Tomatoes
Set in Mumbai, Sarkar portrayed the dark world of parallel justiceRotten Tomatoes
Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar marked 20 years of influence and acclaimIMDb
The statues were the product of a transatlantic effortGetty Iamges