Indian television star, Rohit Purohit, has appeared in a variety of shows before, but playing a fascinating historical figure like Alexander The Great in what is touted to be India's biggest and costliest historical drama, Porus, is nothing less than coming true of a dream. The actor believes that it is going to be the biggest visual spectacle for the television audience. In an exclusive interview with our Mumbai correspondent, Purohit talks candidly about his character in the epic show, his association with Swastik Productions, the biggest makers of mythological shows in India, and what challenges he had to face while preparing for his role. He also spills the beans on some secrets of his personal life. Excerpts...
First of all, congratulations for your upcoming show, Porus. I have seen the promos; it's looking amazing. So, tell us how did you bag the role of Alexander?
Porus is produced by Swastik Productions, the same makers with whom I had already done a show called Razia Sultan for &TV. They were working on this show for a very long time. When they approached me for Alexander, I was unsure because as far as I knew Alexander through text books, he was portrayed as a very aggressive and ambitious emperor who just wanted to conquer the whole world by hook or by crook. I thought it to be a very negative hardcore role. But when the makers narrated me the character, I found it to be very intriguing. They have written the character in a way that has never been shown before. Now I won't say it's out-and-out negative character, but it's certainly very different.
Tell us something about your background and beginning in the field of entertainment.
I hail from Jaipur, Rajasthan. I consider myself lucky enough as I didn’t have to struggle much. I was doing my animation course when I just got a portfolio ready for free from a photographer I knew very well. He suggested me to circulate it in Mumbai. I did the same and fate smiled on me soon and I started getting acting offers. I did a little bit modelling, too. But finally, I ended up with acting. My first show was Shaurya Aur Suhani, which hit the tube in 2009. Since then, there has been no looking back as I have been part of some amazing shows like Sanskaar Laxmi, Arjun and Razia Sultan, to name a few.
Did you always want to become an actor?
Frankly speaking, no! I had some other plans. I always wanted to pursue my career either in singing or graphic designing. I was never inclined towards acting. It just happened. But now I am pretty happy with how things transpired.
Do you think that Porus is the biggest opportunity that you have got in your career so far?
Yes, of course! There is no denying that Porus is my biggest show so far. It's kind of my dream role. It's really a very interesting and challenging role.
What do you love about this character?
This character has a certain edge. It has the kind of intensity which you don't find in other characters easily. People know about Alexander, but in Porus, we are going to show so many new things about him which will surprise and, at the same time, entertain the audience.
What’s the biggest challenge about taking up this role?
See, I am always interested in doing historical and mythological shows. But when I gave a nod to Alexander, I knew it's going to be the most challenging character of my career thus far. There were many challenges. I had to learn horse riding and sword fighting. Besides that, I had to work a lot on my physicality.
How is it to work with Laksh, who is playing Porus?
We are shooting in two different shifts, so I haven't shot with him as yet. It's been over two months since we started shooting, but we haven't shot together because, I guess, our scenes will come two or three months after the show goes on air. But I have met him in real life. He is an amazing person. He is a very hard working guy.
If you could play any other character on this show, who would it be?
If I could play any other character in this show, it had to be Porus'.
If I am not wrong, this is your second show with Swastik Productions. How has been your association with them?
Yes, Porus is my second show with them. My association with them has been really amazing. I look forward to doing more such brilliant shows with them in the future as well.
Tell us the USP of your show. Why should the audience watch it?
If you have seen the promos, you would definitely agree with me that we haven't seen something like this on Indian television before. The scale, sets, costumes, everything just leaves you amazed. The makers have erected five huge sets for the show, spent money like sailors on the making of it. Porus is a visual treat, at least, for the television audience in India.
What’s the last thing you watched on TV and why did you choose to watch it?
I don't watch television much. The last thing which I watched on television was a cricket match. I chose to watch it because I didn't find anything else interesting.
What do you work toward in your free time?
When I have free time I chill with my friends. I am not a very outgoing person, so I call all my friends home and we do a lot of fun.
What were your best and worst subjects in school?
I was a very studious student till 10th standard. But once I got inclined towards modelling and acting, my grades started getting affected. I was very good at subjects like Mathematics and English. But I never liked Chemistry. So, yeah, my best subject was Mathematics and the worst one was Chemistry.
Who is your celebrity crush?
She's not really a crush, but I adore Alia Bhatt a lot. She is an amazing actress.
Are you single?
Not really. Everyone knows I am dating Sheena Bajaj.
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is losing my close ones, someone from my family or friends.
What's your one annoying habit?
I trust people very easily. Sometimes, I know the person I blindly trust may backstab me, but yet I don't lose my faith and trust in them easily.
Who is your inspiration?
My father is the only source of my inspiration.
Porus, produced by Swastik Productions, will soon go on air on Sony Entertainment Television.
