Manish Khanna: “I became an actor by fluke”

TIL Desk Tellywood/ The veteran actor, Manish Khanna, is seen on India’s First Rural Entertainment Channel, Azaad’s 4th Original, Lovepantii. Created by Mahesh Pandey Productions, Lovepantii airs at 8 PM, every Monday to Saturday, only on Azaad. The promos are the talk of the town for their uniqueness and interesting character portrayals.  The name is even more captivating – Lovepantii. The show is said to be one of the most entertaining youth-centric drama on Indian television.

The lead character, Arjun has been taught to live within parameters set by his father. Even his dreams have been tailored by his parents and he has accepted his life accordingly. The story of Lovepantii is about how this common boy rises to the occasion when he gets an idea that he is in love.
Here’s getting to know a key character, Kedarnath Singh enacted by Manish Khanna. He actually belongs to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He has acted in more than 22 movies like Zameen, My Wife’s Murder, D Day, Mumbai Mirror, Jai Ho, Silsila Hai Pyaar Ka, etc. He has also done more than 100 serials like Jai Hanuman, Jai Mahabharata, Mahadev, Kahin Kissi Roz, Pyaar Ka Dard Hai, Parades Mein Hai Mera Dil, Naagin, Molkki, Brahmaraksha, Siddhhi Vinayak, etc, and Web Series like Zindabaad, A Mouse in a Trap. Kedarnath Singh is the head of the family in Lovepantii.

In the series, he is the Ranjana’s paternal uncle ‘Taauji’ and he adores her. He is well educated and has a very respected position in his town. He was the first engineer of his town and ended up becoming the head of the administration department of the area. He has money and a lot of respect because of his position. He is very well connected to the police, politicians and other rich people in the town. Everyone knows that Thakur Kedarnath Singh portrays himself as an honest man, but the truth is that he is corrupt and he not only takes money for everything, but he also offers favors to people. He is egotistical and cares only about his family and himself. He can go to any extent for his family. He is a man with a progressive mindset. He has educated the women in his family and given them freedom to live their lives with the only condition that they should always be honest with him.

What made you say yes for this show?

Firstly, the show is being produced by a very dear friend, Mahesh Pandey and it’s on a new Channel, Azaad. So, when he called me for this, I instantly said yes.

How did you prepare for the role?

I did not need much preparation except that I grew a moustache so that there should be no hindrance in my character look and performance.

If there is one thing you would like to change about your character in the show, what would it be?

No. I don’t want to change anything in the portrayal of my character as he is very strong and I am enjoying it.

What was your first reaction when you were finalized for the show?

Obviously, I was very happy as I was being finalized for the show after being home for a while because of the lockdown and wanted to do some work. The channel is the first in Hindi channels to cater to rural audiences with stories made especially for them and being from Benaras, it was interesting to be a part of such a story that is available for rural audiences on Rajasthan Infotech 323.

How do you’ll deal with creative differences on the set while shooting?

There are no creative differences on the sets as the team is very good and understanding.

Tell us more about before becoming an actor?

I became an actor by fluke. I started as an assistant director to late Gogi Anand. Ekta Kapoor spotted me and got me into acting as I was working for Balaji Telefilms at that time. My first show was Mano Ya Na Mano.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

No one can predict the present scenario. Live for the moment, I believe in humanity.
 
Azaad is available on Tata Sky 183, DD FreeDish Channel no 36, Siti Cable 134. Rajasthan Infotech 323, Siti Prime 110and is free on MX Player.