This show is quite different from the clean image we have seen of yours, what tempted you to take it up?
When I read the script, I really liked it. I didn’t have it in mind that I wanted to change my image. I never think about negative-positive while selecting a script, I am more interested in the details of my role, my contribution. With this show, I was offered a different role. Dilip’s character influences the lives of other characters. Also, I have seen TVF’s past work, so it all worked together.
Does a character’s length bother you?
It is a fact that every actor wants to play a lengthy role. The more scenes you have, the more opportunities you get to perform. But I think that shouldn’t be the only criteria. Any actor should have the confidence to deliver even two scenes with great conviction. I am the achar in this narrative! (laughs). I always look at a role which gives me an opportunity to perform, that’s the main criteria for me.
You’ve been playing a lot of different roles, be it in films or OTT projects. So, how difficult was it to break from the ‘Crime Patrol’ image that you’ve had?
I’m a student of acting and I love acting, and I love the craft of acting. So I don’t take much time in getting out of any mold. People earlier were not taking risks with me in casting in different roles. That’s why I’m thankful to TVF and my director. They didn’t think that I come with a certain image, but they thought that I fit the bill and am capable of performing this. That’s more important. But yes, it takes time to change the perception of people. And that only happens when you are seen in different roles. It takes time but I was always prepared. I have never been afraid of transforming myself as an actor. It is true that ‘Crime Patrol’ is a popular show and people loved me for that, I’m very thankful to them. Even today people mention the show, it has been an important part of my journey and I’m grateful that it was so popular. But yes, as an actor, I want to experiment, I want to do different kinds of roles. And that’s why I have taken a small shift to focus on films and OTT.
And, now I feel casting directors, filmmakers are opening up. Everyone knows that primarily I was an actor, never an anchor. That change is coming now. With the kind of projects I am doing now, I feel the perception is breaking.
Is there any show which you had to turn down because of stereotyping?
I am doing a series which is all about cops and is based on a book and it’s made by a prestigious filmmaker. So I agreed to do it but I have left a lot of projects in between, like for example a family drama series where I am playing a cop. So I have avoided such roles where I am a cop where others are playing different characters. I feel it is very stereotypical for me and even for my audience, they wouldn’t feel anything new. But if it is a cop drama, then it’s different.
How would you sum up your two-decade journey from TV to films and OTT?
Every actor wants great success, super duper hit projects, big films and I am no exception. But humbly, I would say that my journey has been great in a way that I have never gone back since the time I started 25 years back. And most importantly, that I’m still working and I’m still relevant, people are thinking about me and casting me in different roles. So I am grateful for that.
You can keep cribbing even after you become a big superstar because there is no limit to that. But overall, my journey is good, but yes, I am also keen that I get to do better projects, better stories. I have this very good, positive feeling that things are changing and people are opening up about me. Two-years years ago I had to go through this process where it took me time to get out of the ‘Crime Patrol’ image. I had to keep a lot of patience, and had to say no to a lot of work which was very similar. Now somehow I feel people are realising that Annup Sonii is an actor.
Your portrayal of a politician in ‘Tandav’ also came as a surprise for fans. When is the second season happening?
To be honest, I have no idea. I am also very keen that the second season should start because my track and storyline is very good going ahead. I have read my part and the synopsis. So, I am also waiting for the second season to start soon.
