Most of the shows on TV are regressive & typical: Abhishek Bajaj

Actor Abhishek Bajaj is returning to television after featuring in some interesting films to do ‘Jubilee Talkies’ on Sony Television, where he will be seen playing a superstar on the screen. In an exclusive conversation with Adgully, Abhishek Bajaj opens up about his new show, his career in acting, about working on all mediums, and more.

What are your reasons for doing this show?

If you look at my journey, I have always tried to play different characters. Like in my first film, ‘Student of The Year 2’, I played a student. Then I did ‘Chandigarh Kare Ashiqui’, where I played a CrossFit champion. Then I did ‘Bubbly Bouncer’, where I played a software engineer, who is very sophisticated. Then I did ‘Namacool’, where I played Chakku Pandey, who is a spoilt brat, but still has a wonderful side to him.

When I came across this show, ‘Jubilee Talkies’, I found it very intriguing because it has never been shown on television. The whole concept is very new for the television industry. I don’t think there has been such a show before. In fact, most of the shows are very regressive, on the same lines and typical. This was very unconventional – it’s an intense love story of a superstar and a common girl, where they will take you to another world. These are the reasons why I felt I should play this person. As an actor, I feel it’s my responsibility to blur the lines between platforms. It should be my choice to do the concept if it is good.

Were you given any reference point?

They haven’t given me any reference point. They just told me you are a superstar. They explained the dynamics, because this story is more than being a superstar. It showcases the vulnerable side of a superstar, which nobody has seen before. So, there is no reference point. Thus, we had to create something which has never been shown before.

Personally, I love Akshay Kumar and the way he keeps himself so fit. I am fit and disciplined too. Throughout my life I have always been honest to my craft. I am always on the job. Akshay Kumar is always like that and I really admire him. I got a chance to meet him multiple times. But I want to work with him rather than just meeting like that.

There are very few people who dare to go into the films and then come back to television. Was it a tough decision for you to come back?

When I pick a project, I never see the platform. I see who is making it and what kind of a story is being told and what kind of character I am playing. So far I have never came across such a role. I must have said no to at least 80-90 TV shows before this. But when I came across ‘Jubilee Talkies’, I said yes. If I want to do a film, I can do it. If I want to do an OTT series, I will do it. If I like a project on television, I will do it. I just want to remove the barrier of the medium.

What kind of offers have you been getting for films?

I have rejected a few films too, because they were on the same lines. People like to play safe when they see you in some character. They would love to give you the same character in other films. I am a person who tries to not repeat my characters, not repeat the same plot. That is what I look for. That’s the reason I had to say no to many things.

Were you always interested in acting?

I was born and brought up in Delhi, I had never planned for a career in acting. In fact, I wanted to be an IAS officer. I did Economics Honours. I scored 90% in my 12th. But when I came to Mumbai to meet my mom’s best friend, I got to know about an audition going on. I gave my audition and got selected in the very first audition. That is how I started out in acting. Within six months, I must have done 18 TV commercials. Then I got a television show.

As I said before, I have always been honest to my craft. I have always been a disciplined person and I’m a good learner. That is how I kept on doing good things and what I wanted. That’s how it has started for me. But in the initial year, my father was preparing a business for me. Eventually, he also realized that I will not come back. Since then I have been doing good things only by God’s grace. I just wanted to be on television. I am just working towards excellence.

Also read: Sony Entertainment Television presents a new romantic show 'Jubilee Talkies'