"Even if you win rat race you are still a rat": Sumeet

Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Sumeet Sachdev has become a household name after essaying the role of Gautam Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. After a break he is back on the show and also another Balaji soap titled Khwaish. The latter is being shot extensively in Dubai and caters to the tastes of the Pakistani and the Middle East audiences. He talks about his journey so far on the small screen and happenings on the sets of Khwaish.

Why are you not seen often on television these days?
I'm not in favour of over-working. I like to have peace of mind, instead of working for lengthy hours every day. Actually, when I joined Kyunki, the first one-and-a-half years were very hectic. Then there were four months of Kya Hadsaa Kya Haquequat. It was more than I could handle. So now, limited work is not my compulsion but purely my choice.

So how are you going to handle two shows - one in Dubai and one here in India?
This is the first time that I have come to India after I started shooting for Khwaish. But things have just begun and now I will have to keep shuttling between the two shows. Let us see how it works out.

You have been with Balaji for a long time now. How has the experience been?
It has been very good. In Balaji, you have a convenient life and they take good care of you. They make sure they do not stress you up too much.

Are you open to work outside Balaji?
No, not yet. But I cannot say anything. I feel that at other places, the nuances of the show are often lost after some time. I don't like that much.

Tell us about your character in Khwaish.
I play a rich guy. Being the eldest son in the family my character, Kabir, is very responsible and affectionate towards his family. He is calm, simple and down to earth.

How did you find Dubai ?
Life in Dubai is stress-free. People there are extremely warm-hearted and their language sounds so sweet to the ears. It is amazing.

Khwaish deals with Muslim culture and traditions. Do you face any problems playing the role since you are new to them?
I think that language was the main problem. Their 'talaffuz' is difficult. We had a person who used to hear all the dialogues before every take and then make the necessary corrections. Also, I found wearing the salwar and kurta a little awkward but then I got used to it. I think that mastering the body language is the toughest part in playing any character. It takes a lot of effort to get it right.

How do you analyze yourself down these years in the television industry?
I think I have come downhill and I will tell you why. In the beginning, when you are new, you put in all the conscious effort to get a scene right. Then slowly as you become comfortable and confident, you tend to take things rather easily. You think to yourself, 'I'll do that easily'. That's what I mean when I say I have come downhill.

Do you watch your shows?
I used to watch my shows but I have stopped now. But I will be watching Khwaish.

Have you given films a try?
No, I'm not interested in films. Today, there are very few good films and very few film-makers who I would like to work with. I have a wandering mind and cannot easily decide what to do. Actually, I do not want to a part of a rat race because even if you win it you are still a rat.

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