Viewers are amazed by your transformative performance in Scoop. How did this happen?
I’m glad it’s a surprise. The big break I got helped me develop and mature as an actor. At first, things didn’t go well, you know. I had to learn a lot about what went wrong. I can’t tell you how happy I am to read all these reviews and comments and messages and calls. It’s an overwhelming feeling. This is why you essentially set your career goals on becoming an actor. Yeah, I guess that ten-year hiatus helped me become a better version of myself.
Were you surprised when Hansal Mehta considered you for the role of Cop Shroff? Not at all sure if you could deliver?
I was completely surprised when Hansal Mehta told me that he wanted me to play this role in a series he was doing for Netflix. To be honest, I was very apprehensive and reluctant to be a part of Hansal’s film. I’ve been busy writing and producing stuff for my own company. I never imagined that I would return to acting. But Hansal was confident, he was very persistent. So does the casting director Mukesh Chabra. I insisted they do an audition with me so we know where we stand. I guess the audition went well. That’s why we have this 4-by-4. I have to give it to Hansal and Mukesh to see this character in me.
How much did you observe the real character before playing the fictional one?
He is a fictional character. So I had to work on it and make it my own. Shroff is no ordinary cop. What excited me is that there are so many layers to this character. His relationship with Jagruti Pathak (Karishma Tanna playing a character inspired by Jigna Vora) with his team, his son… were very exciting to explore. Then of course his health, which in the second half deteriorates. More important is the layer of guilt he feels for his aggression towards Jagruti Pathak, in framing her… While all this complexity was on the one hand, on the other hand, I made a series about his life Navneet Sikera. I interacted with him a lot. This was very helpful in Scoop.
Did you watch the Jigna Vora case when it happened? What do you think about what happened to her?
I didn’t really follow Jigna Vora’s case to such an extent when it happened. I learned a lot more after meeting Hansal. It was an unfortunate turn of events for her. I have interacted with her recently, in fact the last one was just half an hour ago. She is a strong woman, struggling with the side effects of everything she went through even today.
What do you think went wrong with your career after such a fun debut? If you had the chance to change one thing, what would it be?
I guess people didn’t really like my performance in Love Story 2050. I can see that there were shortcomings in my first performances. I certainly wouldn’t want to change anything in the past, because that’s why I’m here today. If I hadn’t gone through that journey, I wouldn’t be here today. The love and adoration I receive for Scoop makes the “now” very beautiful to me. I wouldn’t want to change a thing. I am very happy with my life.
Tell us about your plans after Scoop?
Apart from my family, no one had any idea I was doing the Scoop. I am currently enjoying the praise for my performance and performance. I have no plans. Lately I’ve been letting things flow naturally as they come. Let’s see what awaits us. I would like to do something as challenging as Scoop again. I’m a patient guy. Can wait.
