“What kept you away from TV all these days?” The first question that anyone would ask this good looking hero seemed to actually irritate him as he sarcastically replies, “The good weather in Mumbai.” Well, no points for guessing that the man we are talking about is Mishal Raheja, who has been missing from the small screen post his brilliant performance in Laagi Tujhse Lagan. But the wait is finally over as viewers will get to see him in an episode of Sony Entertainment Television's Encounter (Endemol) soon. The three-episode story will see Mishal as an angry young Inspector out to pin down a criminal. “After Laagi Tujhse Lagan, I wanted to take a break. Having done such an intense role, I seriously needed to shed off all the emotions. Post that I got busy with my film Budget Trip with which I was involved for eight months. Now that it’s in its post-production stage, and had enough time, I chose to make a comeback with this exciting tele film,” shares the actor. When asked what made him chose Encounter, he quickly answers, “The director, Ankush (Bhatt) is a very talented man. I really liked his film Bhindi Bazar and thus did not want to lose on the opportunity to work with him. Also with such fabulous actors like Prashant Narayanan around, I had no reason to say no. The shoot also required me to keep myself free for just 15 days; this made it easier for me.” Mishal will soon also be seen in a short film of Nikhil Advani Productions for MTV Films. Asked to detail about that he avers, “Well, the team has been a fabulous one and I loved the experience. Tele films are always fun and when you have such brilliant people from Bollywood coming on board for it, it’s always a pleasure working with them.” This brought in mind a question whether Mishal’s fascination towards the big screen was the actual reason behind his disappearance from TV? Defending himself he says, “There’s nothing like that as I am open to doing TV shows anytime. It’s just that the project needs to be interesting and exciting for me to do it. Today shows have a similar storyline and thus I can’t relate myself to them.” Having worked with Anurag Basu in his film Love Story as his debut project, we wondered when he will be back with him. “Please ask him when he is going to sign me in his films; he seems to be just busy with Ranbir Kapoor (laughs). I would love to work with him again. Having worked with Ankush in Encounter, I would also like to do something with him in future,” the actor observes. Mishal who started his career as a lover boy, moved to play an intense role of Datta and now an action packed police inspector. We asked him which genre excites him the most. “To be honest I love all of them. Just put me in front of the camera and I will be more than happy. Let’s see what’s next for me. All I can say is that it will be not some run of the mill project but a hatke one,” Mishal answers. Well, Mishal we are sure your fans would love to see you back! The particular episode starring Mishal will be aired from tonight (18 April)