Mallika Sherawat is not dumb: Raman Trikha

Way back in 1994, Indian television viewers got hooked on to a show called Banegi Apni Baat that didn’t deal with the usual rural problems but came as breath of fresh air for the urbanites. After all here was a show that dealt with urban college life, love, sex, extra-marital affairs. The viewers accepted it gleefully and the show’s actors turned into overnight stars. Irrfan Khan, Surekha Sikri have gone to achieve bigger heights. Raman Trikha, who played the handsome hunk Rahul, is another one who was widely appreciated for his part in Banegi Aaap Baat. Since then he’s been pretty choosy about his work. He’s played cameos but pivotal roles in films like Main Madhuri Dixit banna chahti hoon and Gayab. Trikha’s now marks his return to films with the Mallika Sherawat-starrer Hisss. In an exclusive chat with TellyChakkar, the actor talks about his new film, Mallika Sherawat, on facing discrimination down south and more. Read on. Tell us about your role and the film in general. Irrfan (Khan) and I play the cops who try to solve murder mysteries. My character is called Inspector Navin. He’s a young and enthusiastic guy. A cop who always goes by the book. It’s kind of a parallel lead. I’m very excited about the film because this is going to be a trendsetter in Hindi cinema. You’ll get to see special effects like never before. We’ve shot in Kerala, Mumbai and Chennai. The film is being made in Hindi and English. Director Jennifer Lynch has done a remarkable job. I’m amazed as to how a foreigner, in the first attempt at Indian cinema, has made such a brilliant film keeping the Indian sensibilities in mind. How‘s it to work with the sexy Mallika Sherawat? Oh’s she’s an amazing girl. It’s fantastic to see the way her body has been projected in the film. It will be a visual treat for the audience to see her change from a snake to a human and vice versa. As a co-actor she’s fabulous to work with. She’s a highly intellectual girl. I was amazed at her knowledge of intentional cinema. Often sex symbols are considered to be dumb but she’s an exception. I think you can’t be so successful if you’re dumb. Apparently, Sherawat is often accused of hogging all the limelight. In the past, actors who’ve worked with her have had this grievance. Can she overshadow someone like you? To be honest, I don’t want to be plastered all over. That is something which I have to take with a pinch of salt. Look, Mallika is a brand and you only become that with your hard work. I have no grudge or malice against Mallika. I’m better off by not appearing in promos because after watching the film I don’t want anyone to say that he was there in the promos but did a bad job. Before its release, Manoj Bajpai didn’t figure in any of the promos/hoardings of Satya but the film became a hit and till date people remember Bajpai. Chakravarthy, the hero, is almost forgotten today. I’d rather not appear in one but should be appreciated for my work. Years back, Irrfan and you started your journey together with Banegi apni baat. How was it to work with him now? And, has Irrfan changed since then? Oh! It was like rolling back the clock to our Banegi apni baat days. He’s such a comfortable actor to work with. He’s hasn’t changed a wee bit. What’s really impressive about Irrfan is that he’s appears pretty relaxed and calm at the shoot. At times you wonder whether he is really serious about his craft. However, when you see him on the screen you’re left stunned with his intensity. He’s only got better and better as an actor. Despite being around in the industry for so many years can we say that Banegi Apni Baat remains your only success story? Yes, there’s no denying it. Banegi Apni Baat changed our lives. I’m overwhelmed when people still come to me and talk about those days. I have no hesitation in saying that Banegi.. shaped my career. This was a show that broke traditional barriers. Love during college life, pre-marital sex and extra-marital affairs. We didn’t see these things on Indian television before. Why don’t we see much of you on TV these days? I’ve always been very choosy about my projects. Frankly speaking, I was burning out on TV. I was tired of playing the same old characters. I didn’t want to be bracketed into one category. So, I thought of taking a break. But please don’t assume I’m quitting TV. If I’m doing a daily then the passion has to be there. That passion emanates from the kind of role you’re offered. Sadly, I don’t find that with the shows today. I’ve never shied away from hard work. What about reality shows? Don’t they excite you? Well, again we don’t have that many good reality shows. I was offered Bigg Boss1 but somehow I wasn’t comfortable being put 24 hours under the camera. But you see reality shows offer fame for a limited period. It’s like a soda bottle, after the initial excitement everything fizzles out. How was your stint in South Indian films? This was a time when I was shuttling from Mumbai to Chennai. One never understood the language but it was fun. Sadly, I felt discriminated on grounds of my colour. That’s where Bollywood is different. Here it’s not about colour, caste but if you have the talent then Mumbai offers you the opportunity. After all these years, do you think you’ve achieved what you wanted? Look, I never had any Godfather. I came to Mumbai with absolutely nothing in hand. I didn’t even know how to act. Now when I look back, I feel I’ve earned respect through my work. In terms of quality work there’s still a lot to be achieved. I want to be in a position where I can choose my roles. Finally, despite having a huge female following you’ve still remained single. Why is that? That’s because I was too preoccupied with work thus never got time for these things. I’ve had my share of affairs but somehow they never blossomed into marriage. Nevertheless there are no regrets. I’m happy with my life.