It's an honour for me to play Mahadev not many people will understand this, says Tarun Khanna

MUMBAI: 1) You are playing Shiva in the show Devi Adi Parashakti. What is the number of times you've played this character on screen in total?

I have played the role of Mahadev 8 times on television. The first time I did this character was in Karmaphal Daata Shani on colours and last time I played this character was in Devi on Dangal Channel. 

2) What made you accept this character yet again?

 It's an honour for me to play Mahadev not many people will understand this. Moreover I have Played this character mostly with swastik production and they were the ones who started all this by giving me a role in Karmaphal Daata Shani so to say no to them would be like the most ungrateful thing to do. 

3) When you play the same character over time, that too a character that's a God and with whom you cannot innovate, how do you ensure variation in your acting?

 When you are playing the same character there is little scope for variation. But the beauty of playing Mahadev is that every time I find new facets to his personality .I find new expression, energy and emotions because mahadev is such a wholesome and beautiful personality altogether. Serial like Radha Krishna where I again play Mahadev they give me scope to touch the lighter side, serial like Devi help me touch the heroic side and in serials like karmafal daata shani I got an opportunity where Iam shown as a teacher. So there are different facets to my character in all these different shows . 

 4) What are the highs and lows of being married to an actor, sharing the same profession?

She understands professional commitments- being an actor one has to do scenes that someone from outside the industry may find odd. On the downside, she is the only one who can command this Shiva to put his plate back in the kitchen (laughs). 

5) How you used to celebrate Diwali before Covid, And now how you are celebrating it this year.

Well Diwali is the only festival which I celebrate with lots of vigour and I was looking forward to celebrating it with my brother who lives in Delhi but because of corona and restrictions on travelling, going to Delhi for Diwali is not possible this year. This year I have shifted to a new house so this Diwali is really special for me because I am celebrating it in my new house in Mumbai. Of course there is nothing like celebrating with your family and loved ones back home in Delhi but it's ok next year I will go there. 

6) How did the lockdown work for you?

 It seemed rather odd to begin with but me and my wife had never stayed for that long together. I had been working continuously for years and it worked for me to catch up on sleep, watch shows and spend time with her and our son

Watch Tarun Khanna in Devi Adi Parashakti only on Dangal TV from Monday to Saturday at 9pm.

Dangal TV is available on leading cable networks and DTH platforms – DD Free Dish (CHN NO 29), Tata Sky (CHN NO 177), Airtel (CHN NO 125), Dish TV (CHN NO 119) and Videocon D2H (CHN NO 106)