Karam and Nikkhil have grown as actors - Producer Imtiaz Punjabi

Writer turned Director and Producer, Imtiaz Punjabi is a happy man as his show on Life OK, Nadaan Parinde is headed towards an interesting storyline, sure enough to keep the viewers glued to the show. The man is doubly thrilled as his pick of actors, especially for the male lead roles Karam Rajpal and Nikkhil Chaddha, have not disappointed him and have marched ahead as good actors. Talking about his satisfaction at how Karam and Nikkhil have gone through their complex roles, Imtiaz explains, “Karam has differentiated the characters of Sameer and Iqbal so very well with his acting. As a team, we have worked quite a lot on him as we knew the story all along. We have worked a lot on Sameer when compared to Iqbal. Sameer was more challenging, and we kept telling Karam that if he was to do things in a particular way as Sameer, he has to bring in a change later on as Iqbal. The initial ground work done for the character of Sameer has helped us show Iqbal in the proper light. I would say, playing Iqbal is slightly easier than playing Sameer. Sameer had to look endearing, lovable and cute in whatever he was doing. And now as Iqbal, the intensity and emotions are on a higher level. As for Nikkhil, Purab is a dream role for him. Purab has always been a complex character, and he has had to work hard to give the right expressions and emotions. People love his character and he is portraying it well too. Nikkhil has put in great effort to look convincing as Purab.” Imtiaz adds on, “I would say both Karam and Nikkhil have grown as actors in these last six months. I am extremely happy with their performances, and it is a fact that they have sometimes surprised me as well with their acting prowess. As a director, it is always a nice feeling if you get a surprise from your actors.” Ask him about the words of praise he has passed on to his actors, and the earnest director cum producer is quick to say, “I am too confused to compliment openly. I have always been like this, and will never immediately pass praises. I always believe that an actor will do well if he craves for the director’s appreciation. If he gets praised, there is every chance of him lagging behind in his work and losing focus, and that is where the growth of an actor ends. So I always see to it that even though I have liked a particular shot, I tell the actor that he was good, but it could have been better. This actually helps and creates a chance for the actor to grow. No actor is perfect, and there can never be a perfect shot. However, when there is a hunger to grow in an actor, his work will flourish.” On the twists to expect in the coming tracks, Imtiaz states, “There is quite a lot of meat in the script ahead. We are very sure that viewers will be excited to watch it. We have now successfully established the plot; drama is yet to begin. Emotions will be at stake and we are at a point where the ‘fine’ feeling in the script will come to the fore. Our aim is to touch viewers’ hearts with our gripping story.” Nicely put!!