Kiran Karmarkar unplugged

Kiran Karmarkar, who as Om became a household name with Balaji Telefilms' Kahanii Ghar Ghar Ki has come full circle with Om Agarwal scheduled to get remarried to Parvati after 30 years of marriage after which Om will die in the show, never to return. Kiran started his career with a Marathi serial Dinmaan in 1989 and his first Hindi serial was Safaron Home TV. Where does Kiran intend his career to go once he dies in Kahanii… after the completion of 1000 episodes? He speaks his heart out in an exclusive chat with Prashant Golecha, highlighting the journey so far and the future ahead. Kiran as a person I am a sincere, determined, perfectionist and a home loving Mumbaikar. I have been born and brought up here. I always wanted to be an actor. I take a lot of time getting to know people. I prefer to stay away from a crowd, even a company of four people is a crowd to me. Basically I am an introvert who can be an extrovert only with people close to me. In general, people take a lot of time to understand me and I take a lot of time in understanding people. I do have a sense of humour. On being Om I have been playing Om since five years. I had shot for its pilot in 2000. When the leap happened, I settled into my character. I have enjoyed playing the character for long. But as an actor, I don't want to remain Om for life. I have enjoyed my popularity and recognition. I need to move on career wise. On playing an older character It was a challenge for me to play a 50 plus guy, when I am only 37 in real life. When people meet me, they compliment me on looking so young in real life! On Friendship In the entertainment industry, relations change with time and success. There are a few people who were friends, are friends and would remain friends. Ronit Roy is a good friend of mine with whom I can relate and have a good conversation. I bonded well with him during Kehna Hai Kuuch Mujhko. Proud to be a Mumbaikar I read Marathi books, newspapers and magazines. I hear Marathi songs. On Saakshi Tanwar (Parvati) On-screen, we are comfortable with each other. We have done more than 2,500 scenes together! We haven't used glycerine in over 80 per cent of our emotional scenes together. Off-screen, we are cordial and respect each other. We have a good professional rapport. Saakshi has her own circle and I have mine. On Balaji Telefilms I share a fantastic relationship with them. I am paid well and have got my name and fame. Everything worked out right in the last five years. I worked with utmost sincerity. So, even if I am leaving the show, my relationship with them is fine. Favourites in Bollywood Amitabh Bacchan and Madhuri Dixit. My all time favourite film is Ijaazat and I would love to work with Gulzar. Philosophy of life One should be absolutely honest towards one's work. Between "Action" and "Cut", I become the character. Everyone has tensions and ups and downs in life but one should not stop being sincere at any point of time. In a year, people get two hundred days holidays and yet people want to holiday, which is not right. One should work hard, make money and be happy. Future plans I have already got six or seven serial offers, but I have said no to all. I want to do films. I have confidence in my talent. I am willing to do any good role. I am open to playing father, brother and even a villain or a comedian. I had played the role of father of Arya Babbar in Thoda Tum Badlo Thoda Hum which didn't enjoy a good run! I don't have any secretary. I am directly approaching producers I know and other people in the industry for work.