MUSBA HASHMI chats up popular actor AAMIR ALI about his upcoming show Navrangi Re, his role in the show and experiences so far
Tell us about your upcoming show Navrangi Re.
The show is based on the concept of sanitation and how no one wants to talk about it. Sanitation is an underlying issue and most of us often find it boring or disgusting so through this drama series we want to spread out the message on Faecal Sludge Management and aim to leave an impact on the society so that everyone take this issue more responsibly. The other concept is to show the everyday problems of a mohalla and how the people deal with it.
Tell us about your character.
Vishwaas is a struggling journalist who always wants to do something good for the society. He is always in search of career-defining breaking news but his boss wants something that has mirch-masala in it. He wants to solve the problems of his mohalla and its people. He is funny, loving and naughty on the outside but deep in his heart he is very caring.
What attracted you to play this role?
The concept and the short format of the show drew me towards it. It is a 26-episode crisp series, so it cannot be dragged unnecessarily and also the message that it aims to give is very unique and the show has the right amount of laughter, drama and a perfect blend of wit and satire. I had an option to do another show but I don't want to be a part of a long-running show and I was looking for some exciting work and this role appealed to me so I took it up wholeheartedly.
How was the experience working with Anil Kapoor?
It was an amazing experience. He is like a rocket full of energy and enthusiasm. One thing in him which inspires me the most is his fitness. I wish I can be fit like him at his age.
Do you think that this show will pave way for more shows that talk about societal issues?
I think that movies and shows are made for social causes but they are not made well. Films like Toilet Ek Prem Katha and Padman were made well and that is why the message spread far and wide. I won’t talk about those films which were not made well but if a film or show is made the right way then people will not only see it but understand it. If you spread a message through the mode of entertainment then people will understand it because no one likes to be preached.
How has your journey been so far?
This is the eighth show in which I am playing the role of the central character and I feel blessed and lucky to have come so far. I cherish all my shows from Wo Rehne Wali Mehlon Ki to Nach Baliye my experience with all of them was amazing. I wait as an actor. Mein jaldbaazi me nahin rehta hu ki jo show aaye vo main karlun. Though it has been my longest gap and I am returning on TV after almost two years. But I always wait for four-five months before taking up any project, I don't get impatient. I always want to get sure about myself that whether I want to do a show or not because if you are not sure about yourself then no one else will take you seriously.
Any actor you would like to work with in future?
I would like to work with Amitabh Bachhan as I am a fan of his acting and my dream role would be to play the role of his son (laughs).
How do you define yourself — an actor or dancer?
I am always an actor first and then a dancer. Acting is what I enjoy doing and then comes dancing. May be for my wife — Sanjeeda it is dancing but she will also say that acting comes first to her. She is more of a dance lover and I am an acting lover.
When next will you be seen sharing screen space with your wife Sanjeeda Sheikh?
We will not do television together because if we will spend 12 hours together in home and then next 12 hours on the sets 'to hum log behen-bhai ho jayengey, husband-wife nahin rahengey,' it will be too much so we have decided not to sign shows with each other. (laughs).
What else is keeping you busy?
Sanjeeda and I have done two music videos together and we will be going to do another one soon for a big singer and it is for my favourite singer.
