Kavin dave | He is known for his comic timing and has done films like My Name Is Khan, Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi and Kick. The actor speaks with Shalini Saksena about why he played a negative character in a web series, Flesh and his upcoming projects

How did you come on board for the series — Flesh?

The casting director of the series approached me; he is a friend of mine. The character I play here is very different from what I have done in the past. He thought of me and wanted to see if I fit the role. I was thrilled that somebody approached me for a negative role. Then the series is directed by Danish Aslam and there was nothing that made me turn it down.

You play a negative role. Was it something that you were looking for?

I was not specifically looking for a negative role. I wanted to do something different from the roles that were offered to me. In the past, I have played comic roles. People associate me with those type of easy-going characters. I wanted to show I could do other roles. I also wanted to experiment.

You have done films and TV shows — Bollywood and Gujarati, what made you say yes to a web series?

I said yes purely on the basis of the content and the role that was offered to me. I had been offered other web series before as well, but they were similar to what I had done in the past. There was no role that excited me. But the role in Flesh excited me

What is Scam 1992 about and your role in it?

The series is directed by Hansal Mehta; it is based on the scam by Harshad Mehta back in 1992. The series is all set to release on SonyLiv. I may have a small part here, but the role excited me because it is based on the real-life character. The role was really challenging since it is based on real person.

How did you get into acting?

I started acting when I was very young. But it was not much of work back then; it was more of a picnic. During my college days I started doing theatre. That is when I got to know what acting was all about. After graduation, I pursued it as a profession.

What has been the most significant change in the industry?

I would say it is the influence of social media. I am a private person so it becomes difficult because people approach you for a particular character after they see the kind of following one has on social media. Not everybody does it, but there are many. One is not selected on one’s talent and if you fit the bill.

Does that mean you still have to be recognised by the industry?

I think so. I am only half way there. I still have a long way to go.

Is there a role that you loved being part of?

There were a couple of roles that I did for YRF Television. In 2010 I played Huzaifa Ali in Rishta.com. Another role that is dear to me is a role that I did for Fatmagul, a Turkish series.

You have done comedy and now a negative character. Which would you choose?

Comedy comes naturally to me. It is my first love. When I was younger, I did Filmi Chakkar. I have learnt from the greats like Satish Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah and Rajesh Bedi. As a kid I used to observe them; I owe my comic timing to them.

What next?

There were a few things that had been planned but the pandemic has pushed those projects. But Scam 1992 is set to release. There is another film, I have just finished dubbing for it and is in the post-production stage.