Indresh Malik who plays Rajiv Bhalla in Zee's Karol Bagh 12/24 talks on length about how, even though late in life he has achieved his dream of facing the camera and what a wonderful support his life partner is proving to be.

How did you get your first role on television?

Sudhir and Seema, from Sunshine, are friends from my college days. One fine day, they asked me for an audition and I got selected.

Did you always wanted to be an actor?

I always wanted to be an actor, apart from other interests.

What is so special about your character in Karol Bagh?

This character Rajiv Bhalla is typically a Delhi wala, an MCP (male chauvinist pig). He is a businessman from Karol Bagh auto spare parts market, a pampered son and belongs to a Punjabi family. He is madly in love with Simmi ji. Initially this role was supposedly a cameo, but it got  hugely popular , so popular that it has now become one of the main characters  in 12/24. People love to hate him. People have loved the way I could portray Rajiv Bhalla.

How is it working with producer Sudhir Sharma?

Simply great!

Did you feel nervous on the first day?

Yes I did. Although I had ten years of theatre experience backing me, I did have the first day jitters. But once my first shot got approved I got the hang of it and thereby my confidence level increased.

Did you keep your fingers crossed for Rajiv to become popular?

I'd be lying if I said I didn't. At first, since it was a cameo I was pretty casual and was like- ok, let's give it a shot. But later, I did want the role to be a success. And then people started recognizing me, started pulling me over for a photo or autograph. I started being called to do promotions and they gave me ten bouncers. I feel like a star now!

Any interesting incident which happened recently on the set?

We are all like a group of good friends, a lot fun is there when we shoot. We do a lot of masti, I was shooting with Simmi a fight sequence, where she had to run with a lathi, to hit me, in a crowded market, and huge crowd  was gathered there. And the women were shouting, 'maaro bhalle ko', that was scary and funny!

Who is your favourite co-star in the show and why?

I like Waseem and Smiriti. They are the only two actors I've had maximum scenes with and Neil also.....so can't pick up one.

Interests other than acting?

Other than acting…well, I love designing clothes. I did customized clothing for 12/24 as well. I love cooking, poetry, theatre, and many more things. I would also like to write someday.

What's your idea of Providence?

Im an atheist. I believe in Karma and my belief is very simple. If you do good, it will come back to you. If you do bad, it will come back to you.

You got married when you were 21?!

Yes, I belong to the typical Delhi businessman families. So when I wanted to concentrate on theater after my graduation from Kirori Mal, my father was like who will look after the business then? So I just happened to meet my dad's friend's daughter and we instantly clicked. Today my wife is more than happy to play my part in the family business and even then she helped me concentrate on my acting dreams and so does she today.

Don't you miss her now that you've moved to Mumbai?

Yes, it's brave of Leena to handle the home front all alone in Delhi. She's taking care of my two lovely boys Kush and Kabir as well as my various businesses. What can I say, I'm blessed with a wonderful partner!  I do miss her and the leisurely time that I get to spend with boys. But I'm hoping soon they will able to join me here. If my career does allow me to take such a bold decision I would definitely have my family move base to Mumbai.
 
Reporter and Author: Susan Jose