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Anas Rashid who made his debut with Balaji's KahiinToh Hoga and who has made a mark as a good boy is back on small screen. After essaying lead characters in Colors' Aise Karo Na Vida and Star Plus' Prithviraj Chauhan, the actor is back in action in a lead role again as Suraj in Star Plus' upcoming show Diya Aur Baati Hum.

On the outset of the show's launch, Anas shares some views on his come back to India-forums' fans and he shares about his experiences doing the show. 

Hailing from a small town, Anas will now play a small town boy Suraj in the Star Plus show.

What took you so long to come back on small screen and what was so special about the show for you to take it?
Actually I have not waited for a few months but I have waited for almost six years to come up with this kind of a show. I waited not only for a show but also for a channel and a slot and such kind of a role for so long. Because, getting a 9 Pm slot on Star Plus is not an easy job. And most importantly I have not worked for this slot since I have started my work on TV. I have worked for weekend slot, afternoon slot and also late night slot; but this slot has come to me with Diya Aur Baati Hum. So finally after six years, my wait has been over and my dream has finally come true. Talking about the show, this show will mark a trend I guess wherein every husband will help his wife to gain her aspirations and help her in every walk of life without the fear of being termed Joru Ka Gulam.

Tell us something about your character Suraj in Diya Aur Baati Hum?    
My character is very supportive and is entirely different from what my audience have seen me doing previously. Talking about Suraj, he is very positive and has a good approach towards life. Suraj is an illiterate who runs a sweet shop and gets married to the girl Sandhya, who is exactly opposite to Suraj. He is a very co-operative husband and helps his wife at every point of life. He treats his wife like his child and stands by her all the time. Suraj has various shades in him that will be revealed once the show starts. Suraj is the guy who every mother, every wife would like to be with.

You are coming back after Aise Karo Na Vidaa, what difference will your audience get to see in your character?
Firstly, the audience will get to see a difference in status; in Aise Karo… I was a prince whereas Suraj here is a shopkeeper. Secondly, education wise Suraj is an illiterate. There was no dream to be fulfilled in Aise Karo Na…whereas Suraj is filled with dreams and ambitions.

How far is Anas enjoying the character?
I am similar to Suraj. Even I am from a very conservative small family. Since my childhood, I have been working and supporting my family and friends and  so it's great to be yourself and to work in the same conditions where you are comfortable.

What are the weakness and strengths you have been going through during your journey?
I would say in this span of three years I have been getting roles immediately one after the other. So in the time I get in between, I used to develop my character which I am going to essay in the next project. Therefore I consider that as my strength. But though I work a lot to project myself in the character I am never satisfied with my work which I think is my weak point.

As the show has a Marvari backdrop, was there any homework done for this role?
To be very honest nothing has been done from my side to suit the dialect of this show as in real life I am a villager and I come from a very small town. So the things which were necessary for this role were already in me as even today my roots are very much into my village. And I am proud to be a villager so I didn't find any difficulty to essay such kind of a role. I just had to practice the dialogues and deliver them.

Diya Aur Baati Hum will be coming in competition with KBC, so how far you are ready to compete with Amitabh Bachchan?
Well, KBC was never our competition and we can't come in competition with Big B. Audience who wants to see him are free to watch him and the audience which we would grab will be ours. 

How well is your rapport with your co actors?
It has been great till now and hope it goes well in future as we are just at the start. It will take more time to make a great bonding. But so far we are a great team together. It's my second home. I treat them like my family and also I too get treated like a family member, so it's great.

What made you to take up acting line and not anything else?
Since childhood I have been very ambitious, but I had never thought that I would come to this industry as an actor. I like the way this industry works and grows. I love the creativity of this industry and the way the industry has shaped up in a short period of time is remarkable. 

Is there any dream role you want to essay?
Yes, I want to be in Don 3 (laughs).

Were any reality shows offered to you?
Frankly speaking, I have not been offered any reality shows and I am not interested to take up any.

What are your expectations from this show?
This show is definitely going to reach the number one position among the channels. I am hoping, expecting, praying and crossing my fingers that our show reaches the best position.

What would you like to say to your India-Forums' fan?
Ohh.. I love India-forums and India-forums' fans. Their messages, prayers and wishes are close to me. I have a special bonding with India-forums. Don't know why but my fingers auto,automatically types India-Forums to get logged in. May be my fans and their love drive me to them. So my fans will see a new Anas back with Diya Aur Baati Hum. Do watch me.

Reporter and author: Tejashree Bhopatkar 

Star Plus' new venture Diya Aur Baati Hum!

Diya Aur Baati Hum - a refreshing story about a man of modest education helping his well-qualified wife achieve her career goals and braving ridicule from the society - is set to start on TV, beginning August 29. 

The show promises to make viewers sit up and take note that it's about time men support their wives in pursuing a career and realising their potential without they being labelled a 'joru ka gulam'. 

Says Nitin Vaidya, Business Head, Hindi Channels, Star Plus, "It's undeniable that in India, traditionally the women's role is seen as bride, wife or mother, within the geographical parameters of her home. This show aims at breaking that mould and raising public acceptance to women stepping out of their homes towards self fulfilment. It is another testimony of our channel's programming ethos 'Rishta Wohi, Soch Nayi'." 

The show's story is about Sandhya, a girl who grew up dreaming of becoming a civil servant. So, does she have to give up that dream because she's married? Is it okay for her husband to suppress her talent and her will to achieve? Is society right in labelling a man who's supportive of his wife as a 'joru ka gulam'? Will Sandhya's husband not be afraid how the society will judge him? All this and more will unravel on the new show, produced by Shashi-Sumeet productions and which has Anas Rashid and Deepika Singh essaying the role of Sandhya and Sooraj. Diya Aur Baati Hum will replace Gulaal.

Now, the spotlight's on the women

Anjali Chandra, TNN | Aug 26, 2011, 12.51PM IST