Love is the purest thing, beyond physical attribute and beyond culmination : Mohit Raina
Mohit Raina, born in a Kashmiri Pandit family, was among the top five contestants in Grasim Mister India 2005. Switching form modeling to acting, the handsome actor has come a long way from Antariksh' to Mahadev', which made him an overnight star. In a chat with Just ShowBiz, he spoke about his charater, career, likes, dislikes and much more.
Excerpts:
From a fantasy like Antariksh' to the Mythological Mahadev', do you think you suit more for such larger than life characters?
Both are different genre shows and can't be compared. What matters is the platform and opportunity. Freedom to perform is important. There is lot of power in the character emotionally as well as physically and what reflects on-screen favours thecharacter and the mix of emotions shown on screen is done in a grand way.
Different people attribute different reasons to your phenomenal success as Mahadev'. But what do you personally think is the reason behind you creating such an impact?
If you look like the character, it works for the show. My shoulders, sharp features, my eyes, looks, all contributed and it was half the battle won as I looked the character. As per the producer Nikhil Sinha and the channel, I was the right choice. Thecharacter has such depth and power that if anyone else would have got the opportunity, he would have also created the same impact.
How did Mahadev' happen to you?
I was approached, auditioned and I fitted the bill. It nearly took a month. There were lot of look tests. Many people were considered for the role and I was a contender too. I went through regular casting procedures.
Initially when you were offered this role, did you instantly think that it will hit the nail for you or did you realize the true potential of the role gradually as the shoots began?
Initially I had no clue. I had not imagined the character would be accepted in such a big way. Gradually as the script progressed, I realized the potential and which way to follow. We were talking a deity not some ordinary person. With time I connected with the character and so did the world.
Do you prepare for your roles? If so, what were your special preparations for Mahadev'?
Preparation depends upon the requirement of the role. I was aware that a certain kind of physicality was needed so I worked out accordingly. I had been a devotee of Lord Shiva so I was drawn towards the character.
While Portraying such an iconic character, you should look convincing for the image people have about thecharacter. What were your thoughts when you saw yourself as Lord Shiva'?
It was a long day. Many people were seeing the get up. Lots of noise was happening on the set. As soon as I got ready, there was absolute silence for a moment and I realized that I fit the bill. I looked different and I didn't know how to react as I was in the get up of God..
Did you develop a special body language for it?
The character demanded a lot of self-control in mannerism, no blinking and no fast movements. I had to work on myself.
What were your main apprehensions the moment before your very first shot as Mahadev?
It was a special day. Work was going on the set, first floor was being constructed. There was jungle and my first reaction was how are we going to shoot here? I was against the chroma. I was delivering the lines and I was told to look below the eyes as Mahadev was God. When Nikhil Sinha told me "you are god and will be shown of 18 feet", I was like I am only six feet tall and who will see the real Mohit?
What was your first scene? What was the reaction of those around you after its done? How many takes did you take to get it right?
I had to be present in front of the Dakksh. There was chrome and hardly ten people around. In one take the scene was Okayed. I went to the director and producer Nikhil Sinha thinking he must have got upset and would ask to pack up and subsequent break for few days. But he told me it's perfect.
What was your reaction when you saw the first episode?
After the first episode I felt unhappy, I wanted lot of changes and felt that I need to improve a lot.
When did you realize for the first time that you as Mahadev' connected so well with the audience?
I was at the launch party thrown by Producer Nikhil Sinha. My face was not shown yet as it was a last minute entry. I was standing in the corner where someone was asking me to pass the plate, glass. As soon as the episode got over, everyone started pointing the boy standing in the corner is Mahadev. In that fraction of a moment, I got hundred plus reactions from people. I realized it had an impact which will only grow with each day.
Have you been mobbed? If so, tell us where and how?
I have bee mobbed many times. I was at the petrol pump. I was relaxing inside my car. People entered my car asked for photograph and autographs. I realized they felt they owe the character and were lavish in their affection.
Any crazy fan experience?
An old person from Punjab kept on waiting for me in front of the lift when I had gone to Haridwar for Mahadev Ganga mahautsav. The old man was in tears on seeing me. I realized that day that the people are so attached to the character. Lot of faith, love and respect is there for the character.
What traits does Mohit Raina share with Mahadev'?
Both of them love kids and have lots of patience.
What is it that's totally different?
I am a human being he is God. The character is big and is like a Universe.
Do you carry the character home? Has it changed you or your behaviour in anyway since you started portraying it?
I don't take the character home. I live a normal life. I haven't changed as a person. People's perception has changed.
We have been receiving unending letters from your fans who want to know the man behind the image. Could you please tell us about how the little Mohit was in the earliest days - introvert? Extrovert? A brat? Docile? Prankster? Or what?
I was naughty and used to indulge in pranks too. While growing up, I became an introvert. I was a normal child who grew up and studied in Jammu and Kashmir. I used to play snooker. I was fond of listening to the air which comes out when you prick a tire. I wouldn't run away but stand and listen to that sound and got scolded for it a lot.
How was the atmosphere at home? Rigid? Or open enough to let you do your own thing? What were the Do's & Don'ts you had to follow?
I was brought up in a happy environment with a lot of freedom. My mother Dura Raina worked in central government and my father Udesh Raina was a doctor.
When were you aware that there is an actor in you? Did the mirror tell you that you are acting material?
I was in class 8th or 9th when I developed an interest in acting. I had no idea how to go about it. I sent application for Grasim Mr. India just for formality without any expectation. I thought I was getting a chance, so I took it up and started modeling. I am a person who likes to emote and I realized there was an actor in me. So, I decided to switch to acting. My first break was Chehra' produced by Yash Patnaik who has Veera' and Mein Na Bhoolugi' on air right now. In Chehra' I had a role of aregular guy who lives according to the circumstances.
Did you do any stage shows while studying?
No, I didn't do any stage. I must have done little bit in school as a regular extracurricular activity.
What triggered the decision to take to acting as a profession?
After modeling I decided to try acting as I like to emote.
Did you struggle or go through the usual humiliations that are the destiny of strugglers?
I didn't struggle a lot but it's just that the shows I did were not doing well. It was regular auditions and meetings. My breaks in acting were not forced but were by choice depending upon my needs and wants.
Your first few serials didn't quite work. Did that make you desperate or frustrated ever? Or you are just an out & out optimist?
I was always getting work but somehow my shows were not doing well. One of the shows I was doing shut down once. I called up makers and asked what has happened. I was explained that when you go to a restaurant, a menu is provided and our menu was not liked by the audiences. At that very moment I thought one day I will make such a good menu with the best ingredients which will be loved by the world. My inside intention got manifested in real life. I am an optimist. Good or bad whatever happens, happens for a reason and one must live on. Live life one day at a time.
Are you a director's actor? Or you like to be left alone in approaching a scene?
I am a director's actor.
In case, your point of view differs from that of the Director's about a shot or a scene, do you put your foot down or submit to his approach? And why?
I do express my viewpoint when I feel but I go with what director wants. Director's vision is important and I follow that.
Tell us about your best scene so far in Mahadev'?
The Lori sequence with Bal Ganesh. I experienced the quality of being a good father.
Tell us a scene that was difficult to do and required extra effort on your part?
Jalandhar's face off. The double role bit was difficult.
Tell us a scene that you enjoyed most?
Scene with Nandi (Kumar Hegde). One-on-one scenes with him used to turn out really well.
Do you ever fear being stereotyped as a Mytho' actor?
Actors are actors at the end of the day. I can do justice to other roles also.
Do you look forward to the Big Screen? If that happens, will TV be just a past thing for you? What does films have that TV doesn't?
TV is where I am. I am what I am because of TV. I am a huge believer of TV and I respect the medium and give my best. In case of films, you get a lot of time for the character, medium is large and there is more responsibility. Whereas in TV, we are always running against time and sometimes have to compromise. All film actors are on TV in one way or the other. Film actors are icons and TV actors are characters.
What are the 3 most important things for you in life?
My family, My work and being a good human being.
If God grants you 3 wishes, what would they be?
Give me an opportunity to see how Denzel Washington prepares to act, to make everyone happy through my work and all my wishes should be fulfilled.
What is your take on love, marriage being the only culmination, live-in? What do you prefer?
Love is something one lives for. It's the purest thing and the oxygen of life. It is everything, beyond physical attribute, beyond culmination. It may mean different to different people. Love can't be tagged in any category. Living in is a personal choice. Live and let live. I am living in with Brahma and Vishnu is on my my mind (laughs).
Tell us what Mohit Raina likes the most?
He is a foodie and loves Rajma chawal.
What is it that you don't like?
He doesn't know how to balance personal and professional life.
Give a piece of advice to Mohit Raina?
You have only one life. So, chill and relax.
How would you define yourself in one word?
A dreamer.
Actress 
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