"Siddharth has set a benchmark, taking it here on will be a challenge!" - Mohit Raina
Mohit talks about his prolonged wait and desperation to portray Ashoka...
Published: Monday,May 02, 2016 13:52 PM GMT-06:00
After enchanting the audience by essaying Mahadev and the various shades of Lord Shiva in the mythological show Devon Ke Dev Mahadev, the actor has now taken over the role of Emperor Ashoka Samrat earlier essayed by talented young artist
Siddharth Nigam.
In a conversation with Tellybuzz, Mohit shared details about his prolonged wait and desperation to portray Ashoka!
Mohit you have done a mythological show. Was there any apprehension to take up a show in the historical genre?
Projecting larger than life characters gives a different high! Post Mahadev, I was looking at something extraordinary. We wrapped up the show in December and
Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat launched in February. I have been waiting for the leap to happen since the time the show started so I could audition for the role.
Siddharth Nigam has done a fabulous job and as people wanted to see more of him, preparing for the audition got tougher and challenging. I have worked hard to get a physique similar to Siddharth. I had made up my mind that this is what I want to do as it feels nice to essay varied characters. I am looking forward to performing my best!
You have received immense appreciation and acclaim for your role as Mahadev. Don't you think it will be difficult for you to break that image
and receive acceptance as a warrior Prince?
Characters' merging into actors and vice versa used to happen way back in the 80's when people had limited options to accessing channels. People nowadays know which actor is essaying what character and what the actor's interests in real life are. As an actor, I performed the character I was assigned to and now that the show is over, I will try to give my best to the next role I am chosen to do.
With regards to the audience accepting me as Ashoka; if you would have asked me this question earlier, I would have thought alike but I have played a lot of characters apart from Mahadev and my name has entered the Limca Book of World Records. The journey of Mahadev went through various transitions. The character of Mahadev will always remain close to my heart. So to answer your question, getting acceptance as Ashoka is difficult but not something I cannot break into.
Any crash courses you underwent for the role?
I enrolled for basic horse riding and sword fighting.
Siddharth has set a benchmark in this show. So is there a pressure of performance?
Obviously, Siddharth has had a journey of about 400-450 episodes and I will try my best to convince the makers and audience in two months of time that I am the elder version of Ashoka. If the character gains acceptance, well and good, and if not, I guess we will plan to introduce Siddharth back again as Ashoka's son!
How much do you know about Ashoka personally?
History being an interesting subject people will learn a lot about the kind of emperor he was. I personally loved the hardships he had to go through to reach his throne. He became a rebel, a good notorious son, and a good brother. These shades will build up the character.
You want to play larger than life roles but an actor would always want to experiment across genres...
Well, there is a romantic angle to my character too. But doing a dramatic role is something I cannot see myself fitting into. Fictional daily soaps are different than historical or mythological shows as the thesis are written and there is a lot of scope to perform. A lover boy won't go through the same journey as Ashoka. Hence, the adrenaline rush to perform such characters is more, and I consider myself fortunate because not many people can bank upon such opportunities.
You were offered a couple of films too. Did they not work out?
I did not get the right subject. I didn't enjoy the projects being offered. To do justice to a role, I need to be affirmative about playing it and this comes from within. Maybe, I will mold myself to do a different genre when I satisfy my greed to play larger than life characters!
It has been 11 months only that I have not been seen on-screen. I traveled and spent time with family.
Lastly, would you be interested in doing a reality show, if offered in the future?
Most definitely! I am a good dancer and would love to be a part of Jhalak Dhikla Jaa!
Good luck on your journey as Ashoka Samrat, Mohit!
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Comments (14)
Is not a good idea. Neither for Siddharth nor for Mohit. If the leap works well and good else end the show on a good note rather than bringing unnecessary twists and leaps. We have enough torture ..I mean tv shows which offer the same stuff. And the show is about Ashoka The Great not his sons because his sons were nowhere near Ashoka. Mauryan dynasty ended within 50 years after Ashoka's reign. So kindly focus on that rather than misusing Sid's talent and encashing on it. If the makers are so much interested in bringing back Sid to TV then cast him in a new show as the lead where leap is not needed. And Sid is not a kid any more he is a teenager . Not a child artist anymore. Chora bada ho gaya hai. About the leap. After watching the initial episodes, I couldn't relate to it. It was like I was watching a new show. People pointed about many faults in the episodes after leap. Like Ashoka's age ...looking elder than maa Dharma. And Kaurwaki. But for me the intensity which was there in the show pre leap is lost. Ashoka is Chand .We know that. But this Ashoka is like Coconut. Hard from outside but soft from inside. This is not Chand. The meaning oof Chand is Fierce ...Cruel . And stop showing Bahubali acts. Siddharth showed gymnastics not bahubali acts. Ashoka was not a love sick puppy pre leap.Though he loved Kaurwaki but was subtle in showing it. Some where I feel Mohit is not fitting into all these. Not impressed with Saumya. Devi is OK . And new Sushim - Exact copy of Young Sushim in looks. But Sumedh was wonderful. Lets see how this new Sushim is. And finally I am missing maa Dharma's and Ashoka's mindblowing relation . It was wonderfully showcased by Siddharth and Pallavi. Its believed Ashoka became Chand after his mothers's death . All the pillars of Ashoka which was there before leap is not there now. That Ashoka is not there. Miss them. However my comment is not to hurt anyone and not against Mohit.editededitDa...
7 years ago
I agree with Courageous_Leo & Ahana that Sid shouldn't be brought back as Ashok's son, initially I was happy with this news & when I read the article at first place my instant reaction was yes bring him back as Ashok's son but after given a deep thought on the idea it's not really making me happy now, Ashok's character is the largest n biggest one, none of his son is even near to him & Sid played that big role so phenomenally that now it is impossible for me to accept anyone else in that role & the show is all about Ashoka then what really Ashok's son is gonna do here? and lastly the most important point - why exactly he should play a minor role after playing such a big also the title n main role in the same show? Hence Sid's comeback role into the show makes no sense. Rather than misusing his talent the PH can make a brand new show with him & if post leap story of Ashoka failed to grab trp then please rather than dragging simply end this show on a good note that would be the best decision for everyone.
7 years ago
i dont know why whats missing i cant clearly pin point it but my brain is not accepting mohit as ashoka i mean im not getting that feeling when i uswd to watch sid as ashoka whether its b/c Siddharth Nigam was phenomenal no doubt in that but mohit is also good no very good but still he is not fitting in as grownup ashoka just my pov
7 years ago
Seams that the makers are not sure abt leap thats why they already have a Plan B, bringing Sid back and that too winthin just 2 months? Like really? won-t that be too early for the story? and why would he come back in a minor role as the story is about Ashok. and i agree with Courageous_Leo, Mohit is good but Sid is best... i don't think its gonna be easy for people to accept him as Ashok
7 years ago
Even I thought too that Mohit looks too macho as Ashok but then again it's not the only issue the other factors are also equally important & so there comes the problem that is - not only Siddharth's looks but also his acting, actions, emotions & all the other things that he did as Ashok has made it look like the real Ashok came straight from that era in front of us and that is what no one else can do again, no one else can make Ashoka's role that great & can represent him in a grand way in front of the viewers.
7 years ago
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7 years ago
NO need of getting sid back as ashok's son.. why should he play a minor role lol... let him focus on his upcoming movie and also come back with a bang in New show with strong character where he is the lead...
7 years ago
Definitely its .a very big challenge for Mohit. The spectacular performance by Sid can't be defined in words Mohit is good but Sid is the best. Its not a blind judgment. I have seen Mohit's work as Mahadev. He was great there. But Siddharth gave life to Ashoka . The greatest emperor was brought to life by Sid. Not an easy task. Its neither about back flips or physique.. Its something more. Than. That. Some characters are meant. For some people..n character of Ashoka is like that only. All the best. To Siddharth and Mohit. Instead of returning to the same show; I would prefer Siddharth to return to tv with a new show.
7 years ago
thats right Mohit Raina its a Challenge. I bet for myself, Mohit Raina will be give Brilliant Acting as Ashoka cause Mohit Raina is Brilliant Actor. Great Brilliant Actor Loves doing Challenges!
7 years ago
I have to agree with the comments below. I didnt want to be rude, but even I thought Mohit looked more like a muscle man than a historic figure. That compassion mixed with attitude, athleticism and screen presence that Sid used to have? Can anyone have that? I doubt it! He sold Ashoka to us. Even with some of the holes in the story, some historically inaccurate theatrics, this show was so good and so watchable mostly due to Siddharth Nigam the powerhouse performer! I will never get tired of singing this kid's praises! I hope he signs a show again really soon. I was his fan since Mahakumbh and only watched Ashoka coz I heard he was in it. The irony was, I started watching MK coz I was a fan of Gautam Rode who was going to be the grown up Rudra. But by the time he arrived on the show, I was a fan of the young Rudra played by Sid. So much so even GR fans were saying how great the kid was and how no one can match him! The same happened here too! Good luck Sid! Love you loads!
7 years ago