A candid chat with actor Abhinandan Jindal

Abhinandan Jindal from Chandigarh is all set to play the role of innocent young man, a Mumma’s boy Chamku in serial Hari Mirch Laal Mirch Ek Teekhi Ek Karaari on Azaad.  Some of his best work includes like Sasural Simar Ka, Thapki Pyar Ki, Jiji Maa, Diya or Baat iHum, Krishna Chali London, Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega and has also done commercials. He gets candid with us and share about the Azaad’s show Hari Mirch Lal Mirch.
What is the show all about?
It is a Saas-Bahu show with a fascinating twist! It is a first on television to see a Saas who lives a ‘dual-life’ of being an obedient, responsible, dutiful housewife and is also seen as an incorruptible, tough as nails ‘thanedaar’ who rides a bullet effortlessly. Her daughter-in-law is a fearless, mischievous, stubborn young lady filled with joy who is a hopeless romantic. This would be my second venture with Jay Mehta Production and today, if I am the lead of the show then that is just because of the makers specially Kinnari Madam's faith in me.
Tell us about your role Chamku. How do you feel to be associated with this show?
Chamku is a typical paarivarik ladka..Accha baccha. A perfect example of a homely guy, somebody who is a mumma’s boy. Very innocent, sober, doesn’t know how to fight or abuse anybody. Simple and sober! His family members don’t take him seriously and because of his name Chamku, people especially girls, don’t take him that seriously so there is a bit of zeal in him to prove to people that he can also do something and he also has his worth.
On the set how is your bonding with your  co-stars.
We all work as a family. I generally don’t talk much on the sets.
Have you progressed in your acting career as you have expected?
An actor is never stagnant and if he is, then it means he is off his job. I have played several versatile roles like rough and tough romantic tapori Munna to a sophisticated royal shy guy to a flamboyant, completely show off high on  energy levels and a typical Kanpuriya too known for his flamboyance and Kanpuriya language. Now this is again a very different role altogether. A very sweet innocent guy, a bit under confident and not at all flamboyant Chamku and this is going to be my first show as a lead of the show on a wonderful new channel Azaad so that is an added responsibility. In television, it is important to establish yourself as a lead and I would love to be in this space from now onwards but since I have been doing different characters till now so would love to do something different time and again.
Of all the roles you have played in the past, which is your favorite?
Munna of Thapki Pyaar Ki because of his intensity and depth. There were many shades in this character. As an actor, I was satisfied playing this character to a certain level as when I used to go back home I used to feel ki haan aaj kuch invest kiya maine. On top of that today, I also get love from abroad especially from Iran and Indonesia as this show is still so popular there.
Who is your favorite actor and why?
Shah Rukh Khan because of his intensity and aura. The moment he enters the frame there is a certain charm everytime. Though he was playing a completely negative role in Darr still he took away the hearts of the viewers. I think that speaks for him itself. In those times playing negative character meant end of your career as a hero but he took a chance and played different roles with complete conviction and complete daring. Do or die that’s what I like.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Deep, very focused, over thinker, hearty guy, loner.
How do you motivate your fellow cast mates?
With my pleasant smile. I try to ask them to just chill and enjoy the shoot and the process. Just relax that is what I always say because I myself enjoy my work so much that stress doesn’t overpower it. If I find somebody really low then I always make them realise that why are they here and what their parents expect from them. You have to make your parents proud because that is what I carry with me since day one since I came to Mumbai.
How do you manage your personal and professional life?
Well there is no such personal and professional thing with me. I go to work, do my job, don’t talk much, come back home and I go for long drives alone or spend time with my family if they are here. I usually travel alone. I take out time to do my scripts at home also. 
What makes you smile and what scares you the most?
When I make my parents happy plus if I am satisfied with what I expected which is very rare that gives me internal satisfaction. I don’t get frightened too easily.
Are you planning to be in any other show?
Not planning but yes, would love to be in a top rated showas a lead once Hari Mirch Laal Mirch Ek Teekhi Ek Karaari does well. The makers have really invested a lot in this show.
What is your greatest strength and weakness? 
I get up and start again plus focus with sheer honesty. That is my strength. Weakness is I can’t lie and can’t see innocence getting ruined. I just can’t see that.
How do you feel about nepotism in  the industry?
Being an outsider, it takes years understanding the whole process itself and till the time you understand things you don’t have much time to invest in this industry as your age increases, responsibility comes, finances don’t support  whereas being from the industry, you are groomed since your childhood itself the way this industry wants you. You get that atmosphere at your home since childhood and you spend time on the sets with your parents who are already stars of the industry. You don’t have to go to random casting agencies to find work rather you have to choose with whom you want to launch yourself. As an outsider, giving auditions thrice a day to different casting people and not getting any revert and not knowing the reason only of why one is not getting selected is painful. We outsiders get stuck in this dilemma and some of us pack our bags and get back home. But yes being from this industry there is always an added pressure on you as people always expect a lot from you and they compare you with your parents which I think is too harsh on any young star child. We outsiders are free from such pressure or expectations. 
Is there pressure to maintain the style?
Obviously yes. An actor can never show his emotions in front of the people. If he does then he is not an actor for them anymore. We are used to entertain people by keeping our personal grievances aside and that is what we should be doing off the camera as well. Rest it depends on every person as an actor.
A character you would want to play.
Ranbir Kapoor of Rockstar because of its depth. You are from Chandigarh.
What do you miss about Chandigarh in Mumbai?
I miss everything about Chandigarh. It’s been four years and I haven’t been there. I miss meri mitti ki khushboo sabse zaada.Khet..khoobsurat maasum ..dukandaar jinke saath mai freely rehta tha..mazaakkarta tha. My gym where I started training. Most importantly the silent and calm vibe of my city that I miss the most. I miss Punjab ke ghar.