Actor Manish Khanna speaks about playing a menacing lawyer in Sony SAB’s Pushpa Impossible: I liked the intense scenes with Urvashi Dholakia

Sony SAB’s ‘Pushpa Impossible’ narrates the heartwarming tale of Pushpa (Karuna Pandey) as a resilient woman who takes life’s challenges head-on, without losing hope. In the recent turn of events, Jugal (Anshul Trivedi) is accused of killing Dilip Patel (Jayesh More) and is sent to jail. To save Jugal, Pushpa turns to Devi (Urvashi Dholakia), her lawyer and mentor. However, saving Jugal will not be an easy task as Devi will be fighting against a menacing lawyer, Somnath Suryavashi (Manish Khanna).

Renowned for his portrayal of antagonistic characters, actor Manish Khanna will be seen on the show as the rival lawyer from Delhi. Possessing a commanding character and a voice that demands notice, Somnath instils dread in people as soon as he enters the courtroom. With his intellect, sharp humour, and imposing demeanor, he emerges as an unstoppable force, consistently prevailing in legal battles. In a candid conversation, Manish Khanna delves into the depth of his character and his dynamic role in the show. Excerpts:

1.    What attracted you to the role of Somnath Suryavanshi in Pushpa Impossible?
Somnath Suryavanshi is a strong character, and I liked his intense scenes in the courtroom, especially when he faced off against Devi Singh Shekhawat played by Urvashi Dholakia. Their clashes were gripping and showed Somnath's toughness and quick thinking. He's not just physically strong, but also smart and determined. The tension between them made those scenes even more exciting. Overall, Somnath is a memorable character.

2.    How do you prepare for playing an intimidating character like Somnath?
To play such a character involves diving deep into the mindset of the character. While I've portrayed lawyer roles in the past, embodying Somnath required a different approach. I focused on understanding his motivations, background, and the unique traits that make him intimidating. This involved studying the script meticulously, exploring the character's relationships and conflicts, and working closely with the director to bring out Somnath's intensity and presence on screen. Additionally, I delved into research to grasp the nuances of courtroom dynamics and legal procedures, ensuring authenticity in my portrayal. 
    
3.    Can you share some insights into the nuances you've added to make Somnath more intriguing?
To make Somnath more intriguing, I've incorporated subtle details into my performance. For instance, I've developed habits like tapping my foot or snapping my fingers during intense moments. These small actions add depth to the character, suggesting a sense of restlessness or impatience that enhances Somnath's personality. Additionally, I've worked 

on my facial expressions and body language to convey his inner emotions and thoughts, making him more relatable and engaging for the audience. These nuances may seem minor, but they contribute to building a more complex and captivating portrayal of Somnath on screen.

4.    What makes Somnath different from other characters you've portrayed before?
Somnath stands out from the other characters I've played before for a few reasons. First off, being a lawyer character brings its own set of challenges. Unlike typical soap opera roles, lawyer characters like Somnath deal with powerful and intriguing dialogues, adding depth and complexity to the performance. Additionally, Somnath's persona is distinct from my previous roles. While I've portrayed various characters across films and shows Somnath's demeanor, mannerisms, and motivations set him apart, requiring me to approach the role with a fresh perspective.

5.    How does Somnath's presence affect the dynamics in the courtroom and the storyline of Pushpa Impossible?
Somnath adds depth and tension to the narrative. His strong presence challenges the status quo and shakes up the courtroom proceedings, influencing the decisions made and the direction of the storyline. I'm hopeful that the audience will thoroughly enjoy the impact Somnath brings to the show, Pushpa Impossible, as his character's involvement adds layers of intrigue and excitement to the overall plot.

6.    Can you describe Somnath's relationship with Devi, considering they are on opposing sides in the courtroom?
Somnath and Devi share an interesting dynamic in the courtroom, where they maintain a facade of mutual respect despite being on opposing sides. Their professional interactions are marked by a sense of rivalry and tension, as they fiercely advocate for their respective clients. However, outside the courtroom, their relationship outside the court is full of enmity. Somnath and Devi are fierce enemies, each determined to outwit the other in their personal and professional pursuits.