Interview of Mudit Nayar aka Yogi from Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein

Starting from 15th July, Mon-Fri, 8:00 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television

Q1.Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein revolves around a hearing-impaired young boy. What were your first thoughts before you confirmed your part? How did this role come to you and it's the first time you're playing a lead, share your thoughts?

The first thought that came to my mind when I was offered the role of Yogi was no matter what happens, I must get this role. It is a fascinating character and indeed a challenging one which was an opportunity that I didn’t want to miss at any cost. The most important part that I liked about the show was that, for the the first time we will be bringing a hearing-impaired character on mainstream Television. I was always looking for a unique character to come across my way, and the Yogi is a perfect fit for the same. The makers found me the ideal for this to play Yogi's character and finally I got this unique and distinctive role. #IshaaronIshaaronMein is my third association with Sony Entertainment Television and I am looking forward to this wonderful project.

Q2. How challenging is it for you to play this part considering you won't have verbal dialogues as everything depends on sign language and gesture?

When I was briefed about the role, I was convinced that I will have to do a lot of homework before I get in front of the camera. Initially, it was quite challenging to fit into the character because I must maintain a balance between how far and technical, I should go with sign language. So, we have been using the Indian Sign language because we want it to be authentic so that not just our audience, but the hearing-impaired community can also relate. We also focus a lot on the gestures that can be used. While I am learning sign language the co-actors will be seen explaining my gestures. This show is a team effort and the audience will notice a huge difference. At the time to get the sign language right, I am also practicing the same at home. I hope that the viewers will like me in this new character.

Q3. Can you share details about your character? In the show, you come across as a regular 25-year-old who is loved by the family and others as well. Please elaborate.

My character’s name is Yogi, who lives in Delhi in a big joint family that loves him a lot. He is the most positive person in his locality and a happy-go-lucky soul. Yogi is a fun-loving boy. Though he is hearing impaired, he doesn’t take sympathy for that. He never takes it as a disability but considers himself like any other guy. He is just like any other guy in his early 20s and a number one prankster who spares no one. He has a collection of old recorders and transistors and works in an electronics shop where he fixes music systems. Now you may ask how Yogi does that?! With the vibrations of the speaker, he gets to know that it's functioning.

Q4. In the show, your character has many qualities like he loves playing football, loves singing, helps his near and dear ones, etc. Which is your favorite sport and are you a singer?

Yogi has a lot of qualities. He plays football very well and is a decent dancer and he can repair music speakers to. Even though mischievous, he is of very caring nature. He loves his family a lot he and will make sure his near and dear are always cheerful and untroubled. He enjoys playing Antakshri with his family. I am also very close to my family and I make sure that they are comfortable and are not bothered by anything. I keep their happiness and good health before anything else in my life. My favorite sport is cricket like any other Indian, though I am better at snooker. I am a not a great singer given an opportunity I would love to learn singing and develop a new skill set.

Q5. The premise of the show is set up in Old Delhi. Have you visited? If yes, any favorite place?

Yes, the background of my show is old Delhi. Yogi lives in a “Big Delhi Wali” family with “Atrangi” family members and loves each one of them. I have lived in Delhi for 16 years so, I have an old connection with it. I love this city and when we travelled to Delhi for the shoot for 'Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein', I got a chance to visit a few places in Old Delhi where I used to hang out with my friends. The Street food in Delhi is delicious and finger licking good. I remember, me and my friends used to go to Select City Walk Mall in Saket to eat and shop and have watched a lot of Movies there. Delhi visit indeed took me on a nostalgic trip.

Q6. How is your relationship with your co-stars?

The cast is a wonderful bunch of people. I haven’t worked with any of them earlier, but it doesn’t seem like it. Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein cast is like a family. Everyone has a great sense of respect and feeling of warmth for one another. I feel privileged to work with veterans’ actors like Sulbha Arya Ji, Sudhir Ji, and Kiran Karmakar Ji. I get to learn a lot from them. Apart from the veterans, the young group of my co-stars Simran Parneeja, Debattama Saha, Rishina Kandhari, Sumbul Touqeer, Karaan Singh among others are also class apart actors and together we look forward to putting up a memorable and exceptional show. We spend most of the time on sets together in between shots and, rehearse our lines together. Some also play pranks on one another but make sure that no one gets hurt in anyway. Everyone in cooperative and is giving their best to make this show a hit one.

Q7. Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein is a first of a kind in the television space. Nowhere in the show will it be established that being differently abled is a problem. The show will bring out Yogi as a regular person who does regular things like any other boy his age. Your thoughts on the concept?

The concept of the show is brilliant and serves as a brave attempt for the television space and Sony Entertainment Television has beautifully placed this concept together for the audiences. Yogi's Character as a hearing-impaired guy won't, even for a second, encourage sympathy from the audience. This Show very delightfully articulates the journey of a hearing-impaired guy who enjoys his life to the fullest, just like any other normal guy. This show will unquestionably change the way how this society looks up on differently abled people. This show will also help people realise that everyone is equal and no matter what, everyone should be led a joyful happy. Sony Entertainment Television channel is known for trying out different concepts instead of going for safe trends and following the herd. The way they have curated the whole show, it is one of its kind.

Q8. This will be your third association with Sony TV. Coming back after 6 years, how do you feel?

Coming back to Sony TV feels like coming back home. The way concepts are treated on this channel, it’s a treat for any actor. Sony Entertainment Television is the most progressive channel in India without a doubt and I am very happy to be associated again with a brilliantly curated show like Ishaaron Ishaaron Mein. I made my debut on television in 2009 through Sony TV’s show 'Palampur Express' after which i was fortunate to grab a role in 'Anamika' in the year 2012. Being back after 6 years makes me my heart overwhelmed. This is my third show on the channel, and it is making my bond only stronger with every work I do. It has a fresh mix of veterans and new talent. I look forward to working with the amazing actors that are associated with this show.