Lokesh Batta highlights his role in Sony SAB’s ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai’

Mumbai, July 24 2024: Sony SAB’s ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai’ narrates the story of Baani, portrayed by Amandeep Sidhu, a highly ambitious middle class girl who dreams of uplifting her and her family’s life. With hopes as high as the sky, Baani marries Rajat (Aakash Ahuja), only to find her dreams come crashing down when she realizes that, unlike her, Rajat and his family lack the aspiration to achieve bigger things in life. 

Among Rajat’s family is Gaurav, played by Lokesh Batta, the elder son of the family and his brother. In a candid conversation, Lokesh delves into his character, Gaurav, sharing what drew him to the role, the challenges he faced in bringing this multifaceted individual to life, and his experience working with Ravi and Sargun’s production house for the second time. 

Can you tell us about your character Gaurav Khanna in Badall Pe Paon Hai and what drew you to this role?
I was immediately drawn to the character of Gaurav because of his unique blend of humor and vulnerability. He is a character who navigates life's challenges with a sense of lightness yet possesses deep emotional layers. This duality provided a wonderful opportunity for me to explore and portray a multifaceted individual. It’s rare to find such well-rounded characters, and bringing Gaurav to life was an exciting and enriching experience.

In the show, Baani is ambitious and wants a better life for her and her family but is labeled as 'selfish'. What is your take on this premise of the show?
The storyline of Badall Pe Paon Hai centers around a young woman who is super ambitious and determined to achieve her dreams. I believe that stories like this can be incredibly empowering and inspirational, especially for young women. Baani is not selfish; she aspires to achieve great things regardless of the barriers she might face. This narrative encourages viewers to challenge life’s limitations and support women's ambitions rather than label them negatively.

Did you face any challenges in bringing Gaurav Khanna to life, how did you prepare for this role?
One of the primary challenges was fully understanding Gaurav’s depth and complexity. To portray his ambition and determination authentically, I had to delve deep into his backstory, motivations, and emotional struggles. I spent a lot of time analyzing his relationships with other characters to ensure that his actions and reactions felt genuine. This deep character understanding was crucial to bringing out the nuances of Gaurav's personality and making him relatable to the audience.

This is your second show with Ravi and Sargun’s production house. How has that experience been so far shooting for Badall Pe Paon Hai?
Ravi and Sargun are exceptional producers, to be honest. Working with them is an absolute privilege. They both encourage creativity and have always appreciated my work, often coming directly to tell me, which is incredibly motivating. Their supportive environment makes it easy to give my best performance, and their feedback, like "bhai vo scene toh bohot aacha kiya tune," adds a personal touch that boosts my confidence.

How do you think the backdrop of Punjab adds to the authenticity and richness of the show's narrative? How has the experience been shooting there?
Shooting in Punjab has been an incredible homecoming experience for me. Being from Punjab, it’s like a beautiful blend of work and personal life. The state's rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere add authenticity and depth to the show's narrative. Filming in familiar locales has also allowed me to connect more deeply with my character and the story, making the entire process feel more organic and heartfelt.

Are there any behind-the-scenes stories on the set that you would like to share?
I felt an instant connection with my co-actors, and we support each other both on and off the set, creating a wonderfully warm environment. We often tease each other during shoots, to the point where the director has to remind us to focus so we can finish the scene. One memorable moment was when Baani had to make her first meal for the family, and a lot of food was brought to the set. It disappeared quickly, and, just like my character Gaurav, I also like to eat and have a hearty appetite. Naturally, the entire cast jokingly blamed me for finishing all the food.