Sid Ganju’s flair for flamboyance is what sets him apart: Kunal Karan Kapoor
Kunal is from Sony SAB’s Ziddi Dil – Manne Na
• How does it feel to be in Ziddi Dil - Maane Na?
• It feels great to be a part of this creative army of talented people from Ziddi Dil – Manne Na who believe in their stories and want to do better every time they present one. I’m also glad that the response towards the show has been so full of enthusiasm and it is always a good feeling when an artist’s and team’s work is appreciated.
• What makes your character stand out? What are you enjoying the most about the character?
• In this story of misfits, I play Sid Ganju. It’s a coming-of-age story for Sid Ganju. Sid is perhaps the only character who is not very diligent, at first, about training in the academy and his flair for flamboyance is what sets him apart from the other characters. Sid’s nonchalance is entertaining and that’s what I am enjoying about this character. I think Sid comes across as a phase in everyone’s life sometime or the other. The void before ambition or goals tends to find you or one finds it. That’s how I relate best with Sid and his carefree attitude.
• How has been your experience shooting for the show so far. Did you get a chance to meet and bond with the other cast members of the show?
• I have had the privilege of working with Sony SAB and Sunshine, the production house before and I love working in an environment where the driving factor is the passion for what we do, and Sunshine has always been that kind of a nurturing place for me. Also, we had workshops for the entire cast that helped present newer perspectives for our craft and helped break the ice amongst us. Also, the promo shoot was instrumental in forging a bond between us cast members long before the actual shoot for the show commenced.
• The show promises a lot of romance set against the backdrop of a Special Action Force Unit. Tell us more
• Ziddi Dil is a romance-driven, youthful show that revolves around an ensemble of characters - a young team of trained and civilian volunteers who meet at the Parakram SAF (SPL. ACTION FORCE) Base Camp in search of fulfilling their aspirations. The show promises a fresh perspective with a very different outlook towards life as the Ziddi Dil’s young cadets will further explore budding romantic relationships while figuring out a way to survive in the camp.
• You are returning on television after a long time and fans cannot wait to see you back. What will Sid Ganju bring to the fans?
• The return for me as been like a breath of fresh air. The last few roles that I have played have been a bit intense and I have been yearning to do a youth-based show again. I am equally excited to be back, and Sid’s character has of the kind of effervescence that I have been looking for and portraying this role has been a great way of returning to television.
• How is Ziddi Dil – Manne Na different from any other television shows?
• There aren’t many shows currently on television that has a theme like Ziddi Dil. Our show is youthful, energetic and romantic, which binds together with the help of the all the characters. Every character has its story which our viewers will connect to. I feel it is this unique camaraderie between the characters and the storyline of the show that sets Ziddi Dil apart from other shows on television. Our show is for every Ziddi Dil out there who strive to reach their goals and push themselves to be better each day.
• How have you prepared for your role?
• There is always a lot of preparation involved for ace role before we start shooting. To inculcate discipline long before the shooting starts has been my constant practice along with physical training and eating right. Also, we are fortunate to be working with a production house that cared enough to arrange workshops to help us prepare better for our parts. These workshops helped me grasp Sid’s personality traits and the little nuances that makes this character unique.
• What can the audience expect from Ziddi Dil - Maane Na? Any message to your fans?
• Our viewers and fans must expect to be entertained and enthralled by a diverse and immensely talented cast brough to life by a slice of life storytelling. To everyone who has supported me in my journey, I remain indebted for all your love and support.
• What is your take on doing a light-hearted comedy genre?
• I have great respect for actors and storytellers who can make people laugh with ease without resorting to gimmicks and in the words of the great, quoting Cath Crowley “It's harder to make someone laugh than it is to make them cry.”
• In the show, your character Sid Ganju has taste for expensive and premium things, is Kunal the same in real life?
• Yes and no at the same time as Kunal is not as rich as Sid. But having said that, I do love fine things like gourmet food and have a penchant for exotic resorts and hotels that flabbergast you with remarkable customer service. Besides that, like Sid, I love non-linear forms of entertainment that seamlessly blend the author’s views and the viewer’s will aka video games.