With Jijaji I have a lot of liberty to do things out of the box

•    How does it feel to associate with Sony SAB for the first time?  

o    It's a great feeling. I have been watching Sony SAB with my family for a very long time. In 2008, when "Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah" was launched, it had become a family ritual to relax in the evening while watching comedy shows and getting lost in the world of comedy. I feel very blessed to be a part of the Sony SAB team with a franchise as popular as Jijaji.

•    This is your first comedy show. How does it feel to be a part of it? 

o    I am very excited about the show since it is an exceptional opportunity and it's quite rare that you get to do a show that is a mix of both comedy and mystery. This is my first-time that I will be exploring the comedy genre and it is a learning experience for me as an artiste. There is a lot of spontaneity that comes along when a person does a comedy show. The person needs to have quick responses to the moments and situations. The biggest highlight of this show is that it is developing me as an actor. It is taking me towards being a complete actor. 

•    This is a very new concept since it is a blend between comedy and mystery. What is your take on it?

o    I feel that whenever I'm very nervous or anxious, I tend to become funnier to calm myself down. So, I think comedy is a very relaxing but when a mystery or a spooky elements gets attached to it, it puts the audience on edge and entertainment takes a new level. As a viewer you get to experience laughter and intrigue all at the same time.

•    Tell us something about your character?

o    I am in love with my character Jitendra Jamvant Jindal urf "JiJaJi and also affectionately called, Jeetu". I am completely opposite to the character of 'Jijaji' in real life. Jijaji is a bratty character who doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind and would never think twice before calling anyone out. He loves his family and his only mission is to get hold of this ancient property and win the case against CP. With this character, the things which I can't do in my real life, I get an opportunity to do it because of Jijaji. The character of Jijaji completes me. I get a lot of liberty in terms of speaking, doing certain actions and it gives me a lot of freedom to do things out of the box.

•    Jijaji on Sony SAB has a legacy. What makes your character stand out?

o    It is a very different story and a very different character. My show's character is very altisonant, which people can't afford to be in real life. People think a lot before speaking, not offending anybody and always considering what is right to say. But this character lives in his world and tends to respect himself. The character has a self-belief that might be delusional but is admirable. Jijaji is his own favourite and gives himself a lot of importance which has been represented aptly in the show.

•    What kind of preparation have you done for this role?

o    The character of Jeetu resides in Punjabi Bagh, which is in old Delhi. I did a lot of research under my director Shashank Bali's guidance. I have watched many videos of old Delhi and learned about the city. The people living here use "Karkhandari Zubaan," so I have learned this dialect. I have also watched a few old movies like Chandni Chowk and have observed and worked on the tone. After reading the scenes, I got familiar about various elements of my character. I have learned how my character responds to a particular situation, what kind of bond the character shares with the family and what kind of 'nok-jhok' happens with CP – his ultimate rival, and I am linking these characters to my life incidents and experiences slowly and I feel the character started taking shape in my mind.

•    How has been your experience working with Hiba?

o    The experience of working with Hiba has been really good. Hiba has already been a part of a lot of comedy shows. She is already a complete professional in the world of comedy. She is very spontaneous and very expressive. Though we have not shot for a long time, there is a lot of comfort and understanding, which helps improvise our scenes and makes me put my best foot forward. 

•    Message for your fans? 

o    I would like to urge the fans and viewers to support us in this new journey as we bring back their favorite show in a new andaaz. I am sure, entertainment and comedy will turn a new leaf with Jijaji Chhat Parr Koii Hai.