This big baddie has B-town in his sights

The ‘new-age Duryodhan’, Arpit Ranka, known for his role in the latest take on the mythological drama, ‘Mahabharat’, and historybased show ‘Chandra Nandani’, believes that “playing a baddie helps you become a face that stays with the audience for long”.

The robust actor from Rajasthan is happy to play a baddie again in yet another mythological drama on TV. He was at Hindustan Times, Fever FM office, Lucknow for promotions.

“See, playing a baddie in a mythological series is definitely not everybody’s cup of tea. So, when I got the chance to play Duryodhan in 2013, I knew that I had the kind of personality to carry off the role effortlessly. Also, I was doing Tamil and Telugu cinema and enjoying playing a villain. In fact, I am still working on one such film. It was during that phase when I got my TV break,” said Ranka.

“After playing Mahapadma Nanda in ‘Chandra Nandini’ and Shatanan Ravana in ‘Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman’, I knew there is no dearth of work in Indian TV industry. So, I was doing my bit and work was happening with the flow. Though I must mention that while doing such shows, there is a lot of responsibility. You have to research the character and at the same time, find an emotional connect.

“Also, I try looking for positivity in my characters that makes me connect to my role. And like always, with the new show I again tried finding some positive trait in the character but I was surprised that in my show ‘Radha Krishn’, where I play Kans, I was unable to find any such trait. In fact, it was all so negative and I had to go the extra mile to play him. And now, I want the audience to see the show that went on air on Star Bharat and give me an honest reaction as I have given my hundred percent to the character of Kans,” Ranka said.

The new mythological show has been shot on location and Ranka is glad with the way the

Also, I try looking for positivity in my characters that makes me connect to my role. And like always, with the new show I again tried finding some positive trait in the character

ARPIT RANKA ACTOR

show has shaped up. “It was a challenge for the makers to shoot the entire show on real sets without many effects. So we, as actors, got the real feel while shooting our parts. The canvas and the art direction of the show will definitely be commended.”

Winner of Mr India 2006, Ranka works hard on his fitness and sticks to his strict diet and exercise regime, “I love working out and sticking to a two-gym-sessions-a-day routine, whether I am shooting or not. Also, diet is another important aspect of staying healthy. Being a vegetarian, I follow a diet comprising a lot of paneer, milk for my protein and lentils and vegetables for fibre. One should watch what and where to eat, as correct portion as well as properly and hygienically cooked food is the best pick on any day.”

B-town is also in his sights and Ranka awaits good offers, “I have done my share of regional cinema and now, I think, I am prepared for Hindi films too. It all depends on when and how I will get my type of role and I will start my Hindi film career too. The lookout for a good script is on and I think something will happen soon. Till then, my shows keep me busy.”