TV fraternity should unite, talk about crucial issues, says Nakuul Mehta

Sangeeta Yadav

Nakuul Mehta isn’t someone who uses the power of social media just to promote his work. Instead, the Ishqbaaaz actor lets his voice be heard by taking a stand on various issues.

“I’m on social media not just because I’m an actor or an artiste and I want to promote my work. But as a citizen of the country, in today’s time, it’s extremely important to know what’s happening in the world, to know your politics, and what’s plaguing our country right now. Thus, I’m very active on Twitter, more than on Instagram,” he says.

The actor, who is seen in the web series Never Kiss your Best Friend, goes on to add that the idea is to “learn from the minds which are eclectic, smarter than you, from different industries”. “It’s more about engaging with people from all walks of life and learning from them,” Nakuul explains.

Calling himself “a representative of the Indian TV industry and a role model for the youth”, he feels actors should show solidarity on issues that are making news, instead of staying silent. “Whatever is happening in our country is depressing. A lot of actors choose not to comment on the current situation...,” he continues, “When you don’t represent the industry well enough in the society and [use your] voice as one, it troubles me a lot. It’s extremely important that my voice is heard, that I use well-informed words to communicate my thoughts.”

Being vocal on social media also brings the pressure of dealing with backlash, and the 37-year-old takes both criticism and praise well.

“I do get criticised, for my work and opinion, but I only see what I can learn from it. I only choose to write what I believe in, yet there’s a social responsibility in the words you say and the things you represent. That, for me, is way more important even if I wasn’t an actor,” he says.