‘I became snappy and short-tempered after playing negative role’
More often than not, the traits of a character that an actor plays onscreen seeps into their real lives and affect them emotionally, too. Actor Sanjay Gagnani, who plays an antagonist in an ongoing show, went through a similar phase. Calling his character “emotionally taxing”, the actor reveals how he had to resort to various things to come out of that zone.
“Initially, it affected me way too much. I became snappy, short-tempered and sad. My friends and family felt weird about my behaviour. I started eating dark chocolates every night to feel better,” Sanjay continues, “Gradually, things became better as I learnt to cut off from my character once I wrapped up the shoot.”
The actor, however, is quick to add that getting attached to an onscreen character is not a new thing, but one needs to also learn to dissociate.
Given the popularity of the character, does he worry about getting stereotyped? “I’m not at all scared of getting typecast because the trends have changed now. The audiences are ready to accept a villain as a hero, and a hero as a villain in today’s times. There are examples where an actor who once played a hero, portrayed a negative role in another TV show or film and was liked, too,” says Sanjay known for TV shows such as Bairi Piya, Hamari Devrani and Veera.
Though the actor has been lauded for his negative portrayal, he’s looking at playing a good guy soon. “I now want to prove my mettle, consistency and versatility in a positive role. When I started off, my dream was to play a romantic hero, but with experience, I changed my approach. Now, I don’t mind playing any character as long as it’s meaty and gives me the scope to perform.”