KEITH’S THE COMPLETE MAN...
Speaking exclusively to NIKITA WADHAWAN, Keith Sequeira reveals more about his role in Love Ka Hai Intezaar, his chemistry with co-actor Sanjeeda Sheikh and his marriage plans with Rochelle Rao
His cool and calm demeanour, clubbed with his debonair attitude does make him a complete man. Model turned actor Keith Sequeira, who started his career modelling for Raymond, is back on the small screen after a hiatus of two years, as Prince Madhav in Love Ka Hai Intezaar. Keith’s character in the show has been compared to Fawad Khan from Khoobsurat, which the actor believes is a huge compliment.The serial also stars other famous actors like Yoginider Tiku and Soni Razdaan. Excerpts from the interview.
You were on a long break from TV, last we saw you was in Bigg Boss 9. Why such a long break? After Bigg Boss I was getting a lot of calls to be a part of dallies. Initially, I refused, but then Siddharth, my producer called me and requested me to come and hear the story. He did mention that the show will go on as a daily but is short in a season format. So I when I heard the script I realised that this is a very different and not something that is run of the mill. We shot the pilot, they gave me holding for five-six months and then we started shooting in February. That is why I have been missing for a while.
How relatable was the character of Prince Madhav? I am very similar to my character. He has a value system and even though he is forward thinking, he is very traditional as well. He believes in the finer things in life and doesn’t get carried away with materialistic things. He is very complex.The way he loves and respects everyone is something that I relate to.There are ups and downs in his life and it is beautifully layered, which I think makes him standout in the serial.
Your character and the look in the serial is being compared to Fawad Khan, how are you liking this comparison? I don’t know whether Fawad was the inspiration, but the large part of the character is Fawad Khan from Khoobsurat, the look is also probably inspired from him. But I think Fawad is a great looking guy and a super cool actor, so any comparison with him is a great compliment.
Lot of people have appreciated your paring with Sanjeeda. How did your chemistry develop? We have met each other a few times as I know her husband, Aamir, very well. I am happy that people have liked our chemistry and that means that we have done our job well. The chemistry developed organically as she is a very compassionate human being, just like me. I believe being a nice person first baki sab
cheeze aa jati hai. She also believes in that which made us connect, we don’t have that unnecessary competition with each other, which I guess has translated well on screen as well. I also believe that we are a good looking couple, not because of me which is very rare and can be seen only in films now-adays. How was it working with Soni Razdan? She is such a nice human being. We have grown fond of each other and I love the fact that Soni still has a little bit of
chulbulapan about her. I am very fortunate to work with her as she is a wonderful actor. I am looking forward to Alia dropping by on the sets, but maybe she has been busy with her shoots as well. I have met Alia before on the sets of Bigg
Boss and I did mention to Soni that she and Alia share the same innocence. Like mother like daughter I guess.
Bigg Boss was a tough time for you especially personally, did you regret going into the house at that time? I actually think it was the best time, they had approached me before, but I had refused their offer. Somehow when they approached me again for season 9 I felt that the time was right. Moreover, I had just started dating Rochell around that time, so when I told my friends that both of us will be going into the house together they were sure we were going to break-up. They even had bets going. But the thing is that both of us have a very deep spiritual connection and inspite of the disagreements we are still going strong. Many people dismissed our relationship as something for the camera, they couldn’t believe that we really loved each other and I didn’t give a damn.
Now you are engaged… Yes, we are. Everybody use to call me ‘Ramu Kaka’ as I used to make her coffee in the morning and I am very happy with that. As I know that if a woman is happy then you are happy.
But you haven’t settled on a date yet? We would like to, but since I have just started shooting for a daily I have been very busy. Every girl loves her dream wedding, it’s her special big day. It is not possible to organise a wedding while working of a serial. Maybe towards the end of this show depending on our commitments we will try to fix up a date.