Mohnish Bahl: I Am Not Competing With Anup Soni

He was last seen on TV in Kuch Toh Log Kahenge opposite Kritika Kamra. Now,3 years later, Mohnish Bahl is back with &TV’s Hoshiyar...Sahi Waqt, Sahi Kadam. The show, which began last week, points out clues and instances before a crime is about to take place and how one can avoid it. A week into the show, SpotboyE.com sat down for a chat with the actor where he spoke about the show and changes he would want to see on Indian television among other things. Excerpts from the conversation that followed:

You are making a comeback on TV after years...
It’s been two and half years since I faced the camera. I last did Jai Ho (2014). Post the film, I didn’t get good offers and decided to wait it out. I figured, if I take up roles just for the heck of it, I would lose whatever credibility I have as an actor.  

Go on...
I would rather have people coming up to me and saying, ‘We have seen you in so and so roles. Why don’t we see more of your work?’ than asking me, ‘Why did you do such a role?’ While I wasn’t getting the kind of roles I wanted in movies, TV, as we all know, is way more demanding.  If you have a leading role, you need to commit around 18 days with a 12-hour shift. I am 55 now; physically I can’t give that much time. Also, creatively, I would have lost patience doing a daily.


Image Source: twitter/AndTVOfficial

What kind of roles have you been looking for?
Every role has a certain value to the script. I want to take up a role which is important and not one of the many. During my career, I have either done negative roles – seen as the lead villain or a villain’s son -- or have played a positive character. Simply said, in recent times I was being offered roles which were not up to the mark.


Image Source: twitter/AndTVOfficial

So what made you take up Hoshiyar...Sahi Waqt, Sahi Kadam?
Even though it falls under the crime genre, it is the positivity of Hoshiyar ...which can’t be found in other crime shows. The intent of the show is to point out clues and instances before a crime is about to take place and avoid it. The format of the show doesn’t deal with the crime or its aftermath. Also, it fit my availability.

The show will be aired on the weekend. Are you worried about the TRPs?
No, I am not. I have been a part of this industry for 35 years; success and failure are part and parcel of life. I am aware of TRPs because that’s where we get out feedback from. If the show can break even, it’s a good thing for the people involved in the show.


Image Source: twitter/AndTVOfficial

What changes have you seen in television in terms of content?
More than the changes I have seen, I can tell you about the changes I would want to see. I am speaking loud enough so that the channel can hear me (laughs). I would want us to stick to the weekly format where the production or creative team have more time to prepare and present the show properly to the audience. Even if it is the daily format, we should do a bit of research and approach it in a more structured manner, which would also be easier in the creative process and budget. Now, having said that, I haven’t been on the other side of the camera to understand why it is necessary to function in this manner. So this gyaan might have no value. My knowledge is limited to being in front of the camera.

What about the saas-bahu sagas that go on for years?
With all due respect, the serials I have been part of started really well with a fabulous concept and ratings. However, 3 weeks down the line, it suddenly became a mad rush. The kind of focus put on the promos, should be put on the entire show.

Do you think Hoshiyar...Sahi Waqt, Sahi Kadam will grab eyeballs?
I think it should – primarily because of the concept of the show.


Image Source: youtube/setindia

Talking about crime shows, there will be comparisons drawn between you and Anup Soni (he hosts Crime Patrol). Does that bother you?
Anup brings his individual skills and presence to what he is doing. Similarly, I will bring my own. There is no question of comparison or competition. Viewing pleasure is provided by the content, not by the host. So there is no me vs. Anup. 


Thumbnail Image Source: youtube/setindia & twitter/AndTVOfficial