I would be satisfied if I can contribute to the success of Saathiya – Manoj Chandila

The tall and lanky Manoj Chandila has done it all!! He’s played the good Samaritan, a typical baddie, an equally brilliant comic character to the ‘T’. Now the man is seen in a new avatar, that of a teacher having a feminine look in Star Plus’ Saath Nibhana Saathiya, produced by Rashmi Sharma Productions.

In the show, he plays the character of Anurag Joshi, a teacher who enters the Modi household to teach the children. But the man has fallen in love with Gopi (Devoleena Bhattacharjee), and can go to any extent to be with her.

With this role, Manoj has challenged the actor within him to attain new boundaries and limits. The man has worked quite a lot upon his character to give him a certain characteristic and mannerism. And this has really worked wonders, is what we hear.

Well, have you heard the character of Anurag Joshi laugh in Saathiya?

The really squeaky sounding laughter has gotten contagious on the sets, and is used by one and all in the unit to have fun time.

Isn’t this interesting? Let us hear it from Manoj himself.

Says the actor, “Yes, I wanted to bring something unique into the character. So I decided on the sub-conscious laughter and the manner in which I walk to exhibit the feminine being in the character. And trust me, whenever I shoot for that laughter, I can see from the corner of my eye that the entire unit gets into a giggle, trying hard to stop their laughter. And soon after the scene gets shot, there is always a roar of laughter heard. This is the level to which my mannerisms have been accepted. There are people who try to imitate my laughter and this is really getting contagious on the set (smiles).”

Manoj was in two minds whether to accept this offer or not. But the initial worry and apprehension has subsided now. “I took the right decision of picking up this role. I have been appreciated by fans all over, and they simply love the way the character behaves. I am glad that I have received a positive response from the channel and production house. I am now waiting for the ratings, and would be satisfied if I can contribute to the success of the show in the long run.”

Working with Rashmi Sharma Productions is like a homecoming for the actor, after having worked with them before in shows like Mrs. Kaushik ki Paanch Bahuein and Meri Desh Ki Beti… Nandini. “I know everyone in the unit, as they are one big joint family. The actors are also very friendly and cordial. In fact, I and Devoleena take time off to chat and crack jokes. It is always nice to connect with nice people.”

Talking about his character, Manoj explains, “See, in any legal marriage if a person comes in by force, he is supposed to be unsocial and immoral. The guy will be a negative minded person too. So I hope to lay out yet another dimension of my acting prowess with this particular role. I hope everyone notices my comic nuances as well as the negative streaks too. I hope to cash in with much bigger roles in the near future, and this role of Anurag will just be an add-on to my repertoire. When I get into the look of this man, I get reminded of Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Banadi Jodi, the only difference being that my role here is a bit feminine. This is just the beginning, and I have a long way to go in Saathiya.”

May you reap rewards in the near future, Manoj!!