Tenali Rama takes me back to my childhood
Author(s): City Air NewsVishwajeet Pradhan as Kaikala on Sony SAB's Tenali Rama. Says Vishwajeet Pradhan from Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama • How does it feel to be a part of Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama, a show that has been running for over 2 years...
Says Vishwajeet Pradhan from Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama
• How does it feel to be a part of Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama, a show that has been running for over 2 years now?
The experience has been enriching. I have been a part of the show since last 4-5 months and I exactly know the reason why the show has been winning people’s hearts. Tenali Rama has a phenomenal pool of talented artists like Krishna Bharadwaj, Pankaj Berry, Aasiya Kazi and more. I feel, to start something is easy but to sustain it is where the real challenge lies. Sony SAB’s hard work along with a great production team has enabled the show to run well.
• How has the experience been shooting with the entire cast? – the answer does not match the question
I am having a really good time shooting for Tenali Rama. The show is a historical show, so the language, dialect and the look goes back in time. It has been a little challenging for me as there is a lot that goes on in creating a character and adding details to it. My character, Kaikala has an elaborate costume along with a mukut which is a little tough to carry around when you are shooting for long hours but everything is compensated when you work with such talented artists and an exciting script. I like the fact the show is for an entire family to watch together. It is the perfect blend of entertainment and learning.
• What made you accept the role of Kaikala?
The character Tenali Rama is a legend and his tales takes me back to my childhood. As a kid, whenever I read the tales of Tenali Rama, I used to always go back in time and imagine how the stories would have actually unfolded. So, when I was approached for the show, I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of the tales that have been a part of me while growing up. The script is exciting and has been narrated in a very interesting fashion making it relevant and interesting to the audiences of today. Accepting this role was bound to happen.
• How would you describe your character, Kaikala?
My character, Kaikala may seem negative but when you see the world from Kaikala’s eyes, he doesn’t consider himself negative. For him the people around him are his adversaries. He believes in his vision and always has the best interests for his daughter, Amrapali. He is a caring father who wants to keep his daughter away from any harm. He is also an ambitious man, who wants to fulfill his wish to be the ruler of Vijayanagar. Kaikala is trying to do the best for everybody in his own ways in the show.
• How has the character of Kaikala evolved over episodes?
Kaikala’s main aim is to gain power and he is trying his best to climb the ladder to claim the throne of Vijayanagar. Kaikala is evolving in a way that with time he is getting more determined to gain power and the title of the King. His plans are becoming much clearer and smart. It will be really exciting for our viewers to watch what he plans next. Kaikala’s fight to surpass Tenali’s wit in a bid to attain ultimate power has been the most interesting journey of this character so far.
• Does doing a negative role have any impact on you? Is it difficult to switch back to normal life after some intense scenes?
Playing a negative role does impact your life but after being in this industry for such a long time, I have learnt how to balance that and I turn the switch off once I leave the sets. With time every artist learns to distinguish between their character and their real self.
• How does it feel to be associated with Sony SAB?
I have huge respect for the channel. It’s not only the content that Sony SAB focuses on to spread happiness but a lot of initiatives the channel undertakes for instance the Khushiyon Wala New Year campaign is something makes Sony SAB a happy place.