Couch potatoes of all age groups instantly identify with Mihir, Mr Bajaj and even Aparajit Deb.
The actor who plays these characters on small screen is often referred to as the Amitabh Bachchan of television. Arguably the highest paid star, Ronit Roy prefers to underplay his success.
In a chat with NT, he speaks about his upcoming role of Bhishma Pitamah, and his foray into Bollywood sometime later this year.
Ekta Kapoor is soon to launch an epic serial on the small screen and has selected Ronit to play Bhishma. Ask him if he is excited about it and Ronit says, "Everything is in a preliminary stage. Of course, a makeover will be needed as I will have to get the right look to portray such an iconic persona of Indian mythology."
In the previous version of tele epic, Mukesh Khanna, who played the role of Bhishma, got stuck with the image. Does he fear getting typecast and not being able to play other characters? "At the moment I am more focused on the role and am not looking at the repercussions it may have on my career. If I play a character well, it should get me more work. What’s there to fear about?" he counters.
Would this epic be as successful as its earlier counterpart? Ronit brushes aside such concerns, "I am just an actor in an ensemble cast being put together by a big production house. The success or the failure of the serial is not my concern at all."
He is known to be Ekta’s favourite actor but ask him if he has ever suffered her ill-famed temper and Ronit says, "Over a period of time when people work together they learn to accept each other’s whims and fancies. I know Ekta as an extremely understanding person, who is very supportive of her actors. I have never seen her lose her temper. Maybe I have been just plain lucky so far."
Considered to be the highest paid television star today, Ronit’s serials have been topping the TRPs for the last five years. Has he devised any special strategy for his success? "I think it’s my honest approach and sheer hard work, which has paid off. As far as being the highest paid artiste is concerned, I think there are others who are earning much more than me," quips Roy.
In reality dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Ronit came across as a talented dancer. But he was eliminated because he was not willing to ask for votes. Why didn’t he do so when he has such a huge fan following? "I consider my fans to be my family. I get so much love from my fans. To ask them to pay for that love, is just not done."
He began his career with films like Jaan Tere Naam and Sainik. Now that so many television actors are trying their luck on big screen, is he also ready for a second run in Bollywood? "I have been offered a few film projects. But I’m still looking out for something really interesting. One role that I would love to play is that of