Akashdeep Saigal Exclusive Interview: Actor Akashdeep Sehgal, famous as 'Bad Boy' in the world of television and creating fear in every household by playing Ansh Gujral in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi', has returned to the screen after 9 years. In Ekta Kapoor's superhit show 'Naagin 7', Akashdeep has returned as a dreadful villain (Dragon Irul), seeing whom the fans have been reminded of the old 'Ansh'. In an exclusive conversation with TV9 Hindi Digital, Akashdeep opened up on his 9 years of anonymity, his 'inner engineering', his scary look in 'Naagin 7' and most importantly, his desire to work again with his old enemy and on-screen mother Smriti Irani (Tulsi).
Akashdeep, you stayed away from the camera for 9 years, what was it about Naagin that forced you to come back and where were you all this time?
Actually, I took this break of my own free will. In these 9 years I did 'inner engineering'. Meaning I searched myself, chose the path of spirituality. I apologize to my viewers that they had to wait for a long time, but I am back now and I am happy that the fans have not forgotten me. Talking about Naagin, when the call came for the show, I felt that I should do it and I immediately said yes to this character.
Do you regret staying away from the camera for so many years? Because when you decided to distance yourself from the camera, you were a famous TV actor. You probably could have got many big projects in these 9 years?
No, I have no regrets, because I had stayed away from TV of my own free will and I also knew that many big offers were coming to me, but I wanted to work on myself.
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Your look in 'Naagin 7' is very scary. When you were told about this 'Dragon' avatar, what was your first reaction?
When I talked to me about the show, the look was not discussed. but mine Ekta (Kapoor) Have full faith in the vision. She is the queen of television. When I saw my look for the first time, I was stunned. 'Irul' is neither like 'Pirates of the Caribbean', nor like 'Genghis Khan', it is something with which the Indian audience will feel connected. My eye lenses and my getup, everything is very scary and powerful.
Whenever we talk about you, there is talk of your iconic scene with Smriti Irani, she has also made a comeback on TV after years, did you talk to her?
No, I have not talked to him as of now. But when I came to know that she was coming back, I could not believe it. But this is really inspiring. She is such a big politician, but her coming back proves that acting is her first love. I have seen some of her new scenes, as always she looks very composed and calm. Love watching them on TV.
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Even though you will be seen in Naagin, the network is the same, the production is the same. So will the audience be able to see your Tashan with Tulsi once again?
Look, it is not in my hands, but if Ekta feels like it, then I am ready, I can say with confidence that if Tulsi and I come together, then it will be amazing. The chemistry between me and Tulsi has always been memorable. Right now Tulsi is very calm and composed on screen, but as soon as a 'bad boy' like me reaches there, Tulsi will wake up. Once again she will be seen in the incarnation of 'Maa Durga'.
You faced the camera after 9 years, did you feel any change?
A lot has changed. Technology, VFX, AI and also the way of speaking dialogues. Earlier, I used to go to the monitor and check my work after every shot, but this time I have completely left myself in the hands of the director and my superiors. I don't check the monitor anymore. I am just giving my best.
