Shakti Arora, who shot to fame in Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi, is back with yet another love story Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka on Colors. He talks to Sangeeta Yadav about the new show & his filmy connection

What made you say yes to Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka?

When scriptwriter Gajra Kottary was narrating the story, I got goosebumps. I was so kicked about it that I wanted to do this show at any cost. There are different shades of characteristics in every human being and when one is put through different situations, one tends to behave differently. When you are in a relationship, there is a spark, surprises and excitement. Once you get married, people change with respect to their behaviour, attitude, conduct and beliefs as per the situation and experience. As you grow together with your partner, you have to keep evolving and adapting to the changing environment to make sure that the relationship survives till the end. Change is necessary and if you are not going to do so then how will you move forward in life? That is why the show is titled Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka. It is in a very real space and not a saas-bahu drama.

Did you do any research to play Dr Kunal Malhotra?

I have learnt from other’s experiences and have seen these kinds of stories happening around me. That helped me build my character. I have been in relationships too and have seen lots of ups and downs with breakups, frustration and fights. I can understand that emotion very well. This is something which I have not played on TV till now.

Very few people know that you are the grandson of Chandrashekhar Vaidya...

When I was in school, my grandfather was 75-year-old and was doing Ramayan and other character roles. He has done 35 films as hero and was already a popular actor. When big actors and directors used to come to visit him at home, I used to be awestruck by the glitz and glam and the fan following he had. That’s when I decided that I want to be an actor like him one day and thought that since he is in the industry, I will easily get there.

But when I stepped into the entertainment world, I realised that it is not cakewalk and I would have to slog my way up. I didn’t know a single thing about acting and I was expecting to get work from people I know. It is easy to get into films for a starkid but to make a success out of it, you have to perform.

Did you join an acting school?

I did join the acting school but it takes time to learn any new art form. I gave endless auditions and tried to use my grandfather’s name to get work but it didn’t work out. Then I realised that having a father-figure in the industry or someone’s influence doesn’t take you to places. It doesn’t guarantee you work. You have to run your own race. Since then, I have stopped telling people that I am the grandson of Chandrashekhar to get through an audition or get an appointment with directors. Like any other normal person, I gave auditions and get work on the basis of my merit, potential, talent and hard work. A point came where I gained a bit of popularity which I always wanted. But one has to remember that one can make a name for oneself and earn pots of money but to get the fame is a big achievement. Once you get fame, you get work. Thankfully with Meri Aashiqui, I got my due and that helped me to establish myself.

Did you reach out to your grandfather to seek help or guidance?

I was scared to talk to him because of his dabangg voice and personality. I just used to go, sit with him and listen to whatever he used to say. It was difficult for me to ask him for favours or help. But he used to always give me insights into the industry and his experiences with other actors and directors. He is 95-year-old now and when I go to meet him, he recognises me but now doesn’t recognise most of the family. He says only one thing: ‘I have one son and his name is Shakti’. In his younger days, he was very good at maintaining relationships. This is something that I have learnt from him.

What would your grandfather say when he would see you on screen?

He would be really proud; so much so that he has put up my cut-outs at his Juhu bungalow.

‘I stopped saying I’m a star kid long back’