Manav Kaul on The Fame Game and success on OTT: Finally, issues are working for me

Manav Kaul, like many slow-burn tales, took some time to get the place he’s in his profession. A steadfast performer and a risk-taker Kaul is appreciative of the digital medium. The actor, who has a diversified physique of labor from exhibits together with Ghoul, The Verdict – State vs Nanavati, and naturally, The Fame Game (TFG) to the movies Ajeeb Daastaans and Nailpolish (each 2021), feels it was all about “being at the right place at the right time”.

After a profession spanning nearly 20 years, ask him if he appears like he has arrived lastly and he smiles and replies, “Finally, things are working (for me). People realised I could deliver different kinds of roles and range of performances.”

Talking in regards to the rise of the digital medium, he elaborates, “OTT is not only in regards to the actors however about artistic folks, DOPs, administrators and different technical crew that at the moment are thriving and displaying their potential. I really feel, the primary demand of OTT is to showcase one thing authentic and new. In theatre, folks wished to have good initiatives, which have been carried out or is a sure-shot success. There is much less experiment on theatre not like OTT. What makes me happier is that there are such a lot of ladies writers, so many tales about ladies and so many women-led initiatives. I really feel now women and men are getting equal alternatives as everybody has an opportunity to inform their tales.

The success and love his internet exhibits TFG and Ajeeb Daastaans acquired was seen by the trade. How has it been coping with fan love? “I was surprised with the reception of Ajeeb Daastaans and later and TFG came after that. Though my role was different yet it was in the romantic space. People loved and accepted me. Even today, I get so many messages for both the roles. Being an actor, playing a superstar one is apprehensive. I wondered if I would be able to pull it off or not. The space was unlike what I had attempted before. Thank God, it worked. What helped was that I was working with Madhuri (Dixit, actor). She is so charming and humble and our pairing worked. People loved our chemistry and many even texted saying they want a prequel to explore the love story some more. I am thankful that the show and my character was loved,” he says.

Kaul admits that earlier than OTT occurred, he was doing components in movies however was picky as there was limitation with reference to work. “There were not many platforms. Films had the burden of the box-office and didn’t give chance to youngsters. Not that I was a youngster, but I was a new actor in the industry, doing theatre and was part of many films. So, the ‘in-between actors’, like I call them, ones who are choosy, had limited work. It was difficult for many but due to OTT, makers now realise they need such actors to pull off 8 or 10 episode web series. By far, the film Nailpolish (2021) was one of the most difficult roles I have performed. It worked because the digital platform gave the freedom to the director and producer to follow their vision.”

His much-loved character that of famous person Manish Khanna in TFG, has acquired consideration from followers the world over. Ask him what was most intriguing about taking part in him and he says, “What I loved about my character that he didn’t push the fact that he was a superstar. He was a normal person, who was a success story and the core of being was his lonliness. He was going through an illness and in India, many don’t understand what being bi-polar means. We don’t even disucss it. So, all of that was a unique combo of superstardom and depression. I knew I would have a lot of fun playing the character as I had some amazing scenes. I jumped at the opportunity as the character was so beautifully written. I would say I was lucky with a role like Manish Khanna!”