I’ve often been offered negative characters, I’ve accepted that it's a space where I naturally fit: Ishu Tomar

Actor Ishu Tomar, known for his work in shows like Pukaar and Har Bahu Ki Yahi Kahani Sasumaa Ne Meri Kadar Na Jaani, is all set to spice up the drama as the new antagonist in Shehzadi… Hai Tu Dil Ki. The show stars Ashika Padukone and Ankit Raizada in the lead roles and is a remake of the Telugu series Karthika Deepam 2.

Ishu will be seen essaying the role of Bhanu. Talking about his role, the actor says, “My character Bhanu comes from a poor village background. He is ambitious and wants a better life at any cost. He doesn’t always care about the way he does things — sometimes he chooses shortcuts, sometimes he does the right thing but in the wrong way. Bhanu is a taxi driver who dreams of growth and believes that taking the fastest route is the only way to reach the top.”

While Bhanu is positioned as a negative character, Ishu feels there’s much more beneath the surface. “I don’t see him as purely negative. Every so-called villain has a backstory — a reason why he behaves the way he does. If you understand that, playing such characters becomes more layered and honest,” he shares.

The actor admits that he is often offered grey or negative roles and has made peace with it. “I’ve often been offered negative characters, and I’ve accepted that this is a space where I naturally fit. I try to give my best and bring depth rather than judgment,” he says.

Summing up his approach to such roles, Ishu adds, “In my eyes, every villain is a hero in his own story, and every hero has shades of a villain. And if in the future I get an opportunity to play a positive role, I’ll happily take it and give it the same honesty and commitment.”