Exclusive - Virajas Kulkarni gets candid about his TV debut with Maza Hoshil Na, taking his mother's legacy forward, personal life and much more

Popular Marathi TV show Maza Hoshil Na has been winning the hearts of the telly world for a year now with its compelling storyline and strong performances. However, the male lead in the show, Virajas Kulkarni surprised everyone with his stunning performance as Aditya. Being a director and writer, this show marks his TV debut as well. Virajas exclusively interacted with Etimes TV and spoke about his decision of foraying into TV, his experience of working behind the camera, continuing the legacy of his mother, and much more.

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

Talking about making his TV debut with Maza Hoshil Na, Virajas said, "Actually, I have not decided or planned to enter into television. I had decided to do theater, but I suddenly received a call for an audition for this show. I gave the audition, and the rest is history. I always feel that the TV medium requires a lot of dedication and commitment, and it's challenging for actors to stick with a TV show for years together and perform with the same enthusiasm. I am trying the same, and I feel that's why I am receiving so much love from the audience.

Virajas is playing a romantic Aditya in the show while co-star Gautami Deshpande is playing Sai. Their on-screen chemistry is off the charts, and fans are going crazy with their on-screen bond. Talking about it, Virajas stated, "Actually me and Gautami have known each other for many years, so it became easier for both of us to be comfortable on-screen and perform with so much chemistry. The credit of our chemistry also goes to the crew. While doing romantic scenes, your comfort and emotions matter the most because that shows on-screen, so sometimes we shoot such scenes with minimum crew and people on set."

I have worked a lot behind the camera. So, I know a director's vision and what he expects from an actor. I know what a director wants from a romantic hero. I try to utilize those skills while playing Aditya on-screen. I have won several awards for my plays and short films. So I know what technicalities I should not miss as an actor.

My mother Mrinal Kulkarni would take me with her to the sets because she always feels that children should know their parents' work. My father is a criminal lawyer. My interest has always been in the creative field, and my mother knew it since the beginning. So, she used to tell me to not only focus on acting but also look out at different things that matter while working in the industry. My mother's approach to work and mine are obviously different. She never told me to do or not to do anything before entering the industry because she knew me. But she often gives me ideas on how to manage our meal schedule in between the scenes and how to stay hydrated while doing emotional scenes etc.

I feel interaction is essential between you and your audience and that's the reason I reply to a few comments on social media. Thankfully, I have not witnessed any trolling yet. But I do sometimes receive comments that affect me. They sometimes comment about my personal life and my looks. Sometimes, a few cross the line, too, and I do get angry, but I try not to take it personally. It's human tendency that we think a lot about one lousy comment and forget all positive comments, but I try not to get affected with these on a personal level.

I have not opened up about my personal life yet to anyone. I would like to keep it private and secret. I feel it's a necessity to keep my personal life away from my professional life. People keep asking me about my relationship status, but I sometimes feel it's pressurizing someone and I would like to keep it confidential.

I would love to go back in the direction. I seriously feel I need to go back and work behind the camera once again. There are many things that are left to be explored. I have learned to manage pressure while doing a TV show. As I said, TV medium needs lots of commitment of time, so it's hard for me to say I am not sure whether I will do a TV serial or not again after Maza Hoshil Na.

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar