By Anil Merani: Yogendra Vikram Singh is quite pleased with his debut TV lead performance in the Zee TV show, Bas Itna Sa Khwaab, a show that revolves around the aspirations and dreams of its characters, but is a sight disappointment with the way his last Star Plus show, Teri Meri Doriyaann (TMD), wrapped up earlier this year.
“My character, Diljit there, got a lot of love for the short time it was on air. I got a chance to show all the emotions of love and rank hatred. He becomes someone like Shahrukh Khan in Darr. It’s difficult for an actor to transition from white to black quickly, but I am glad my years of theatre training kicked in. The team also deserves kudos for the way the character framed up.” say he
“My stint was marked by brilliant acting all around; the story was also well etched, says Yogendra, who has been part of films like Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Baabarr, NH10, Mirza Juuliet, Trapped and Saand Ki Aankh.”
“I guess the sudden changes in the character’s arc jolted the audience, which might have affected TRP’s. the makers (Cockcrow and Shaika Entertainment) and the channel should have given TMD more time to regain audiance traction rather than change the storyboard. Today, the audiences have wisened up. You can’t take them for a ride. “says he.
“Also, the fact that Diljit entered at midway worked against us well. You can’t play around with your core characters, who have dominated the audience’s mind space since day one.”
Yogendra adds, “I did my best with Diljit, but eventually when things did not happen, the powers to be, took whatever decisions they felt best. I stand with them.”
“Diljit was a character I held dear, and I’m hopeful that my current role, Shikhar, can achieve the success that Diljit was unable to reach.”
TMD was Yongendra’s second collab with Cockcrow and Shaika Entertainment after Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin. “My Samarat stint will always be very special for being my success. We were all very pleasantly surprised with the traction that my entry got. We try our best whenever we start, but no one knows what will click.”
I am glad that Zee TV saw the spark in me as a parallel lead, and I was made the lead in Bas Itna, which is on its way to the top”. says he
“Our new mature family story does not have a love triangle or other drama. We have all the ingredients which will appeal to a middle-class family.” added he
Yogendra is also happy that those days were gone when only leads were young actors.” Today,older actors are also playing leads.. I always wondered why we hedged before, for actors have no retirement age. No wonder we have Mr. Amitabh Bachchan continuing to rock in his eighties and the Khans weaving their magic in thier Middle Ages ” ended he.