Actor Rudra Kaushik has not only worked in Hindi films but also acted in Hindi serials also. The Kolkata Mail correspondent Priyanka Dutta caught up with the talented actor in an exclusive chat about his work. Excerpts..

You were a Sub-inspector initially. When did the acting bug bit you?

Rudra Kaushik- I was enrolled in 1995 as a Sub-Inspector in Central Reserve Police Force and I served there till 2007. Then for some circumstances I had to quit my job and I always wanted to work in this industry but I was never sure about it. So I can say that it was all destiny, otherwise it was not at all planned by me.

How supportive was your family about your decision to enter the world of acting?

Rudra Kaushik- Talking about my family, you cannot come to this industry without your family support and even if you manage to come you will not be able to survive without their support. So family support is very important for everyone!! In my case I got the support which was beyond my expectations whether it was from my parents or from my wife or from my son or brother. They all have supported me in every aspect whether it was morally or financially and they are still supporting me. They appreciate my work and I am really lucky to have a family like this.

What challenges did you face when you started your journey in the world of acting?

Rudra Kaushik- Initially I had to face a lot of challenges. Well challenges are in every field but in this field it was certainly more and the second thing is I was completely unaware about this industry. I was a complete zero about the work and I came from a job where I had some position, respect and dignity. But after entering in this industry I have to forget all my self-respect or dignity because when you are new in this field nobody respects you, nobody values you until and unless you make a position for yourself from your work. It takes time. So yes there was a lot of struggle and I had to work really hard to reach to this position. Everyone has to struggle if they want to do something in this industry and more over I kind of enjoyed it. It was that field which I always liked and where I always wanted to be. So yes, there was lot of struggle at every phase, lot of things which I had to learn, always had to prove myself but the journey was very good and beautiful.

Have you ever faced Nepotism?

Rudra Kaushik- Well nepotism exists in every field. In this field money is involved. So if somebody is in a good position he always helps his own people. People who don’t have any Godfather in the industry, they need to struggle more. But if you are hardworking and passionate than you will definitely make a place for yourself and no one can stop you.

But we cannot use nepotism as an excuse. You have to do your hard work, work on your talent and polish yourself and you will definitely reach some place.

Tell us about your role as Vikas in Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Man Jao.

Rudra Kaushik- Talking about my show Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jao, I am playing a character called Vikas. Firstly it was a dream to work with Rajshri Productions. So it was like my dream come true because every time my personality does not suit with the character but this time fortunately the character matched with me. I also had a dream to meet Suraj Badjatya so I met him and took blessings from him. Talking about Vikas’s character it’s a character very similar to my real life. He takes care of everything and everyone, he respects his parents and he is emotional in life. I love this character and I would like to thank Star Plus and Rajshri Productions for providing me with this opportunity.

What difference did you find while acting in television and films?

Rudra Kaushik- I don’t think there is any difference between acting in films and television. For an actor there is only one thing and that is the camera. The process might be different, thinking of the director might be different but style of acting I don’t think it’s different .The same technique is applicable for both because acting is acting no matter it’s for film or television. I have also done films but my style was same. It is important to understand the character properly and then act.

What are your next film projects?

Rudra Kaushik- Well, I was doing Kulfi Kumarr Bajewala on Star Plus and now I got the role in Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jaao. I cannot take any other show because I am busy with this only. Talking about my next project I am trying to do something as a producer. I have also produced a short film called ‘Do Minute’ for an OTT platform and I am now producing Agent Mona 0.1.  So right now I am focusing on stabilising myself as a producer.

Who are your favourite actor and actress?

Rudra Kaushik- I like Mr Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda. I like his comic timings, his style. Talking about actresses, I like Madhubalaji very much and Hema Malini and among the new actresses, I like Alia Bhatt the most. Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh are the new age actors whom I like.

Will we get to see you acting in web-series?

Rudra Kaushik- Right now I am producing a web series but yes in the future if I get a strong character I would definitely like to do it

An actor’s life is full of ups and downs. How do you handle such negative situations in life?

Rudra Kauhsik- As actors we have to go through many ups and downs but the important thing is to have patience and also family support, I meditate to keep myself calm .The other thing which is important  is to have  good relations with others, be kind to everyone, be a good human being. That image is important. So if you have a good relation with everyone they will remember you and call you whenever there is a work for you. So, yes these things are important do your part, work hard and God will give you everything you want.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Rudra Kaushik- As an actor my work is going on and in the next five years I hope I will get more beautiful roles, and I will continue to entertain my audience. Every actor has a dream to play at least one landmark kind of role which everyone remembers. So I am also praying for that one role and as a producer I pray that my film hit the big screen with bigger stars one day.

Wishing the actor all the best for his future works!!