TV has evolved in terms of superior content creation: Rajendra Gupta

Sony Entertainment Television is known for its refreshing content and now with its latest offering, ‘Jagannath aur Purvi Ki Dosti Anokhi’, the channel brings forth a feel-good narrative that is bound to make viewers look at relationships from a fresh perspective. Set against the backdrop of Banaras, the show takes the viewers on an endearing journey of an elderly gentleman, Jagannath Mishra, finding his lost sense of life’s purpose through a young stranger-turned-friend, Purvi.

Presenting this heartwarming friendship, veteran actor Rajendra Gupta assays the role of Jaganath Mishra, an old conservative family man who has always been rigid and socially inept in life. Having worked in numerous films and TV shows, Gupta is all set to leave a mark in the hearts of the audience with his new character. In a candid conversation with Adgully, speaks about his character in ‘Dosti Anokhi’, shooting the how in Banaras, the evolution of television content over the years, and more.  

You are returning to television after a brief period. Why did you decide to take up this show as your return?

I personally love stories based on real human connection and relationships. They touch your heart and as an audience, you’re able to relate and resonate with them. As the name also suggests, ‘Dosti Anokhi’ highlights a beautiful and unique friendship between a 72-year old man and a 23-year old girl, who come from different walks of life and yet find comfort and solace in each other’s company after a lot of friction initially.

How excited are you about this new show?

I couldn’t be more excited! My friends and family are also eagerly looking forward to it. I believe it’s a kind of story that has not been showcased before on television. It’s like a breath of fresh air. So, yes I am very excited.

You started your career with television and the space has evolved immensely when it comes to content. What are your views on it?

Yes, it has evolved in terms of variety, scale of performance, superior content creation and more. So, it’s an exciting time to be an actor and performer because with time, even the audience has evolved.  

How is it like working with Sushmita ji and Ismeet?

Sushmita ji is a wonderful co-star, I have known her since many, many years now. She’s a dear friend. Not to mention, she’s an actor beyond par excellence. So, sharing the screen space with her is a very insightful experience. And Ismeet is also a delight to work with. All of us get along really well and it doesn’t really feel like we are working when we are together.

How has your experience been shooting in Banaras? Any specific moment that you would like to talk about?

Banaras has been exceptionally great. It’s been a treat to shoot at such beautiful location instead of our typical studios. People of Banaras are so incredibly warm and the food is just amazing. One specific moment that comes to my mind is when I had to take a dive in the numbing cold water of Ganges for a scene. I was nervous at first, but when I saw the end product, it was all just worth it.

What can the audience expect from this show?

The audience can expect a heart-warming tale of two individuals who are battling different issues in their lives, but unexpectedly find comfort, solace and a friendship in each other. It’s a story of pure, unconditional equation that two drastically different individuals share.

What do you like the most about your character? How is it different from what you have done in the past?

I like that while he is a short-tempered, frustrated with life old man, but when life throws him a curveball and comes this bright bubbly girl, slowly but eventually, he becomes open to change. She helps him open up and he lets her do that. So, that was a really endearing transformation of my character that everyone will witness. It’s different from what I have done in the past, because the story and its essence is very unexplored. So, naturally, my character is also new and exciting.