Seen in the role of Lakshman in the shows Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman and Vighnaharta Ganesh, actor Arun Mandola shares excerpts from his journey so far...

You have played the role of Lakshman time and again… Do you feel you are getting typecast?

The word typecast, according to me, is not a negative word at all. If someone is continuously playing the same character, the fame and recognition that he gets can come in a short period of time. Normally, that fame and recognition would have taken years. So, for me, typecast is not a side-affect. In fact, being typecast is actually a good opportunity to make yourself more visible.

As an actor, how do you react when you prepare for a certain role and it goes to someone else?

This is a part of my job. If we start getting depressed, how will we move ahead? If you are professional, you will understand that it is a part of your work. For the show Dharm Yoddha Garud, I worked for seven months and underwent many look tests. But I am not sad that the role did not come my way.

It is believed that many things besides talent are considered in the industry. Any comments?

Talent is everywhere, but so many people don’t get opportunities. Talent is great, but that’s not everything. There are other things as well. For example, good looks and a great personality. You need a lot more to succeed.

How did the lockdown impact you?

When the lockdown happened, everyone was in shock and insecure about the future. I was also in the same boat. I was depressed at that time as I didn’t know how safe my family was keeping. But apart from this stress, I really feel that it was a golden time for me. In this time, I really learnt a lot.

What are the roles you want to take up now?

I am not dependent on my acting career for livelihood and hence I am choosy now. I want to do films. But this has come with time. When you are starting out, you don’t understand what to do. So, there were some mistakes that I made in the initial years and I am learning from them.

What is the worst part about being an actor?

I don’t like one thing; when you start acting and till the time you become a superstar, you have to keep giving look tests. I don’t like that at all. If someone knows you, they shouldn’t have to test you.