Tej Sapru, who plays a powerful role in Colors' new show Harphoul Mohini, talks about his journey

Tell us about your role in this new show.

I have done a lot of TV shows like Dil Se Dil Tak, Qubool Hai, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat and Chandragupta Maurya. The roles were all powerful with a bit of grey but in Harphoul Mohini my character of Balwant Singh Choudhary is dynamic and deadly.

What has been your preparation for the role?

This is the first time I am speaking Haryanvi. I have got a tutor which helps me to understand the dialect.

Your bald look has definitely added to the character. What do you have to say?

Definitely. When I was doing Chandragupta Maurya, I shaved my hair and became bald. I am happy that I have done this even for this character of Balwant Singh Choudhary. The bald look and blue eyes are going perfectly with my personality.

Daily soaps can be monotonous. How do you break that?

With my experience I must say the main pillar is good writing. If the writing of a show is weak then it will be monotonous. There are shows which have been running for eight years as audiences want to watch their favourite characters.

Both your parents were actors. What have you learnt from them?

My mother left acting after marriage. From my father Daya Kishan Sapru, I have learnt a lot. I used to accompany him to the sets and dubbing sessions. Whatever I have learnt in my career is by observing him.

You were a very good sportsman. How did you transition to acting?

Yes, I was good at badminton and cricket. In fact, I played at the national level. But it was my father who encouraged me to take up acting. He believed sports had no value. This was around 50 years back.

Your family has contributed a lot to the industry. How do you feel about it?

I have been working since the last 43 years. My sister Preeti Sapru was known as the queen of Punjabi films. My elder sister Reema Rakesh Nath is a well-known writer and producer. I feel proud that I come from a family of artistes.

Covid cases are rising again. How are you taking care of yourself?

No one is allowed inside my makeup room without a mask. We are taking precautions but this virus is unpredictable. I recovered from Covid in January this year.

What kind of roles are you expecting from Hindi films?

A good substantial role. I am saying no to all small roles. I have been doing a lot of good roles in Southern films.