Jai aka Vikram Shergill of Bade Acche Lagte Hain talks about his journey with the popular Sony TV show, why the daily soap failed to garner TRPs, his close friends on the show and more
Jai Kalra is a fabulous actor, who is much grounded in spite of all his popularity and fame. He started his career with negative roles, but we love him more as the adorable Vikram Shergill. Jai shares his experience of working on BALH and his journey forward in an exclusive interview with BollywoodLife. Read excerpts…
How has your two year long experience been on Bade Acche Lagte Hain?
The journey has been amazing. We’ve all bonded so well and have developed a wonderful relationship with each other. The cast and crew of BALH are like my second family. It is sad that we have to move now.
Why do you think the show needed to end?
BALH had reached a saturation point. They had explored every angle in the story. When the show began, the focus was on Ram and Priya – which was a novel concept, but how long can you keep the audiences’ hooked on that. Nonetheless, the show is very special to me. It went on for more than two years, which is quite commendable.
Do you think the show lost TRPs because the attention shifted from Ram and Priya?
It’s a daily soap, which keep evolving every day. To take the story ahead, concentrating on the next generation is a basic requirement. How long could the makers concentrate on just Ram and Priya.
Who are you closest to on the sets of BALH?
Well I am close to Neha aka Tarana Raja Kapoor. She plays my onscreen wife and we share an amazing friendship on the sets. Besides her, I think I was close to Sakshi Tanwar.
So you were not too close to Ram Kapoor?
When the show started Ram and I had a lot of scenes together, but as the years went by and he got busy with his movie schedules; we barely had spent any time together. I do have a great bond with Ram too, but over the time it was just Neha and Sakshi.
Why didn’t you ever consider leaving the show?
I didn’t want to leave the show mid way. I had given my commitment and wanted to stick around till the end.
You started your career with negative shades, but playing Vikram put you on the map. How does that feel?
Well I did a negative role in Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil, post which I was being offered similar roles. I took up Bhaskar Bharti even though I had to play a negative shade ‘coz the script was interesting and unlike anything I had done before. When Bade Acche Lagte Hain happened, it was a chance to do something different and exciting. The character of Vikram has given me a lot.
So is Jai Kalra as dear and darling as Vikram?
Well, I don’t think I can answer that. You will have to ask my wife to know that one.
You have started shooting for Laut Aao Trisha. How is your role different?
I can’t reveal much about the role to you just yet, but it is a positive character. When I read the script, I immediately knew it was perfect for me.