He’s been the familiar face of Indian television for over two decades, yet Hiten Tejwani says his story is far from complete. From becoming a household name in the early 2000s to still holding his ground in today’s evolving OTT era, the actor feels he has only scratched the surface: “It’s still a long way to go for me.”
For Hiten, the passing of time has been almost imperceptible: “Pata hi nahin chala kab itne saal nikal gaye. I literally don’t know whether this feeling is sinking in or not. It’s only when someone says, ‘Aap ko pata hai 2000 mein aaye thhe’, that I realise yes, it’s been a good 25 years.” He goes on, “When I look back now, it strikes me how smoothly I transitioned from one character to another, without debating whether I should only play the protagonist or avoid playing a father.”
Further recalling his early days on set in 2000, the actor laughs at his innocence: “I was sitting casually, talking with everyone, thinking bas yahi rehna and kaam karna hain. Someone pointed out, ‘Sir, actors ko separate make-up room milta hain to get ready’. I was also the kind who wondered why bottled water was necessary, I was happily drinking tap water available on set.”
He also admits his packed television schedule left little room to consider films: “I’d hear that producers were talking about me, but I was too caught up in one show after another. At the time, I didn’t think beyond TV... ab kahi toh khayal aata hai.”
{{/usCountry}}He also admits his packed television schedule left little room to consider films: “I’d hear that producers were talking about me, but I was too caught up in one show after another. At the time, I didn’t think beyond TV... ab kahi toh khayal aata hai.”
{{/usCountry}}Now, the actor is embracing new avenues. He recently reprised his iconic role as Karan Virani in the reboot of a popular show, and is simultaneously exploring OTT and cinema. ‘I have done two series and also wrapped a film,’ he reveals, adding, “I’m enjoying it this way: that I still have work on my table.”