Mythology is a sensitive subject, says Siya Ke Ram’s Ashish Sharma

Television actor Ashish Sharma feels that celebrities have to be careful while playing legendary characters to avoid hurting people’s sentiments.

Most actors find it demanding to play famous personalities as opposed to fictional characters. TV actor Ashish Sharma, however, has done both. After having garnered fame as Major Rudra Pratap Ranawat in the television series, Rangrasiya he is currently playing the lead in Siya Ke Ram. So, is this more challenging than acting in a daily soap? “I wouldn’t say that it’s difficult, but it’s different,” he says.

“In India, one has to be extra careful. You don’t want to hurt people’s feelings,” says Ashish Sharma.

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However, he adds that actors who play mythological characters have additional responsibilities. “Mythology is a sensitive subject. And in India, one has to be extra careful. You don’t want to hurt people’s feelings,” says the actor.

Ashish Sharma in a still from Siya Ke Ram. (Hotstar)

Ask him if he thinks mythological shows are gaining popularity, and he says, “These days, you see the same kind of content in every show. So, after a point, people need a break from whatever they are watching. I believe that mythological and periodic characters have always worked, especially in India.” He states that this is the case because Indian society is greatly influenced by the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

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Ashish further talks about television as a medium, expressing his displeasure with the way it is perceived. “I fail to understand why television is looked down upon. Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan are taking time out to come on TV. They do this because they are aware that television increases their fan base,” he says.

Watch a clip from Siya Ke Ram here

The actor, who started his career with the 2010 film, Love Sex Aur Dhokha, maintains that he is on the lookout for good opportunities — be it in films or on TV. “I will take up any medium that gives me a good opportunity. The medium does not matter; the work does,” adds Ashish.

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