Better known as Wagle of Wagle ki Duniya, Anjan Shrivastava is a chip off the old block. He says that it was lack of good concepts that kept him away from TV.
"I wasn’t expecting much from TV when Virrudh happened. When Smriti Irani and Kamlesh Pandey came to me with the script, I knew I had to be there. And here I’m, playing a journalist,” laughs Shrivastava.
So, how is it working with producer Smriti ?
He remarks, "Well, the show has just started. It 's too early to comment on that. But yes, I 've received my pay cheques on time (laughs)..so, I guess all’s fine with the producer.”
Getting serious
He adds, "On a serious note, what I like about the show is that it 's not lingering on any issue for too long. There are several incidents happening in a single episode, which makes it fast-paced. That’s why I don 't mind compromising on my dates at times because actors actors like Mohan Bhandari, Sushant Singh and Vikram Gokhale are also busy in their own way and it must be difficult to coordinate dates with them. "
Saying that he would quote a high price whenever he got an offer that he wasn't interested in doing, Shrivastava adds, "One thing I’ve realised is that production houses expect concessions from regular actors. I preferred a show with a ready-made script. My contention was if that 's not possible, why do you want me?" For most producers, it was a prestige issue to say 'Wagle ko show mein liya hai,' but I refused to take things lying down. "
Future’s bleak?
On the future of the television industry, he says, "I can see things improving. With the industry growing, there are many employment opportunities but it 's at the cost of creativity. There are a few producers like Smriti who are trying hard to make a difference..they aren 't selling readymade garments but good content. "
Saying that he would quote a high price whenever he got an offer that he wasn't interested in doing, Shrivastava adds, "One thing I’ve realised is that production houses expect concessions from regular actors. I preferred a show with a ready-made script. My contention was if that 's not possible, why do you want me?" For most producers, it was a prestige issue to say 'Wagle ko show mein liya hai,' but I refused to take things lying down. "
Future’s bleak?
On the future of the television industry, he says, "I can see things improving. With the industry growing, there are many employment opportunities but it 's at the cost of creativity. There are a few producers like Smriti who are trying hard to make a difference..they aren 't selling readymade garments but good content. "
Has he received his due as an actor?
"Oh yes, and I 'm now in my second innings. I have good films on hand like Halla Bol, Chak De India and a few Bengali and regional films. I am a dubbing artiste for English films and serials too. I 'm the Vice-President of IPTA with four plays under my belt. Sure, Wagle ki Duniya was my golden era. But I am optimistic ..I hope to be around for at least another 10 years.”
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