A smooth journey

Pearl V Puri, popularly known as the rock star of Indian television is currently donning the role of a superhero in the show ‘Naagarjuna…Ek Yoddha’. In a freewheeling chat, the model-turned-actor speaks about his tryst in the TV industry and shows

Did your journey to fame go as planned?
I just kept going with the flow. Nothing was planned. I never thought that I would become Pearl V Puri. I never thought I would earn this much love in my entire life. Nothing is ever planned in this industry, but my journey has been a very smooth one. I have been very desperate to achieve this success.

You did not gain stardom from your debut show. At any point of time did you feel that you might have made a wrong decision?
No regrets. No! It all happened so fast and got associated with a channel like Star Plus. So there was really no way of thinking about it, and it was such a sudden decision for a boy, who wanted to become an actor ended up getting a Star Plus show. So what would have been better for me?

Why were you replaced in ‘Meri Saasu Maa’?
I was not replaced. The character Sattu died. But he was supposed to come back, however, that not happen. They did that just for the TRPs. So that it might run for a longer time. But I left the show and unfortunately the show was over.

Why did you choose a role like ‘Naagarjuna’?
It is something that I always wanted to do. In fact, every child wants to be a superhero. People feel they have super powers in them. Every actor wants to do something larger than life. Naagarjuna is half god and half man with many powers and that is exciting.

Overnight you replaced the lead actor Anshuman Malhotra. Was there any face-off between you both?
I did not replace anyone. It is the story line. Anshuman is Arjun a human being. But I’m playing Naagarjuna, half snake and half man who has many powers. This is another phase of the show.

What homework did you do for this role?
I have put in much effort throughout the show. So there is nothing in particular. On TV I have played a rock star, a regular guy and now playing a superhero. Each character is different from other and they require a different approach. This show has a lot of action sequences and two weeks earlier I was also hurt while shooting. So the homework happens every day.

Supernatural themes are doing pretty well on television. Now you’re a part of this genre. How does it feel?
It feels great. What happens… happens for good. This is nice opportunity for me and I will make this journey more memorable for myself and the viewers.

How important is work for you?
Work is my priority. If I am anything right now in Mumbai, if I am surviving here, that's because of work. In future also, I can sacrifice anything, even if it is a relationship or anything that would come my way for work because that's how I'm going to survive in Mumbai.

You are quite open about expressing your views. Has this ever landed you in trouble?
No! If we start talking or thinking like that, then we are reaching nowhere. And if I have earned my fans with my work in these years and if they judge me on these parameters then there is no point having that kind of fan following. But luckily, the fan following I have is good.