The audience is in awe of your transformative performance in Scoop. How did this happen?
I’m glad it’s a surprise. The long break that I took has helped me grow and mature as an actor. Things didn’t go well in the beginning, you know. There was a lot of learning from my side as to what went wrong. I can’t tell you how excited I am to read all those reviews and comments, messages and calls. It’s an overwhelming feeling. That is why you really set your career goals to become an actor. Yeah, I’m guessing this ten year break helped me become a better version of myself.
Were you surprised when Hansal Mehta thought of you for the role of cop Shroff? Were you quite unsure whether you would be able to deliver?
I was completely taken aback when Hansal Mehta told me that he wanted me to play this role in a series he was doing for Netflix. To be honest, I was very apprehensive and reluctant to work in Hansal’s film. I’ve been busy writing and building things for my own company. I never thought I would go back to acting. But Hansal was sure, he was very stubborn. so was the casting director Mukesh Chhabra, I insisted they do an audition with me so we’d know where we stood. I think the audition went well. That’s why we are having this conference. I have to give it to Hansal and Mukesh To see this character of mine.
How carefully did you look at the real character before playing the fictional character?
This is a fictional character. So I had to work on it and make it my own. Shroff is no ordinary police officer. What got me excited is that there are many layers to the character. His relationship with Jagriti Pathak (Karishma Tanna playing a character inspired by Jigna Vora) With my team, with my son… they were so exciting to explore. Then of course his health, which will deteriorate in the latter part. Most important is the layer of guilt that Jagriti feels in implicating her for her aggression towards Pathak… While there was all this complexity on one hand, on the other hand, I built a series on her life. Navneet Sikera, I talked to him a lot. This really came in handy in Scoop.
Were you following Jigna Vora’s case when this happened? What is your take on what happened to him?
I had not really followed the Jigna Vora case to the extent that it happened. After meeting Hansal, I came to know a lot more. It has been an unfortunate turn of events for him. I’ve been chatting with her lately, in fact the last one was just half an hour ago. She is a strong woman who is still fighting through all the hurdles she has gone through.
What do you think went wrong with your career after such a high profile debut? If you had a chance to change something, what would it be?
I’m guessing people didn’t particularly like my performance in Love Story 2050. I can see that there were shortcomings in my opening performance. I certainly don’t want to change anything in the past, because it’s the reason I’m here today. Had it not been for that journey, I would not be here today. The love and appreciation that I am getting for Scoop is what makes ‘Abhi’ so beautiful for me. I wouldn’t want to change anything. I am very happy with my life.
Tell us about your plans after The Scoop?
No one except my family had any idea I was scooping. Right now I am just appreciating the show and enjoying my performance. I have no plans. Lately I’ve just let things flow as naturally as they come. Let’s see what’s next. I would love to do something challenging like Scoop again. I am a patient person. I can wait.