“I always wanted to play a cop on-screen.” – Mishal Raheja

Mishal Raheja talks about his character and his experience of shooting for Sony TV’s newly launched episodic series Encounter.

Popular actor Mishal Raheja is all set to play a different role in Sony TV’s episodic series Encounter, post his role of a gangster Laagi Tujshe Lagan. Mishal will be seen playing a tough but a soft hearted cop in the show and he has quite enjoyed a lot while shooting for the show as he always wanted to play a cop on-screen.

We spoke to Mishal to know more about his character in the show, his experience of shooting for the show, his future plans and much more in this conversation with us.

Tell us something more about your character.

I found the cop’s character very special because the narration was quite interesting and for a change they have introduced a very innocent, honest, tough kind of a character. In a span of 3 episodes this character has everything including his love interest. While enacting the scenes and delivering the dialogues in the show, I realized that how much responsibility our police have to bear on their shoulders. They take so much of stress for the whole day. I feel that a little love and affection is much needed for these people whether it is from their family members or someone else. This is what I found interesting about this character as he is a tough cop who is dedicated towards his work and he has to kill people which is difficult. Along with this his love interest has been shown which brings out the softer side of his character in the show. This is what I like the most about my character.

How is your experience playing a cop on-screen?

It’s very nice; I always wanted to play a cop on-screen. There are lots of action sequences, car chasing scenes, jumps, shooting with bullets, which is so much fun to do. Any guy would enjoy doing that.

You might be getting so many offers after Laagi Tujhse Lagan. So, what was the reason to take up this show?

I liked the concept and my character.

What were you busy with post Laagi Tujhse Lagan?

I was shooting for a film Budget Trip. I am done with the shooting for the movie and now the post production is going on.

What kind of preparations you have done for playing this character?

I did not do any preparation because I didn’t want to see others and do something like them. I thought of doing something of my own. I thought that it’s good to bring-in my own intensity, romance or anger to my character. I haven’t taken an inspiration nor did any preparation for playing this character. I just thought of delivering something fresh to the audiences while playing a cop on-screen. So, I tried my best to do what I could do. I was confirmed by the production 2 days prior to my shoots (chuckles).

How did you manage to do the stunts and action sequences then?

There are so many car chasing sequences, gun shots, jumping from heights or jumping on the cars whereas there are fewer stunts. I did all this on my own and I enjoyed a lot. I have done more stunts than these in Laagi Tujhse Lagan. It was fun and thrilling but the best part is to play a cop by wearing the uniform, holding a gun, firing and chasing. It’s a good fun for any guy.

What are your expectations from the show?

The audiences should like it.

There are so many similar kinds of shows running on TV. So how according to you is this show Encounter different?

I have watched only CID so far. What my director Ankush Bhatt, the director of the film Bhindi Bazaar has tried to do is to make the show very realistic with very real dialogues and scenes. Along with showcasing a stressful life of a cop, they have also shown his personal life, the way he bonds with his family members. It’s very necessary to show as it’s very real which happens in the life of every cop. So I feel that it’s shown for the first time in this show.

How is it working with the team?

Superb! I love the team. We have done lots of fun on the sets. I have never ever laughed so much on any sets than I have ever laughed on this set. We all sit together and eat together.

What are your future plans?

That only God knows… as Man proposes, God disposes.