“My work is my girlfriend”- Rithvik Dhanjani

We in close conversation with Rithvik Dhanjani who plays Arjun, the sweet and sensuous lover of Purvi on Zee TV’s Pavitra Rishta. He comes across as an intelligent actor who speaks quite well. He is very courteous and modest.

You did theatre in Dubai for two and a half years. Do you think your theatre experience has groomed you into being a better TV actor? You took an acting course from the Kishore Namit Kapoor Institute. Would you recommend that to those who want to make a break into the TV industry do an acting course?

Yes, my theatre background and the acting course have helped me a lot. However everyone needs to do a thorough research before choosing an acting course. If they wish to choose an acting school they should choose the most reputed ones. I enrolled in a good acting school.

You did negative roles in Bandini and Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani. Were you looking forward to playing a positive role which is why you took up Arjun’s role in Pavitra Rishta?

Viewers had appreciated my performance in both Bandini and Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani. I even got nominated for Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani. You however need to show all your colours and shades as an actor. I was very happy when I got a completely out-of-the-box positive role for Pavitra Rishta. It was a complete change of image.

You are a Balaji blue eyed boy. Balaji must be like home turf to you. Are you looking forward to venturing outside Balaji (doing long term lead roles with other production houses)?

I haven’t done anything outside Balaji. I have deep trust in the production house and the people out there. My colleagues in Balaji are like my family members. It is like a second home to me. I would never ever leave Balaji. However I am open to venturing outside Balaji too.

Can you identify with Arjun?

No, Arjun is very subtle and business oriented. He is a white collared gentleman. I am very cheeky. I jump around. I can’t stay in one place even for a minute.

Would you say that Arjun is a self-made man?

Yes he is a self-made man but not completely. His dad has given him the base. However he has done a lot on his own too.

Will Arjun and Purvi marry soon or will things go against them tying the knot?

Ekta Kapoor is the Queen of Soaps. This is Balaji, so expect the unexpected.

Ankita Lokhande plays Arjun’s to-be-mother-in-law. Ankita is just a few years older than you. When the camera is not rolling you must be bonding like friends in the same age group with Ankita…

I am not really sure how older Ankita is to me. All of us bond really well on the sets. The set is our comfort zone. We are all chilled out.

The TRP of Pavitra Rishta dropped after the generation leap. Before the leap it was among the top most shows. Please give your views on this.

Pavitra Rishta is about Archana and Manav. In the first generation the chemistry of Archana and Manav was very new. The first generation also got a TRP as high as 7. The second generation is the fruit of Archana and Manav. Nevertheless the crux of the show is still Archana and Manav. The TRP hasn’t dropped drastically after the generation leap.

You were among the top 100 contestants of Dance India Dance Season 1. A judge of Dance India Dance had told me that he feels that Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5-Dancing with the stars doesn’t showcase real dancing talent as it shows stars dancing. He feels that Dance India Dance showcases real dancing talent. What do you feel?

I did Dance India Dance long back. I am not a trained dancer. I don’t know the technicalities of controlling the body while dancing. I am a very raw dancer. Dance India Dance is a dance oriented show. Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa- Dancing with the stars is a celebrity dance show. Some of the celebrities on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa- Dancing with the stars can’t dance. Personal success on the show is a combination of how much you are loved as a star and how well you can dance.

How have your dancing skills been further honed on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa- Dancing with the stars?

I am learning various new dance styles on the show. This show is giving me formal training.

Are you open to participating in Fear Factor and Bigg Boss?

I am open to doing Fear Factor. I am unsure about Bigg Boss. I won’t be doing more than just living in a house in Bigg Boss.

Do you have a girlfriend?

No, my work is my girlfriend.

Are you a sweet, soft and sensuous lover like Arjun?

I would like to be like that. I will surely try.