Punit J Pathak, who dreamt of being a cricketer and then an ace choreographer, has done it all. The newly married groom and talented choreographer turned actor, Punit J Pathak is all set to make his OTT debut with LSD– Love Scandal & Doctors as a dashing cop.
We got talking to him about his show, life after marriage and more. Excerpts from the interview:
Tell us about LSD - Love, Scandal & Doctors?
LSD - Love, Scandal & Doctors talks about five medical interns in the KMRC medical college in Delhi, a premier medical institute. The story starts when they suddenly find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation—struggling between right and wrong and fact versus fiction. Here they are tested on both personal and professional aspects.
What will be your character?
I am playing the instrumental role of inspector Tavish Singh. I love it because this character has; no one knows what he feels because he always filters his emotions. Sometimes smiling, sometimes smoking, sometimes serious, sometimes sarcastic, so it is multilayered. Usually, characters are just 2 or 3 faced, but this man has many faces. He has a personal equation and reaction with every doctor, so that is the best part, and I loved playing this character, and with the equipped team of great writers and directors, I was able to portray Tavish effortlessly. I am looking forward to the audiences' reaction to the same.
How did you grab the role?
Like everyone else during the lockdown, I was also trying everything the world did, Yoga, meditation, cooking, Dalgona coffee, work out, "Jhaadu Pocha", trying to read, watch series, cleaning wardrobe, and all. I also got engaged, got some time to think for myself and give myself a reality check, and realized it was time to take the next step, that was the primary thing. While this was happening, I got a call from ALTBalaji saying they are doing this show, and this is the script, there is this character we want you to play. I gave the audition over the phone. I enjoyed being a part of it because when the show came in, it was challenging, it was new, and this role had nothing related to dancing, being a cop, being in character, I loved every aspect of it. The excitement of this multilayered character, plus me wearing a uniform, gave me a different feeling and attitude to play Tavish. I loved wearing a uniform.
How is married life treating you?
So far, very good. I honestly don't think it has sunk in. It is still me spending time with my best friend, that is the best part, so far so good, all cool, all nice. The best part about her and me is we respect giving each other' space. It is beautiful to come back home and have your loved one next to you.
Did you go through any physical transformation for this role?
Yes. I did cut down a lot. I was in that phase where I wanted to take care of myself, I was already in the process, and I knew the uniform would be fitted so I did tone down and I am pretty much convinced with my look.
Will we see you more in the acting space?
I will work. Whatever work I do in my life, I give my hundred percent, in fact, I will do more than my 100%. Here's a part of my fan following who always pushed me to act, but the choreography, dancing, judging being my bread and butter always pushed me to take projects that involved my passion. For those who wanted me to do strictly acting, this is their answer and I hope I fulfill their expectations. I am definitely up for more when something comes my way.
What preparations have you done for your character in the show?
Tavish is a dashing cop and I felt like I have a responsibility as an artist towards him. So, I made sure I don't mug up the lines, I said in my own way. There is always a personal touch when you do that. Here I am interrogating 5 medical interns, who are suspects of a murder, they are my junior's age, and experience-wise I always pictured them as my students or assistants checking whether what they are doing is right or wrong. The lines and script and storyline are from the story writer as Tavish, but the feeling is of Punit, the choreographer who is checking on his assistants or students, so there is a little bit of choreographer Punit mixed with Tavish.
What is your take on nepotism?
With all due respect to everyone in a highly competitive world, but if my son wants to be a choreographer or dancer, he has the genes, and I have the experience to do everything I can to do, of course I would help him. I feel nepotism is overrated; for example, a shop owner will hand over his business to his son.
Do you think OTT platforms are the future of the entertainment industry?
Yes, OTT platforms are the future, the way things are going, which is very close to becoming the present. Our generation and people in metro cities are used to it. It just needs to reach rural areas a bit more, but it will soon be there.
Image Source: Instagram/punitjpathakofficial
Image Source: Instagram/punitjpathakofficial