Karan Singh Grover entering Kasautii Zindagii Kay: allegedly played the role of Mr. Bajaj even though he was 300 years old

Karan Singh Grover is ready to enter Kasautii Zindagii Kay as Mr. Rishabh Bajaj. He will be Ronit Roy, who brilliantly played this irresistible character. The entry of Mr. Bajaj will spice up the drama and create a gap between lovers Anurag (Parth Samthaan) and Prerna (Erica Fernandes). It is interesting to note that Karan was part of the original series in which he played Prerna and Mr. Bajaj's son-in-law.

Karan is back on the small screen six years later. He was last seen playing Asad in Qubool Hai, the show he had left to relocate to Bollywood. Karan made an impressive debut with Alone alongside Bipasha Basu.

Although his film career failed, Karan and Bipasha fell in love and tied the knot in 2016. In addition to the actor Kasautii Zindagii Kay, the actor will also be making his digital debut with Boss: Baap of Special Services by Ekta Kapoor. The 37-year-old is also eagerly awaiting the release of his films Aadat and Firrkie.

Karan Singh Grover recently sat for an exclusive conversation with indianexpress.com. He talked about his return to television, playing Mr. Bajaj, and so on.

Extracts from the conversation.

You are ready to enter Kasautii Zindagii Kay. How do you feel?

I am very very excited. I know a lot of expectations are waiting for Ronit Roy, but I do not think it's necessary to take the pressure. The only emotion I have is gratitude and excitement.

What made you choose this as a return vehicle?

There was no other choice. No matter who would have agreed to do it. It's Mr. Bajaj. There was no second thought about it. Few changes have been made to the character and he has new dimensions. The new sketch was brilliantly done by the writers and Ekta, of course. I too have given some suggestions. Now, everything depends on the public.

The rumors surrounding Mr. Bajaj's role were numerous. Have you been lucky to be chosen?

Of course, I was delighted. Plus, the call came in first, so I knew I was doing it. And then I started hearing other names, but I knew it was a lie because I'm on board. But it is always good to know who are all in your league and some of them were really big names.

Are not you afraid to don an older character and the pepper and salt look?

Even if Mr. Bajaj were 300 years old, I would play him anyway. As for the look, I have a few blanks that Bipasha (Basu) does not stop telling me to color. I guess now I will not need to worry anymore.

Have you followed the reboot version of the series? How do you like Parth and Erica like Anurag and Prerna?

I followed him at the beginning, it's Kasautii after all. And now, I've watched a lot of recent episodes. I think Parth and Erica are absolutely great. They look great like Anurag and Prerna. They added a lot to the character and do an amazing job. No one can touch Shweta Tiwari's work, but from what I've seen, the actors are adorable and awesome.

While your fans are excited about your return, a section might be upset by the new Anurag angle. and the love story of Prerna. Are you ready for criticism?

I'm up for all the love. I have a very strong, ruthless and strong army. So whenever there is criticism, what I know, he will take care of it. They do not let me come to me.

You will also be considered a father in the series. Since you have not yet embraced parenting in real life, is it difficult to arouse emotions?

Who says I'm not a father? I have a little baby named Bipasha. I have a lot of paternal love for her, so there was no difficulty in emitting as a father. I also love working with children a lot. They have an exciting energy around them. Adulthood is boring.

What was Bipasha's reaction to you doing Kasautii?

She was delighted. Although she did not follow the series, she knows it's a popular show and that Mr. Bajaj's character is iconic. She is also happy that I am around the base. She was like what, with you, you always find a way to get into Basu families (laughs).

Do you have any memories of the original series?

I really remember Shweta Tiwari and Ronit Roy being such fabulous actors. I would be worried about how I even say my lines around them. But they really helped me a lot. Even when they were not working, they really helped me to hone my acting skills. They also had a very warm energy.

What message would you like to send to your fans who are eager to see you again?

All I want to tell them is that now you know why I stood apart. . If I were around, I would not have been Mr. Bajaj.