- Tell us something about the show.
COLORS’ latest supernatural drama ‘Pishachini’ unravels the tale of a family and their encounter with an evil demoness, Rani. An enchantress, she pretends to be a damsel in distress, but eventually entraps people and devours their souls with her enchanting beauty and dark energies. She casts her evil eye on Rajput family intending to capture their soulsincluding Rakshit Rajput a.k.a. ‘Rocky’, who is a carefree young boy who discards all supernatural beliefs. But there is one person, Pavithra(played by Jiya Shankar), who is wellaware of the supernatural presence as her ancestral past is connected to Rani’s. She has a chance to encounter the youngest member of the Rajput family, Rakshit Rajput that leads her into their house. Pavithra senses the impending danger surrounding the Rajput house and decides to expose Rani’s truth in front of everyone. Will Pavithra save the Rajputs from the wrath of ‘Pishachini’?
- Tell us about your character in the show?
I am essaying the role of Rakshit a.k.a. ‘Rocky’ who has the persona of a regular boy next door. He only believes in having a good life. He is a bit reckless in nature and gets cynical about ghost stories and supernatural powers. His resistance towards ancient culture and practices makes him disapprove of any kind of supernatural beliefs. He is close to his siblings and other family members which shows he is deeply connected with them. Rakshit continues to live carefree until his life takes a new turn when he meets Pavithra, his cousin’s friend who is opposite to him with regards to such beliefs.
- Why did you choose to play this character?
I have always been fascinated by supernatural and thriller shows. While I have been a part of a few supernatural shows before, it was Pishachini’s intriguing storyline that caught my attention. When the makers narrated Rakshit’s role to me, I felt a connection! I was able to relate with the character as he has a child-like innocence to his nature and I have always been a child at heart myself. However, the audience will see his character growing into amature man as the story unfolds. Capturing his character arc will be an opportunity as well as a challenge for me to discover myself as an actor.
- You have previously done supernatural shows. What is it that intrigues you so much about this genre?
I have always been a fan of the fantasy genre. I feel that acting in such shows becomes exciting and you travel to a whole different world of superpowers. Being a part of such a show alsoallows me to explore more as an actor and experiment with my character.
- Your previous show ‘Nazar’ has been compared to ‘Pishachini’, what would you say about it?
I feel it would be unfair to compare ‘Nazar’ to ‘Pishachini’. ‘Pishachini’ is a whole different storyline. While it is the same genre and there can be a few similarities. However, both are completely different storylines and as the story unfolds on the screen viewers too will agree with me on this. Moreover, my characters in bothshows are completely distinctive from each other. In Nazar, my character had some supernatural powers in him, whereas in Pishachini, I’m just a regular boy next door who gets frightened even listening to the folklore involving any supernatural elements. The show, the characters, and the storyline are altogether different here.
- The supernatural television shows often face criticism for being somewhat unrealistic, what do you have to say about that?
Every genre receives criticism from some part of the audience. However, that doesn’t mean that the entire genre is disliked. As an actor, our job is to use our wildest imagination to create characters that can truly entertain them. I also believe that whatever we do, we should always be prepared for our critics as well. On a positive note, I would say that it is the impact of the show that makes people watch it closely and talk about it.
- How was your experience of shooting the show in Himachal Pradesh so far?
We shot in a small-town ‘Chail’ of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most blissful places I have ever visited. Even if you visit all the scenic places of this town, there’s so much more to explore. I am glad that we shot Pishachini between the beautiful mountains and river of Chail. I am certain that our audience will love watching the show as much as we loved shooting it. It has been an absolute pleasure working in Himachal Pradesh, and I hope to explore this state even more in the future.
- What is your message to the viewers?
‘Pishachini’ is unlike any other show that I have ever done before. The show is thrilling, spine-chilling, and will hook you to the storyline. It is a complete package of suspense, drama, and fantasy. All I would say to my fans is to get ready for a roller coaster ride because I am certain that everyone will thoroughly enjoy being a part of this spectacular story!
