Handsome hunk Siddhant Karnick is making his small screen comeback with Zee TV’s period drama Ek Tha Raja Ek Thi Rani (Sphereorigin production). The actor will play the role of a royal prince, Indravadan Singh Deo, in the series.

Looking dapper at the press launch of the show, Siddhant answered all our questions with much ease and gusto. Read on…

How would you define your character, Indravadan Singh Deo?

Indravadan aka Ranaji is a royal prince whose life is a mystery. Thanks to a traumatized past, he is always tensed and worried. However, he is still capable of being a prince and knows his sense of responsibility towards all. He suspects a conspiracy in the palace and is determined to go to the roots of it. Ranaji is very strong, powerful and full of layers.

Did you refer to a book or movie for your role?

I had to prepare myself for the action sequences. I learned to ride a horse. In fact, I fell from the horse twice but didn’t hurt myself. I also took diction classes to get the nuances of the era gone by right.

You look quite royal in real life too. Was it the reason you bagged this role?

Yes, because of my urban vibe, I was chosen to play this role!

This is your comeback. Was it worth the wait?

Yes, absolutely. I am very selective when it comes to work. I played a vampire in my earlier show, while the YRF serial was also unconventional. I enjoy playing roles that have multiple layers in it. The only reason I took time to make a comeback is that Indian television leads are one-dimensional. Perhaps that’s why I am more attracted to negative roles.

Have you struggled to reach where you are now?

I have a simple funda, ‘if money starts diminishing in the bank, I start doing television!’ I earn on TV so that I could pursue my first love, theatre.

What did you learn from yesteryear actress Anita Raj?

I would not talk about her acting as she is an institution in herself! But off-camera, she is my fitness inspiration. Once we were exercising, and I was out of breath, but Anita ma’am was still at it. She can put all the men to shame with her vigour and energy. I am happy that she is playing my Raj Mata.

With so many western actors on the small screen, has the struggle doubled up for Indian actors?

Struggle is part of an actor’s life. If there were 200 competitions, now there are 210, so it doesn’t really matter. The role is always going to be the same and only one person is going to get that. I think competition is good as it makes you work harder.

How is it working with Drashti Dhami?

Superb! Drashti is a veteran. She guides and helps me a lot.

Your take on reality shows?

I would love to do one, but everything has its own time.

All the best, Siddhant!