Karan to Arjun

After playing Karna in Mahbharat, actor Aham Sharma finds his challenges in the multi-layered character Arjun Mehra in Dosti... Yaariyan... Manmarziyan

Mona

Have your eyes fixed on the goal, but, also enjoy the journey along...is the mantra that actor Aham Sharma lives his life by. Wherever he is, whatever he is doing, Aham believes in giving his best.

Currently seen as Arjun Mehra on Star Plus’ show Dosti... Yaariyan... Manmarziyan, this engineer has had an incredible journey from a small town, Salimpur, some 30 km from Patna to bagging a Star Parivar Award and Indian Telly Award, he shares his journey…

Challenging act

Rarely does a male actor get to play a challenging character like Arjun Mehra. It gives you a chance to portray multiple shades. The very storyline engrossed me and I wanted to play Arjun from the word go. Also, this show is by the same team that I have done Mahabharat (2013 TV series) with. I was keen to work with them again, so I signed Manmarziyan. After a mythological show, I wanted to play contemporary characters. So, among the many soaps that I got offers for, I found this one most challenging and grabbed it.

Step by step

Right in my college days I knew that I wouldn’t fit in a regular nine-to-five job. I had an inclination towards acting but it was only once I finished my engineering and started working, I could act upon my dream. I landed a job in Mumbai and started attending acting workshops. I got my first project in Chand Ke Paar Chalo and as I got accepted in the industry, I quit my job. I am in a happy space at the moment for I am doing what I love, acting.

One thing at a time

Currently I am doing just Manmarziyan. For a daily soap leaves little scope for any other project. I have done three films and couple of telly shows. But it’s as Karan in Mahabharat that I really clicked with the viewers. I feel fortunate for having an opportunity to play Karan. The character is intriguing. The mass appeal the show fetched was a fabulous experience.

Small vs big

Exploring the creative side, films are way better a platform as one can prepare for the role than TV. Telly is instant. In daily soaps, sometimes one is left with the feeling that one could have given a better performance. Having said that, television is a very powerful medium.

Healthy habits

I am fitness conscious. I prefer an agile look better than a bulky one any day. I do lots of martial arts and gymming. However, with a daily soap on air all plans go haywire. I still make sure to exercise at least an hour a day for five to six days a week, even if it means that I have to cut down on sleep.

Revisiting history

Apart from Manmarziyan, I have finished shooting for Arunachal 1962. It’s a film that’s set in the time period of Indo-China war but explores beyond the battle. A kind of a mystery, very real and falls in the world cinema genre.

mona@tribunemail.com