Famous film and television actor Sameer Dharmadhikari is essaying the role of Agrasen Maharaja in &TV’s GharEk Mandir- Kripa Agrasen Maharaja Ki. Produced by Zee Studios, the show is a never-seen-before socio drama on Indian television built around the context of the legendary king, Agrasen Maharaja. In a candid conversation, the actor shares details about the show, his role and much more.
1. You are playing the character of Agrasen Maharaja in the show. Tell us about your role and how did you bag it?
I will be essaying the pivotal role of Agrasen Maharaja himself. He laid the foundation of the Agrawal community, and through his ideologies, the community grew and prospered. Genda, the lead protagonist, is an ardent devotee of Agrasen Maharajan and shares a beautiful bond with him where she sees him as her friend, philosopher, and guide. Through her faith in Agrasen Maharaja and her abilities, she faces and conquers challenges in her life. He is not only Genda’s mentor and guide but also a close confidante. He is a friend to Genda in times of need and shows her the correct path in life. His presence alone brings Genda, his bhakt, a sense of calmness. People are aware of Agrasen Maharaja, but no such show has been attempted on Indian Television before. This story is unique and quite refreshing. I am sure it will create intrigue and strike a chord with the viewers.
When I finally got the offer, I was overjoyed. There were a few rounds of auditions that I went through. Based on the auditions and then the look test that involved permutations and combinations of the character’s look, I underwent different styles and variations before finalising. I have never been a part of a socio-drama, so this was a golden opportunity to discover a new genre. I am delighted to be a part of GharEk Mandir- Kripa Agrasen Maharaja Ki.
2. Were you hesitant while taking up a historical character who many people across India also worship?
Not at all. It is indeed an honour and a momentous moment for me. Mythology as a genre is not new to me. The show is a socio-drama that is interesting and intrigued me. The first time on Indian television, a show built around the legendary king, Agrasen Maharaja, is telecasted, which got me interested and wanted to be a part of the show. People are aware of Agrasen Maharaja, but there has been very little representation, especially in the Hindi GEC space. This show is a first in many aspects.
3. Any special preparations you are undergoing to get into the character?
In terms of preparations, the production team conducted a workshop to prepare the artists. Playing the role of Agrasen Maharaja is not only a big honour but also a big responsibility. Therefore, understanding the character nuances and his ideologies is extremely crucial. Here, the researcher on the show helped us by leading us in the right direction. It has been an enriching experience.
4. It is the first time Hindi GEC will witness a show on Agrasen Maharaja – how does this make you feel?
There is a lot of buzz and excitement around the show concept, its characters and the actors. We, too, are equally elated and excited to be a part of this show. There is a lot of hard work gone into it, and we are looking forward to the viewers’ response to the show. This story is unique and has never been explored before. Hence, I am sure it will intrigue and strike a chord with the viewers. I have many expectations from it personally, and the entire production and creative team have been working very hard. Now it is up to our audience.
I am looking forward to a positive response to the show and also my role as Agrasen Maharaja.
5. Tell us about the show’s storyline.
‘GharEk Mandir- Kripa Agrasen Maharaja Ki’ is a never-seen-before socio drama built around the context of a legendary king, Agrasen Maharaja, on Indian television. Agrasen Maharaja was the founder of the Agrawal community of traders, and through his ideologies, he helped the community prosper. The story depicts the core principles of Agrasen Maharaja through his ardent bhakt and the show’s lead protagonist, Genda. Genda is a devoted girl belonging to a low-income family who eventually gets married into a business family. The show brings a heart-warming and captivating story of faith, family and navigating various crises in life. The story is an emotional journey of how Genda eventually saves her father-in-law’s business under Agrasen Maharaja’s divine guidance.
6. The show revolves around the core principles of Agrasen Maharaja. How do you think these principles are relevant in today’s time and age?
Yes, the show beautifully essays the principles and ideologies of Agrasen Maharaja through its lead protagonist Genda, who considers it a way of life. Practically speaking too, these principles are very much relevant in today’s time as well. For example, ‘Raat din Mausam samay sab badatejaayein, waqtkesaath jo khud nabadle who peeche reh Jaye’ is so apt, and many of us follow it. One must keep updating himself according to the changing times to stay ahead of the race. There are three more principles like these, which, if inculcated as a part of the daily routine, will help us improvise our approach towards life.
Watch Sameer Dharmadhikari as Agrasen Maharaja in &TV’s ‘GharEk Mandir – Kripa Agrasen Maharaja Ki’, premiering on August 10th at 9:00 pm; airing every Monday to Friday
0 Comments