Rahul Dev charts plan for second innings

Rahul Dev is excited to do what he does best — playing the role of an antagonist. The actor will be  spewing venom in the spin off show, Dil Boley Oberoi — a spinoff of Ishqbaaz — as Kali Thakur. Talking about his character, the actor shares, “The reason for doing this film is simple — doing anything experimental is fun.” He continues, “I was the first guy from a modelling background to successfully venture into films. I was also the first one to take up film projects down south. This one is interesting because while you have spinoffs abroad, this is the first one that India is experimenting with.”

The actor, who is back in action after a four-and-half year sabbatical, considers himself lucky to be flooded with work. He says, “This is my second innings, thanks to Bigg Boss and Dil Boley Oberoi. It’s fantastic to be associated with television,” adding that his Bollywood career is looking up because of his stint on television. He explains, “If I wouldn’t have been a part of the reality show, I don’t think Mubarakan would have happened. I was away from the industry for personal reasons. It is close to impossible to make a comeback. Today I am a part of so many projects, be it this show, or Mubarakan or the web series with Nagesh Kukunoor.”

Rahul is also specifically thrilled to be receiving character roles. He says, “When I look at character artistes, they begin after 40. For instance, Boman Irani took up his first film after he was 40. Since I too, am in my 40s, I think I am finally getting to be in my zone.”

Now that things are looking positive on his professional front, is marriage with Mugdha Ghodse on the cards anytime soon? He responds, “We are very happy in the state we are in. We really haven’t thought of marriage as of now. When two people allow themselves to be free, only then can they progress. If you look around, 90 percent of marriages are clichés — people aren’t genuinely happy even if they look happy together. We are happy the way we are.”