Mohnish Behl: A second coming

Kshama Rao

His debut as a hero [Teri Bahon Mein, 1984, costarring Ayesha Dutt] did not find too many takers.

So he did some negative roles, the most significant one being the superhit Maine Pyaar Kiya.

He became much sought after by both filmmakers and the audience.

A dozen films later, it was time for yet another makeover. A couple of lead roles -- albeit unintentionally classified as 'lead' roles (Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Hum Saath Saath Hain) -- and one can safely say that this versatile actor has come a long way.

After 16 years in the film industry, Mohnish Behl is now exploring his prospects on television. "An additional platform to showcase my talent," is how he describes his small screen debut in Cinevista's hospital series, Sanjivani starting from January 16. He plays Dr Shashank, a senior doctor whose life has had a fair share of trials and tribulations.

Prod him more about his television debut and he says, "The reason I took it up now is because I did not mature as an actor. A few of my films (Hum Saath Saath Hain, Astitva, Ek Rishtaa - The Bond Of Love) have helped me establish myself as a film actor. So this is the right time to appear on television as viewers will identify me. They would have known me through my films and would want to know what I am doing on the small screen."

Besides, Prem Kishen, the chief man behind Cinevista, has been friends with Mohnish since childhood. "We live in the same building. I have worked in (yet to be released) Yeh Mohabbat Hai, co-produced by him [Prem Kishen] and directed by Umesh Mehra. Mehra was one of the first people to give me a solo lead in my early days. I know and trust these people."

Sanjivani will be on Star Plus, Wednesdays at 2100 hours. "I hope television will contribute to my career as much as I think I will add to it, thanks to my experience in cinema," states Mohnish, adding that he has not given up one medium for another: "An artiste -- painter or musician -- always craves for more exposure, to reach out to more people. Television has become so big today that as an actor I cannot negate its influence."

Speaking about his role in Sanjivani, he says, "Playing my part came easily enough to me. I am comfortable with characters I played in Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Hum Saath Saath Hain. They are easy, unlike loud, aggressive parts."

He reminisces, "I must have definitely done something right in my career that the Rajshris [especially Sooraj Barjatya] cast me in three big films in a row. Creative satisfaction is an ongoing process. An actor can never sit back and say he is satisfied. One always yearns for more."

Mohnish Behl's forthcoming films include prestigious projects like J P Dutta's LoC, Smita Thackeray's Hum Do Hamara Ek and a film with Salman Khan and Bubby Kent.

India News Features Service