Happy doing TV at the moment: Arav Choudhary

Umargaon: Actor Arav Chaudhary, who has been part of big-budget Bollywood films like ‘Dhoom’ and ‘Lakshya’, has received appreciation for his portrayal of Bhishma Pitamah in ‘Mahabharat’ and he says he is enjoying working on the small screen.

“It is a good transition for me. But as an actor whatever is offered to me, as long as I am convinced about it, I will do it… whether it is TV or cinema, lead or supporting. It doesn’t really matter. Times have changed, cinema has changed so has TV. I am really enjoying my small screen stint,” Arav told PTI in an interview.

‘Mahabharat’, produced by Swastik Productions, has been airing on Star Plus since September last year.

The former Mr India has played the younger as well as the older Bhishma on the show and has been praised by critics and loved by the audience for the way he has enacted the part with conviction.

However, he says his TV stardom will not stop him to take up small roles in Bollywood films.

“Yeah why not. It will depend on the filmmaker, role. As a creative person it does not bother me where you slot me as long as I have something really good to show and given the freedom to perform my way,” he said.

Arav has also starred in films like ‘Right yaaa Wrong’, ‘The Perfect Husband’, ‘Family’, ‘No Smoking’, ‘The Deadly Disciple’ and ’88 Antop Hill’. The actor says he is aware how film trade functions and that his current success will not guarantee a lead role in a Bollywood movie.

“There is no denying the fact that there is a star system and the hero is paid an astronomical amount of money. How trade functions is very different from how the audiences perceive you. They are genuine… if you are talented and do a good job they will like you.

“The film industry does not function like that. They say they believe in talent. But it really functions on commerce. It won’t change. If I am aware of that then I know how everybody is going to perceive me,” he said.

Arav is looking forward to the release of his Kannada-language film ‘Ajith’ in which he plays the main villain. The film is set to hit theatres on May 9.