American sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond will soon have a desi counterpart (Sumit Sambhal Lega) and playing the protagonist on it is Namit Das. We speak to Das about his new innings and what it’s like to play one of TV’s most loved characters.
Are you a fan of Raymond?
I think Raymond is a classic character — he is so relatable. He is a guy you come across in your daily life — a husband, a father, a son, a brother. The best part about him is that irrespective of what life throws at him, he maintains his sense of humour.
What were the auditions like?
I got a call from the makers and they asked me whether I’d like to audition for Sumit’s role. I was like, who wouldn’t? So I went and then one day I got a call saying, you’re selected. I was over the moon and I asked what I had done right, but never got an answer. I was told that whatever I did worked and that someone also spotted me in a play, which led to me getting the part.
Do you think the audience is ready for an offbeat show?
I do believe that the audience’s taste is changing and people are seeking a new diet when it comes to their daily dose of entertainment. This is not your typical saas-bahu drama as it addresses a man’s point of view. I think this turning of tables will be an interesting take.
How is the show being ‘Indianised’?
It is the story of Sumit in today’s India. The plus point about this show is that it is already based on a married guy and his family, which like I mentioned, doesn’t essentially need to be ‘Indianised’. The story itself is so relatable that it made perfect sense to adapt it for our audience. That being said, there still is a difference between a translation and an adaptation and though.
