Anas Rashid has always been atheletic

Anas Rashid, whose character Sooraj takes on a new journey in Diya Aur Baati Hum, talks about the change in plot, how his kabaddi stint as a child is helping him train for the new role and much more

Are you fond of sports in real life?
As a child, I was a lot into sports. I used to enjoy lawn tennis and basketball particularly. Surprisingly, I had a balanced aptitude for sports and academics, which my parents were extremely proud of. Today, I enjoy watching cricket and lawn tennis. Given my schedule, it gets tough to catch up on them regularly but I was, am and always will be a sports-inclined person.
 
Have you trained in kabaddi for the show?
I’m not trained in kabaddi, but I have played the sport as a child. I have fond memories of that. So when the track came about, I was elated to be playing kabaddi on screen. My real life experience of playing kabaddi is coming in handy now.
 
After majorly focusing on Sandhya in the show, is the focus on Sooraj a welcome change?
From the very beginning, Diya Aur Baati Hum was about the journey of Sandhya and Sooraj collectively. The track about Sandhya becoming an IPS officer was not only about her character finally being able to pursue her dream, but also about how Sooraj was going all out and supporting her. Likewise, with the current track, it is also about Sandhya giving it all she can to make Sooraj’s dream of owning a hotel come true.
 
How is it playing a father on the show? How is your rapport with your onscreen sons?
Playing a father is a really different feeling. I actually feel protective towards the two boys who play my sons on screen. Not only the boys, the girls too are extremely adorable. All of them put together, are so full of energy, I can’t tell you. Ved, who plays my son, just like his character, is the naughtiest of the lot.  
 
Are you fond of cooking in real life? Have you cooked for co-stars or family?
Whenever there is a special occasion like Id, I cook for my near and dear ones. I feel food helps people connect on another level and that has definitely been the case with my co-stars  
 
Do you also plan to enter films?
It’s on every TV actor’s agenda to act in a movie. As and when an opportunity comes my way, I will grab it with both hands.