Arjit Taneja: Ratings matter, but you can’t keep thinking about that

After wrapping up his role in Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye, Arjit Taneja wasn’t in a rush to take on another project. So, when he was offered the male lead role in Jhanak after the generational leap, his first instinct was to decline.

“I prefer being part of a show from the start,” he explains, adding, “With leaps, there’s usually a lingering attachment to the original cast.

Also, I needed time to detach from my previous character and experience. But sometimes, you have to go with the flow, and eventually, I said yes.”Quite often, a popular face is roped in to boost an ongoing show’s ratings. On dealing with the pressure that comes with such a move, Arjit says, “Of course, ratings matter — they determine how long a show runs.

But you can’t keep thinking about that. My focus is on doing justice to the role and I want this new character to connect with viewers the way my last character Virat did. Chemistry with the heroine, a solid story and a supportive team all play a role.

I had that in my last show, and I hope I find that here too. When you are spending 12 hours a day on set, the environment matters.”In a previous chat with us, Arjit confirmed that he was indeed part of the show and shared how he initially declined the offer before eventually agreeing.

He recalled, “While I was still shooting for KMTMG, I got a call from the production house of Jhanak for what I thought was a new show. I did a mock shoot but didn’t think much of it since I was busy wrapping up a show I was emotionally invested in. Later, they told me the mock shoot wasn’t for a new show but for the male lead in Jhanak after the leap.

I declined the offer. I’ve always believed that if I do a show, I want to start from the beginning.”When asked what changed his mind, he replied, “The makers reached out again and explained their vision. They pitched it as a new version with a fresh story, and that made me see it differently.”