Exclusive - Paras Kalnawat on his tough phase post his sudden exit from Anupamaa; says 'A lot of people warned me that I was taking a big risk...'

Paras Kalnawat, who had taken a brief break from television, has made a comeback with the hit show Parineetii, stepping into the role of Aditya Kashyap after the storyline took a 20-year leap.

In an exclusive conversation with Times of India TV, the actor opened up about joining the show after the generational shift, the responsibility of keeping up with the show’s TRPs, and the complexities of his new character. Paras also spoke about his sudden exit from Anupamaa and the challenging phase that followed.How does it feel to be back with a new show and a new character?Honestly, it feels like I’ve come back home as I've worked previously with both the channel and the production house.

They are very close to my heart because I’ve had some great memories with them in the past. This comeback feels emotional and exciting at the same time. After finishing my last show, I took my longest break ever — almost eight months. It gave me time to rest and think. And now, stepping into the role of Aditya feels just right.

This show has been running for a long time and is loved by so many people. I feel lucky to be a part of it.

The show is taking a 20-year leap. That’s a big change. Do you feel any pressure joining now?Every actor feels some pressure to do well, but for me, this feels like a great opportunity. It’s rare to get a chance to enter a popular show that’s already doing so well. Yes, people will have expectations, but I always give my full effort. I’m not scared — I’m excited. This is a fresh start for me, and I’m giving it everything I’ve got.Tell us about Aditya. How is he different from the roles you've played before?Aditya is very different from my past roles. He’s confident, stylish, and doesn’t believe in love — which is new for me.

Usually, I’ve played sweet and romantic characters, but Aditya has a more serious side. He’s gone through heartbreak, and you’ll see that pain in his eyes. What I love about him is that he’s not one-dimensional, he’s layered, emotional, and has a strong story. This role is very special to me and I think it will help me grow as an actor.Did any actor or character inspire you while preparing for this role?Romantic and emotional roles have always been my favorite. And when it comes to showing heartbreak and love, Shah Rukh Khan is my biggest inspiration.

The way he expresses emotions is just magical. I know it’s not easy to match that, but I try to bring my own version of that depth into my performance.Couple years ago, you faced a difficult time when you were asked to leave the show mid-way, but you did not give-up. You believed in yourself even when others doubted you. Can you talk more about that phase?Yes, I’ve always believed that if you follow the truth and stay honest, the universe supports you. That’s what happened to me too. A lot of people warned me that I was taking a big risk and that things might not work out. But I told them, their story isn’t mine. My path could be different.

Luckily, I got a chance to prove myself. Not everyone gets that opportunity. And if I hadn’t, maybe I would’ve felt sad. But with God’s blessings and all the love I’ve received, I’ve been able to show what I can do and for that, I’m truly thankful.Did you ever feel self-doubt during this time?Not at all. I was clear about what I was doing. Even when my family had concerns about why I suddenly had to leave the show, I told them — I want to do what’s right, not just what’s big. And they trust me.

That trust gives me strength.What about OTT shows? Are you interested in working on that platform?Definitely. OTT has opened so many doors for actors. Earlier, TV actors weren’t always considered for such roles, but now that has changed. People are now looking for good actors, no matter where they come from. I did get OTT offers during my break, but back then I wasn’t mentally ready. Now, I feel prepared. Right now, my full focus is on. But yes, I’m open to exploring OTT in the future.