Saturday, February 8, 2025

‘I’m jokingly called the ‘richest gareeb’ by my friends’

Must read

Since making his debut into the entertainment world with Remix, Karan Wahi has since become a much-celebrated face in the industry. The actor, who is soon going to celebrate 20 years of his cult classic, speaks to The Pioneer, taking us through his formative years, and his breakthrough moments with the show.

Subodhini Purohit
Karan Wahi is an actor whose trajectory resembles a narrative twist in a Bollywood blockbuster. Initially pursuing a cricket career, destiny chose to throw him a curveball. Karan is unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight after being granted a role in the cult hit Remix.
From there, it’s a frenzy of auditions, uncertainty, and, finally, victories. As he navigates the rollercoaster ride of show business, he not only conquers the world of acting but also dabbles in the adrenaline-fuelled world of reality TV with shows.
In addition to acting, he has hosted Nach Baliye, Indian Idol, and India’s Next Superstars, and has shown his humorous side on Colors TV’s comedy show Comedy Nights Bachao.
Finding a passion by coincidence is frequently the most incredible journey one can start on. Many people believe Karan’s acting career was the result of a chance encounter that changed his life. “Acting was not a deliberate choice for me,” begins the Dill Mill Gaye fame. But little did he know that a producer would unexpectedly approach him at his college in Delhi and give him a role in Remix. “I came to Mumbai without much consideration, expecting to act for a year, enjoy it, and then return. However, I never went back. Initially, I had no desire to become an actor, but I regarded this opportunity as a way to improve my graph for a time.”
The audition in Delhi came as a surprise after someone discovered his photographs in an agency. Initially hesitant, “I eventually received a callback and was confirmed for the role after 10 or 12 days. My first producer, Shristi Arya, saw something in me that none of us expected would lead to the enormous success of Remix. We spent months filming without knowing if the show would ever air. But when it did, it caused a sensation! I suddenly found myself being identified, which drew me to act. Two decades ago, breaking into the industry was not as easy as it is today, so success felt like a huge milestone, one that motivated me to stay.”
In the ever-changing environment of Indian television, breakthrough moments frequently come from unexpected places. Such was the case with him. He adds, “To be honest, none of us had any expectations for Ranveer or whether people would like him. However, after two or three months of its release, Remix became a hit, filling a hole in Indian television’s youth-centric programming. Prior to Remix, the landscape consisted primarily of family dramas such as Kyunkis and Kahanis, but there were also serials that did not target younger audiences. The enormous success surprised us because it appeared to appeal to a wide segment of viewers seeking material tailored to their interests.”
Friendships formed on the set of a show frequently withstand the test of time, across distances and diverging paths. Sharing his bonds, the Kuch Toh Log Kahenge star says, “I’m still friends with everyone from the show, though we only see each other on occasion because everyone is so busy with their lives and careers. Some remain in the industry, while others have taken alternative paths. However, we always make it a point to get together on November 1st to celebrate the release of Remix. With the twentieth anniversary coming, I am positive there will be a reunion.”
Every part an actor portrays is remarkable in its own unique manner. However, the one character that resonates with and expresses the actor’s own personality always leaves a lasting impression. “In television, you immerse yourself in a character day after day, inadvertently incorporating aspects of yourself into the role. This has certainly been true for the majority of the gigs I’ve performed. If I had to pick one character who spoke to me the most, it would be Sid (Dr. Sidhant Modi) from Dill Mill Gaye. At 24, I was as funny and stupid as my character, so it felt like a natural fit,” says the Channa Mereya star, who appreciates receiving immediate reactions while anchoring live on television. However, he emphasises that it is a distinct type of challenge, needing instinctive reflexes and balancing retakes to keep viewers interested.
He is not someone who seeks inspiration from others; he goes on to say, “Your personality is what makes you distinct. While working with Maniesh Paul, I enjoyed the enthusiasm we had onstage, and part of his flair may have rubbed off on me. However, everyone is unique, with their own sense of humour and intuition on stage. While it’s fine to learn from others’ hard work and expertise, it’s critical to be loyal to yourself rather than attempting to emulate someone else’s success.”
Many people like simplicity, and Karan is no exception, finding comfort and confidence in his traditional manner. “I’m probably the least likely person to enjoy fashion. My style is really straightforward; I prefer t-shirts and denim, adhering to the classics. Shopping alone isn’t my forte either; I basically go for whatever the mannequins are wearing. My aesthetic sense isn’t great; my friends jokingly call me the “richest gareeb” (poor) since I prefer to stick to what’s comfortable and familiar, frequently wearing the same t-shirt in different colors.” We got it, Karan.
OTT, which is driving the industry’s transformation, has something to offer everyone in the sector because it has ushered in a new era of possibilities and has produced a lot more talent. “It’s an exciting period for everyone involved in the profession, including performers, technicians, and directors. The abundance of jobs and various personas to portray is absolutely impressive.”
“Today, stardom does not ensure success; audiences have diverse tastes, and productions are diversified. The OTT revolution has created innumerable chances, but not every show will succeed. Those who seize opportunities and work hard will enjoy the benefits. However, there is a risk of complacency; waiting for that one breakthrough role can slow growth. It’s critical to be realistic and proactive when chasing prospects.”
Excitement fills the air as he delves into a new project unlike any other, and he concludes by saying, “I’m currently working on a project that has piqued my interest from the beginning. It’s a novel format, particularly for the web, with a lengthy plot. Plus, working with pals like Jennifer Winget of Dill Mill Gayye is always a plus. My character, Virat, is unlike any others I’ve played. He’s flawed and real, unlike the traditional hero archetype. The feedback has been tremendous, and this is the type of initiative that encourages you to give your all. Even when I finish my work for the day, it stays with me, which I find motivating.”

- Advertisement -spot_img

More articles

- Advertisement -spot_img

Latest article