Manav Kaul: People offered me serious roles due to my theatre background

Manav Kaul says his romantic act in Ajeeb Daastaans has made audience see him in a new light

Scroll through your Twitter feed and chances are you’ll find more than a fair share of social media users raving about Manav Kaul in Ajeeb Daastaans. The actor, usually associated with sombre roles, has now become the darling of netizens, courtesy his lover boy act in Kayoze Irani’s segment, Ankahi, in the Netflix anthology. 

He admits playing Kabir in the charming love story has been a refreshing change of pace. “People offered me more serious and complex roles because of my theatre background. I want to let the world know that I also have this side to me as [a romantic] actor,” says Kaul, who plays a speech- and hearing-impaired photographer in the drama. “[Before the shoot], I was wondering whether I can pull off this role. It was difficult because [I had to learn] the sign language, and the character came with a lot of complexity. I kept asking Kayo [director] if I can do this, and I am glad I attempted a role that I have never done before. There is something [endearing] about love stories, and this character is close to my heart.”

Interestingly, Shefali Shah was one of the prime reasons Kaul came on board the short film. An ardent admirer of her craft, he says, “When I learnt Shefali is playing the character of Natasha, I told Kayo, ‘Please cast me. Come what may, I want to work with her.’ If your co-star is a fantastic actor, it ups your game as well. I am looking good on screen because of Shefali.”

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