Mishkat Varma: I never saw any misogyny around me

Fronting Kavya—Ek Jazbaa, Ek Junoon, Mishkat Varma discusses playing a feminist character and why he hates people looking down on television

No matter what the world says, he loves television. “I am proud to be a television actor,” says Mishkat Varma, who is currently headlining the show, Kavya—Ek Jazbaa, Ek Junoon. While he has noticed the prejudice around TV content and the actors on the medium face, he believes that the audience is right. “If there are so many people watching these shows, it basically means that it is not all bad. And it has nothing to do with a person’s educational background. My parents are educated, and they enjoy watching television. They may not watch all my shows, but they have always supported me,” says the actor, adding that he hates it when people talk about television content in a condescending way.

While he may not share his character’s genius mind or the drive to be an IAS officer, the character’s feminist views resonate with him. Varma credits his upbringing and family for it. “Honestly, the concept of feminism was new to me. Growing up, I never saw any misogyny around me. My sister—also an actor—and I got the same privileges, love, and support. In fact, I think my parents supported my sister more than me. I never thought it should be any different for anyone. My father hopes that when I become a father, I have daughters, and I’d love nothing more,” shares Varma, adding, “I believe every guy should be a feminist.”

Asked why he chose the role of Adiraj, Varma insists that the reputation of the channel and the makers convinced him to come on board. “I haven’t had a super successful show yet. The story comes much later on the [priority list], after the channel and makers. I don’t think I have reached that stage where I can pick and choose scripts,” he explained, adding that tomorrow, if Karan Johar offered him a role, he wouldn’t refuse. “My first movie will choose me, not the other way around.”

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