Raju Shrestha is new in Sudhir Sharma and Seema Sharma’s TV show Ziddi Dil Maane Na (ZDMN). The actor plays the role of Prem in the daily. The actor shares the kind of positive feedback he has been receiving for his role enthuses him to do better.
“The response I’m getting is very good. It is being watched by the youth as they are the target audience of ZDMN. Thankfully, the concept, presentation and performances have hit the bull’s eye. The TRPs are only getting better. It feels good when your effort gets appreciated,” he says.
The actor, who has started his journey as a child artist and has been a part of a number of Bollywood classics including the likes of Bawarchi (1972), Amar Prem (1972), Chitchor and Abhimaan (1973). He has also done a number of popular Hindi TV shows. Raju is known for his acting prowess and the kind of work he associates himself with.
Sharing how things worked out for him with ZDMN and why the show is doing well, he adds, “They wanted a new twist, add to the shock factor but in a subtle way by making someone new enter the show. That’s SAB TV’s style. And, this is the reason why I got on board… I auditioned for Prem character and it worked out pretty well… This show is Sudhir and Seema’s creative brainchild. They’ve thought on a different level and it’s quite unique in its own way and that’s why it is doing so well. Otherwise in daily soaps, the same story and drama gets repeated. The young audiences who are into reality shows like Roadies and therefore like the concept, feel of ZDMN. We’ve just started but it’s been good so far.”
About how much he relates to his character, Raju says, “I play the role of an actor who has come here to train in the Parakram Academy. I relate to this character well, more so, because I come from a Bollywood background. I have done more than 150 films and thousands of episodes. My experiences have also helped me in getting into the skin of the character. I’m trying to get a little filmy in this show.”
Praising the producers of the show, Raju reasons why the show has been touching the right chord with the audience.
“Both Sudhir and Seema are warm, friendly and approachable. You can talk to them about any issue and they will help you. It’s nice to collaborate with such professional people. My last show on &TV was with Amir Jaffar. He was also nice and kind. After so many years of my television career, I’ve met these nice people and enjoy working with them. They know how to treat their actors,” he ends.
