After a brief hiatus, Karan Wahi returns on the soapbox again, albeit in a character role called Rohan in Kuch Toh Log Kahenge. "My role has been planned for three months, so I don't know what will happen beyond that. I've also shot a pilot episode for a love story, Yeh Pyaar Nibhayenge Hum, but I am not aware of its status. After February, I'll be able to figure out what is likely to keep me busy," Karan says with a hint of a laugh. If you've wondered what makes Karan's screen chemistry with co-star Kritika Kamra so sizzling, he says that's essentially because he they share a "chilled out relationship. "I've known her for the last three years. It's easier to work with friends," he says.
As a young heartthrob, Karan admits that he likes, "girls running after me. In fact, I get irritated when I don't get attention from them! Most 25 year old guys have to work hard to impress the girls and have to do all the chasing. For me the roles are reversed. What more can a guy ask for? It's fun to be the centre of attention. There are times when I know I am not looking my best, but people say 'you look cute'. That kind of adulation spoils you a bit. I sincerely hope that even when I am 50, I get this much attention," he laughs. Karan loves being the focus of attention so much that, "whenever" he feels sad or lonely, he goes to "a mall where 20,000 people hound me and I get all charged up. I love being famous."
Saas bahu soaps provide the much required masala on entertainment television and Karan too, doesn't mind doing one. "I don't tell myself what to do and what not to. If I like a show, I do it. I don't think about TRPs when I sign up for a show," he says.
We quiz him how he feels about popular film scenes being adapted on TV shows. Karan who has done a lot of such scenes himself, feels, "if film scenes are constantly being recreated in a soap, they lose their charm. But if the recreated scene can be spiced up a bit, then it's fine with me. I really don't like doing scenes that are blatant copies of a film scene," he says. Karan admits he likes show titles based on film songs because the audience connects with them easily. When it comes to his own TV watching habits, he says, "I like watching different kind of shows, but I hate watching myself on TV. I feel I am a terrible actor." One thing Karan wants to change about himself is his temperament. "I want to balance work and pleasure. I also need to be more focussed and less hyper. But I am glad I am changing."
Like his contemporaries, Karan too, is keen on moving to Bollywood. "I had even signed a film with a top production house, but it didn't take off. I have waited long enough for films, now I just want to work, irrespective of the medium. If I get the opportunity, I wouldn't mind doing films and TV at the same time," he says.
Karan is also a fitness freak and enjoys working out. "I have been working out since I was 14. I recently lost 10 kilos. I believe in proper sleep, sensible eating habits and workouts. I play soccer and cricket too which keep me in shape."
Contrary to popular misconception Karan didn't move to Mumbai to play cricket. He clears the air, "I have played cricket for Delhi and even wanted to be a cricketer. Acting happened by chance. However, I came to Mumbai to sign my debut TV show and not play cricket."
Karan used to enjoy playing drums during school days. He says, "I wasn't a professional drummer. I haven't sat on a drum set for eight years. I learnt guitar to impress people. I play all Shah Rukh Khan's romantic songs. I have broken seven guitars so far. On my last birthday, I gifted myself a guitar. But I strummed some notes for just three days."
Telly star Priyanka Bassi who's best remembered for her small screen turn in Left Right Left, has often been romantically linked with Karan. He clarifies, "Priyanka and I've known each other since sixth standard. She was my senior in school and we were even neighbours in Delhi. We travelled in the same flight to Mumbai for the first time. We are comfortable with each other, so people think we are dating." Karan confirms that he has always been single. "I am bad boyfriend material. I can only be good as a friend. I can't handle women asking me twenty questions about myself. I need some space in my relationship. But, now that I am growing older, may be I'll try to date someone," he laughs.
