Initially people felt I was more suited for negative roles: Arjit Taneja

Arjit Taneja has joined the ongoing show Dr Aarambhi as Dhruv Chawla, a character he describes as both positive and exciting. Sharing his thoughts on entering a show midway, the actor admits that becoming part of an already established narrative comes with its own set of challenges.

“I’ve worked with these people before. Also, it’s a very good role and that’s why I had to take up this show,” he says, adding, “Once a show is already on air, people have their own favourites and storylines. But the positive male lead had not been introduced yet. So, the audiences haven’t had the chance to understand what the jodi will be like or what happens when she falls in love with him.”

Interestingly, despite largely portraying positive roles on television, Arjit reveals that people initially believed he would be better suited to negative characters because of his appearance.

“Early on in my career, I was told that your features are too sharp and you’re good-looking, so you maybe more suited for negative characters. But strangely, I have always played positive roles on TV,” he says.

Meanwhile, Arjit is keen to explore more layered and darker characters in the future. “I would want to explore grey shades or something intense. But I don’t think TV is the right medium for me to explore that side. Television narratives usually revolve around the lead pair, often leaving the antagonist’s tracks inconsistent,” he explains.

The actor believes finite-format storytelling platforms such as OTT shows and films would offer him better opportunities to experiment with complex characters. He explains, “It gives you the time and space to explore the role in depth.”