Amar Upadhyay: So what if I am romancing someone much younger than me?

He was the original Mihir Virani, whose return from the dead in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' was one of the highest TRP garners. Even though he did a few prominent roles after 'Kyunki...', nothing could match up to that. But now 15 years later, it seems like his character Dharam from 'Saath Nibhana Saathiya' is set to change things. What started as a rather negative role has now transformed into a popular positive character.His romance with a much younger Meera on the show too has also been lapped up by audiences. Excerpts from an interview with Amar Upadhyay:
All these years you were remembered as the original Mihir Virani. Finally, do you think your 'Saath Nibhana Saathiya' character has changed that?
'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' was an iconic show, which broke all pre-conceived ideas of television prevalent at that time. I’m glad I was a part of it. Things have changed today and viewers now generally remember a character until a show is on air; that’s the case even with hit shows. But the character of Mihir has stood the test of time and I’ve always wanted to better myself. That’s the reason I took up the role in 'Saathiya', where my character Dharam is a person with a heart of gold, but circumstances compel him to go against his inborn goodness. Depending on the story line given to me on a day-to-day basis, I have done my best in showing the transformation of Dharam, as he battles with situations that push him against his inner real self. It has been difficult, but I think I have done it successfully.

In the show, you are romancing Meera who is much younger than you...
That goes with the flow of the story. But I must say that the audiences love our jodi and the age gap doesn’t seem to matter. In fact, it was a challenge to get audiences to forget the age difference and notice the chemistry between Dharam and Meera, and identify with their trials and tribulations. We have been declared one of the best jodis on TV by online polls.
When you look back at your acting career, do you think you should have done things differently?
How could I have done things differently when I didn’t know the future? We don’t even know what will happen five minutes from now. I did what I had to and what I felt was right at that time. I had to take my chances. I had to do it or regret all my life for not doing it. To sit here now and say, ‘Oh I should have done this or done that, so that certain things would have gone my way’ is not going to do me any good. It never works that way. I believe I have earned invaluable experience.
But do you regret quitting TV for films when you were right on top during 'Kyunki...'?
I always take life as it comes and I enjoy being on screen, whether big or small.

Not much has changed on TV. Even now actors are brought back from the dead. You were a pioneer in that.
Yes, that track in 'Kyunki...' was path-breaking. After an uproar from fans, the channel and the makers had to bring my character back from the dead. Other shows attempted something similar later, but it didn’t work. In recent past, fans have been comparing Jon Snow’s return in 'Game Of Thrones' to the return of Mihir. 'GOT' is one of the biggest shows ever in the history of television and the comparison is greatly fulfilling. I feel I did manage to do justice to the character given to me.
You have had a difficult phase physically for almost a year, given the accidents you have gone through. Are you fit now... fit enough for a Taekwondo match with your son?
I’m still recovering and it’s going to take some time before I’ll be fully fit, but I am very careful in my day-to-day functioning. In a year’s time, maybe, I’ll be ready to take on my son Aryaman in a Taekwondo match.
You’ve always wanted both your children to focus on martial arts?
Yes, in this day and age, it is very important, especially for my daughter Chenab. They both practise regularly and the best part is that they love it.