I feel connected to Ahmedabad thanks to Shefali

He’s gone from lean to being a larger-than-life monster in Brahmarakshas. AT chats with the soft-spoken Parag Tyagi.
What is it like to work with Ekta Kapoor?
Though Pavitra Rishta was a breakthrough for me on TV, I have been associated with Ekta before that. She knows exactly what she wants and is extraordinary when she narrates. I owe my career to her.
How do you transform into this character?
I had to bulk up and work out regularly.Getting ready takes a long time. The prosthetics don’t stay for longer than three hours, so we have to redo the get up several times.
Did you enjoy being on a reality show?
Yes it’s a great because people get to know the real you. Earlier people knew me as Vinod and then Sharifuddin. With Nach Baliye, people started recognizing me as Parag.
You have a strong connect with the state.
This is my first day-visit, although I had come during Navratri for a few hours. My wife Shefali (Zariwala) is a Gujarati, so I understand the language and simply love Gujarati food, especially khatti-meethi dal.