Viraf Patel: When you start labeling your relationships, they break

Viraf Patel has a different take on love and marriage. In a chat with Bombay Times, this 'Naamkarann' actor spoke about matters close to his heart, his new TV show and doing intimate scenes with Barkha Bisht. Excerpts...
We hear that there will be many intimate scenes with your co-actor Barkha Bisht. Were you comfortable doing them?
Shooting intimate scenes requires effort and a comfort factor between two actors.This show is different from the kind of daily soaps I have done earlier. Contrary to what people thought, I was the one who was shy while performing these scenes. Barkha, like a true professional, enacted them and brought a lot of ease to the table.
There are rumours of you demanding more rehearsals and not getting along with co-actors.
You mean to say that people feel I am eccentric? (laughs). Frankly, I have a very purist way of approaching work. TV people are used to certain mediocrity after working in so many TV shows; they want to finish a scene and just leave. That’s not how I work. You have to understand I am not drop dead gorgeous, so I have to work on my scenes and make it look different.
You recently split from your girlfriend...
Honestly, when it comes to love matters and marriage, I have been a victim of my thoughts. Ten years ago, I used to feel that one has to focus on their career and then get married, but now, I feel you should not wait if you find the right person. Your career is an infinite path and when you find your soulmate, he or she will enrich your life. Having said that, I feel I will make a better partner now. Also, in the past, my relationships haven’t worked because we have tried to label them. When you are constantly questioning each other whether you are friends, lovers, partners or companions or when we will get married… the essence is lost. I feel a relationship can work when you fulfil your partner’s intellectual, mental, emotional and physical needs. If you don’t help each other in their growth, then the relationship breaks at some point. So yes, I am looking for a soulmate who I can complement in every way possible.
So what kind of a woman are you looking for?
I do not have a fixed template because I have been with older women, younger and those in my age group. At this point in life, I am looking for a companion and if she is ready to live in and does not want marriage, it works for me. I would love to get married though. Also, being an actor, I think I am a difficult person to live with. So let’s say I am waiting for the one who will rock my boat.