Gopal Datt: Industry should take risks when it comes to casting

Gopal Datt

Actor Gopal Datt who is widely known for his roles in TVF shows like 'Pitchers' and 'Bachelors' recently starred as senior police officer in the web series 'Kaalkoot'. Directed by Sumit Saxena, the show starring Vijay Varma as the lead in a crime drama that highlights several social issues. Datt, who plays SHO Jagdish Sahay says that it took people at the special screening of the series 15 seconds to 5 minutes to recognise him in the series after his first scene. "People in the screening told me they could not recognise me at least for 15 seconds. "I was telling a lot of people that I wanted to do some different kind of role. I had done a lot in comedy but I wanted to do something different. When Sumit came to me with the script, he said this is very different from anything you have done before. So I was completely on board," he said talking to mid-day.com.

Datt said that he approached the role in a different manner. The actor, who is known for his distinct voice also decide to give more base to his character's voice. "I had an idea of the role of police because of working 'Delhi Crimes'. During 'Delhi Crimes', Richie (Mehta) told me an interesting thing. He said for the policemen there is no glamour in their job, they are bored with their job. So we got that into the mix of this character in Kaalkoot. And when I explained this and made him hear the tone, Sumit was quite happy. Then he felt that I will be able to pull it off. "

However, he says that it was difficult to convince people that he could pull off the role as the audience is used to seeing him play comic characters. "Difficult part was convincing people that I will be able to do this. But that was in the initial days. Within 3-4 days everyone was convinced that I will be able to do this and it is going well. "

While Gopal Datt gained substantial fame with his straight-faced comic skills, the actor also feels that he is yet to get a character that will help himexplore his potential as an artist. "People were offering me the same kind of roles that they saw me in. As an actor, a creative person, you wish to do varied roles. Once you do a certain kind of work, and it works out then you keep getting such roles. Of course, people know me today and I benefit from it when people set up meetings wth me. But getting the kind of work you want to do is a task. Every actor wishes to get a character that helps you explore your potential. Till now, I got roles based on my previous characters. I think its time that approach changes. People should cast actors in varied roles so that the artist and the audience both get something different and interesting."

"OTT platforms have enabled different stories to come out and also focused on multiple characters rather than just the lead. That said, we should take more creative liberties and take risks when it comes to casting and in the kind of stories we tell," he added stressing on the need to break free actors from stereotypical roles.