There have been loads of fans and every age group has a different way of expressing their love. There were certain stories that didn’t connect that well with viewers. We have covered all the stories and chapters of Lord Shiva narrated in the Shiv Maha Puran. Is that one of the reasons for ending it? T he show’s ratings have gone down in the last few months. With the kind of love showered on us, I realised that people have definitely accepted this character. The first time I got to know ( about my popularity) was in Haridwar, two years ago, during the Ganga Mahotsav. The shooting location was in Naigaon ( on the outskirts of Mumbai) for 18-20 hours ( a day), and the network was quite bad. I was completely dedicated to it and told my stylist to give me at least one pocket in Lord Shiva’s costume so that I could keep my phone. I didn't even have my phone with me when I was shooting for Mahadev. Honestly, I didn’t know I was that popular. You became popular within a few months of playing the character. Since he was the most powerful god, he had to balance his love between his devotees and his family. It was challenging for me to establish how his relationship would be with his daughter and two sons. It was a fine journey until Lord Shiva got married. What was the most challenging part of the show? How much has playing the character of Shiva changed you as a person?īeing a Kashmiri Brahmin, I have always been close to Shiva. After doing such a vast series, I feel closer and more attached to him. I feel his hand is on me. When I look back, I feel relieved and happy that I could fulfill the huge responsibility that was given to me. I never expected it to go on for so long. We thought it would be a six month series.
It was a lifetime opportunity for an actor to get such a vast platform and play the sexiest and most powerful God. It has been part of my life for three years.