Television’s Mr Popular works 30 days a month, loves to party and experiment with his looks. Plus, he is just married — to actress Ankita Bhargava. In between Ye Hai Mohabbatein (Monday-Friday, 7.30pm) and Nach Baliye 7 (Sunday, 8pm), t2 chats up Karan Patel.
How was the honeymoon in Goa?
I am back at work! It was hardly a vacation because it was only a three-day getaway. It was more like a breather than a vacation. We will probably go somewhere for our honeymoon once Nach Baliye 7 is over, though we haven’t decided the destination yet.
Your engagement and wedding happened in a rush...
Yeah, everything just happened within a span of two months. I was working round-the-clock and suddenly realised that the wedding date has arrived! But I had a pretty long off before my marriage as well. I could enjoy. Our wedding happened the way we wanted it to.
Ye Hai Mohabbatein is one of the most-watched daily soaps. What do you think has worked for the show?
I think the relatability factor works very well for the show. Any common man can relate to the story that Ye Hai Mohabbatein has. It is not a typical saas-bahu saga. It has an urban storyline and that’s why people like it so much.
How are you juggling the two STAR Plus shows Ye Hai Mohabbatein and Nach Baliye 7?
Honestly, I don’t have to juggle much because when I shoot for Nach Baliye, I don’t shoot for anything else that day. Nach Baliye is a nice change. Our judges (Preity Zinta, Marzi Pestonji and Chetan Bhagat) are fantastic and friendly. The jodis are great. The show is about being myself. It is more of a personal thing than professional. It’s more fun.
How do you spend time between shots?
On the sets, it is more like a picnic. We joke around, play pranks on each other, watch movies and basically chill.
Isn’t there quite a boy gang on the sets of Ye Hai Mohabbatein?
Absolutely! Aly (Goni), Sangram (Singh), Raj (Singh Arora) and I get along like a house on fire. The director (Neeraj Baliyaan) and the DOP (Ravi Mishra) of the show also join us. We party almost once a week.
Your female fans love your bearded look...
Unfortunately, the bearded look has to go for a while because of Nach Baliye where I am supposed to be clean-shaven. I think the beard will come back once Nach Baliye is over. I have got many compliments for my look so I think I should keep experimenting.
Given a chance, will you participate with wife Ankita in the next season of Nach Baliye?
There is no plan to be a contestant. I have done enough of dance shows so now I want to take a break from it.
What’s your message for the t2 readers who are your fans?
My fans have always been supportive during my highs and lows. They have been the best set of fans, ever. A big thanks to all of them. I just hope the number goes up!
