Actor Rajesh Kumar is genuinely happy with the growing popularity of Matargashti on Netflix. The series is receiving a lot of appreciation for its simple storytelling, relatable characters and the heartwarming bond between a father and daughter. Sharing on the show’s success, the actor, who plays Prakash, says he is overwhelmed by the response. ”It is truly overwhelming to see Matargashti trending and receiving so much appreciation. With certain projects, you never really know how they will be received when you are shooting them. But Matargashti has genuinely surprised me with the response it has received on Netflix,” he says.
For the actor, the title Matargashti captures the essence of carefree living, especially during the teenage years, when life is more about enjoying the moment than worrying about what others think. “It is all about carefree fun, doing things without overthinking or worrying about who is watching or judging you, or whether you are doing something right or wrong. You are simply above all these calculations and enjoying life,” he explains.
He believes that Dhara’s character beautifully reflects the carefree nature of teenagers before they fully understand the responsibilities that come with growing up. He adds, ”Teenagers are like that until they become responsible. They are completely carefree. That is the spirit of the show. There is a learning experience woven into the story, but there is also a lot of fun and masti,” he adds.
What makes the series stand out, according to him, is its simplicity. Written by three women, Khushbu Baid, Swasti Jain, and Nikita Okhade the show brings a distinct perspective to its female characters. “I think the simplicity of the storytelling has surprised the audience. What Adrija Roy and Soumya Uniyal bring to their characters is something we generally recognise in girls around us. It is a beautiful reflection of their experiences and perspectives. The simplicity of the performances, the beauty of the story and, above all, the beautiful bond between a father and daughter make the show special.”
Talking about Prakash, the actor describes him as a character who represents the mindset of a large section of middle-class society. According to him, parents often have certain expectations and aspirations when it comes to their children, particularly their sons. However, Prakash’s concerns come from a place of affection rather than old- rigid conservatism.
“I would define Prakash as someone who represents almost 90 per cent of middle-class people. Often, when it comes to sons, parents have a particular way of thinking and a certain direction in which they want their lives to go. Prakash is not conservative, but he is concerned. His intentions come from a place of care. For me, Prakash is a reflection of our society,” he says.
Playing a father to a daughter also brought a personal dimension to the role. The actor, who is a father of two sons in real life, admits that sometimes he misses not having a daughter. However, he believes that parenting goes beyond gender.
“Fatherhood is definitely a universal feeling. And yes, I do miss not having a daughter in my life. However, the way I interact with my two sons has never been about gender bias. A child is a child, and children are our responsibility. What matters is that we take care of them, irrespective of whether we have a daughter or a son,” he says.
The actor is equally appreciative of his experience working with Adrija, whom he describes as a sweetheart, a brilliant dancer and a promising young performer. Her training in dance, he believes, adds a natural fluidity to her expressions and performance.
“She is a true artist who understands every nuance of a performance. Since she is a trained dancer, her expressions flow very naturally. I believe she is one of the most promising actors to watch out for in the coming years. She has a wonderful understanding of her craft, and I am sure she has a bright future ahead of her,” he says.
