Ram Kapoor made a name for himself playing the loyal brother in Balaji Telefilms’ Ghar Ek Mandir almost seven years back. Soon, he not only mesmerised the audience with his sweet Laxman-inspired character, but also met his future wife Gautami Gadgil on that very set. Those not familiar with Sony television’s old afternoon daily soap, Ghar Ek Mandir, and who have no knowledge about his other shows like Kabhie Aye Na Judai, must have definitely felt his presence in this year’s top Zee TV daily, Kasamh Se.

Ram Kapoor aka Jai Walia of Kasamh Se has been honoured the Best Actor for his flamboyant performance in the serial by both the Indian Telly Awards (ITA) and the Hero Honda Indian Television Award (HHITA). The actor, who has also trained in America, is finally getting his due. Hence it was surprising to know that the actor wasn’t celebrating. Instead, he was shooting and was completely immersed in his work. There was no party or outing to celebrate his recent twin-win at the two major television award shows.

“I feel good that finally my work has been appreciated. As a TV actor, the only source to know if you are liked by the audience or not are the TRPs. So, when you get an award or, like in my case, awards (laughs) you feel doubly blessed,” he said during his lunch break.

The new father can’t stop gushing about his few months’ baby daughter. “She is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. I think my life has completely taken a turn in a good way, the moment she entered this world. I tell people that she is my lucky charm,” he smiles.

It has been a long journey for Ram. Like every actor, he struggled from theatre to television to movies then to television again and now after so many years, he has been showered with the best actor trophies. But has all the limelight changed Ram Kapoor? Have the expectations pressurised him in any way? “Frankly, I have no expectations for myself. I am happy about what I am doing. As for the audience and my producers, as long as I am performing well they would adore me. You come to a stage in your life when all these things don’t matter any more. You just enjoy what you do and spend time with your family,” he reiterates. Viewers had rejected him in movies. He got limited success in bit roles in films like Monsoon Wedding and Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi and found no audience for Kal — Yesterday And Tomorrow. Ram is adamant that he will not return to movies again. “Jai Walia, the character I play has many shades. I feel connected to it. I can’t reveal what would happen in the story, but I can say that his life would soon shatter. Now, you tell me that I am getting huge reviews and awards for this character. So why in God’s name would I leave such a serial and opt for a small role in some pretentious movie.”

Prachi Desai is best actress, too, for Kasamh Se in ITA

Q: How does it feel winning an award in your debut serial?
Hard work always pays. I got a great character to play in Kasamh Se. If people are appreciating it that means I am doing justice to the character.

Q: You lost out to Saloni (Rajshri Thakur) in the HHITA Awards. Sad?
Not at all. I am not at all sad about it nor do I feel I am a loser. Our show was a winner in HHITA Awards, too, as it got five awards. I was happy that I got the award for the Best Newcomer this year.

Q: Are your expectations higher now?
Personally, I cannot say anything. Everyone wants to work hard and move ahead in life. More than me the people’s expectations would have gone higher now. I would now have to concentrate on my work more than I did before.

Q: How are your parents feeling?
They are on top of the world. I can’t express their happiness in words.

Q: Would we see an even better Bani now on the screen?
It doesn’t get better after winning an award. It’s not that I worked any less hard before getting this award. I would definitely try to put more effort now. The award just gives you a much needed boost.

Q: Ekta Kapoor has an image of an exploitative dictator. But recently she showered her affection on you and flew to Tirupati with you.
Yes, it was very nice trip. I don’t know why people blame Ekta for being grumpy and a monster. She is an extremely nice woman. It was my first trip to Tirupati and she had given me an elaborate trip of the temple and the vicinity.

Q: So have you become her favourite bahu, surpassing Tulsi (Smriti Irani)?
(Laughs) May be. I am thankful to the audience as well as Ekta-ji for accepting me. It has been a bumpy ride but I have worked hard to be where I am.