Hiten Tejwani is a well-known Indian television actor and model who gained popularity through his roles in various TV serials. He made his acting debut in the TV show Ghar Ek Mandir and rose to fame with his performances in popular daily soaps like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kutumb. Known for his charming personality and versatile acting skills, Hiten has been a prominent figure in the Indian television industry for over two decades.
He has also participated in reality shows such as Bigg Boss 11, where he became a fan favorite for his composed and dignified behavior. Hiten has appeared in several other TV shows, including Pavitra Rishta, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, and Balika Vadhu. Beyond television, he has also ventured into films and web series, showcasing his diverse acting talents.
You've played a variety of roles across TV and OTT platforms. How do you approach preparing for a new character, and what influences your choice of roles?
Yes, I’ve played a variety of roles, and in television, you don’t get much time to prepare for a character. You have to be ready on the spot. I always make sure I understand where my character is coming from, what happened before the scene, and what their mood is. Then, I read my lines accordingly and just stay present in the moment. Sometimes, in the first take, things don’t go as planned, and we get another shot. That’s when I try to add something extra to the character, developing it as we go. It’s all about being adaptable and quick on your feet.
For OTT platforms and movies, it’s a bit different. I receive a bound script well in advance, so I have time to dive deep into the character. I make it a point to read the script as many times as I can, not just my parts but the entire story. I want to know my character’s relationship with others, their journey, and the overall narrative. This helps me perform with a better understanding of the context.
When choosing roles, I’m always looking for something different. Like every actor, I want to explore new dimensions and make each character distinct. I ask myself how this role is different from what I’ve done before and how it adds value to the story. That’s what guides my choice. Of course, it’s not just about the role itself. The director and the team behind the project are equally important to me. Their vision, how they approach the story, and their working style are crucial factors that influence my decision.
What was it like working on Bigg Boss compared to your scripted acting roles? How did the experience differ for you?
It was a completely different experience because, in Bigg Boss, you are just being yourself. You don’t have to worry about delivering lines or playing a character. But the challenge is that you’re put into unexpected situations that you’re not prepared for. It’s all about how you handle yourself in those circumstances and how you react in the moment—that’s what Bigg Boss is all about.
You've had the unique experience of working with your wife on screen. Can you share some insights into what it's like to collaborate with a partner in a professional setting?
Yes, I had the unique experience of working on-screen with my wife, which was truly special. When you already know someone so well, it definitely makes things easier. She understands me, and I understand her, so it becomes quite natural. At the end of the day, we’re both professionals, so we focus on playing our characters.
The best part is, we don’t have to put in extra effort to build chemistry—it’s already there. It’s wonderful collaborating with her, and we always have the best roles and the best times together.
What are some of the most memorable moments or experiences from your time working on popular TV shows?
There have been countless memorable moments and experiences throughout my career, especially in television. Every day on set brings something new to learn and discover. One of the most challenging yet rewarding periods was when I was juggling three shows simultaneously. It was hectic but exhilarating, as it kept me on my toes and honed my ability to switch between characters seamlessly. Playing different roles in different shows was a unique experience, and I'm grateful to Balaji and Ekta Kapoor for giving me those opportunities. Those were truly some of the best times of my career.
How do you unwind after a long day of filming? Do you have any particular hobbies or rituals that help you relax?
he best part of my day is leaving everything behind after being on set and coming home with a blank mind. I love to spend quality time with my family over a nice dinner or catch up with friends. A relaxing bath followed by a family meal helps me unwind completely. When I'm away from home, I find solace in meditation or reading a book. These are my go-to ways to recharge and relax.
Can you share a funny or memorable behind-the-scenes moment from working on “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” or “Pavitra Rishta”?
There are countless funny behind-the-scenes moments from Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Pavitra Rishta, but one incident stands out. During my time on Kyunki, I received a message from a fan who insisted that she wanted to marry me, despite my marriage to Gauri. She was quite adamant, saying it was fine if I was already married, as she was ready to be my additional wife. It was quite a challenge to help her understand the situation. I had to enlist the help of my director of photography, who had connections at the police station, as she was threatening me if I didn’t agree to marry her. It was a wild experience!.
If you could redo one of your past roles with the experience you have now, which one would it be and what would you do differently?
I don't feel the need to redo anything from my past. At that time, everything I did felt right for the moment. As I've gained experience and grown, my style has naturally evolved, and I'm now more comfortable in my roles. However, I cherish that rawness from earlier in my career; it was truly special.
Now, with my extensive experience, especially in OTT and films, I have the opportunity to dive deeper into my characters. Back when I was juggling multiple TV shows, there wasn't much time to explore roles in depth. I believe that rawness was essential to my work then, and I'm proud of it. So, I wouldn’t change anything; both that time and what I'm doing now hold their own significance.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned from a fellow actor or industry professional that has significantly impacted your career?
Every day brings new lessons in this profession. There are countless approaches to a role, and I observe how others work to inspire my own process. You can often apply what you learn from others when you find yourself in a tough spot.
Thankfully, I've always maintained a high level of professionalism. I pride myself on being punctual and prepared when I’m on set, consistently learning from those around me. Watching how dedicated others are and how effectively they embody their characters has shaped my own work ethic and preparation.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who want to make a mark in both traditional and digital media?
Digital media, especially OTT platforms, operates quite differently from traditional television. OTT content resembles a film format, allowing for longer storytelling and more detailed production. In contrast, TV demands speed and efficiency.
As an actor in television, you need to be thoroughly prepared to step into your character quickly and memorize your lines, helping producers and directors complete projects on time. With tight schedules and regular telecasts, preparation is key. Whether you're working in digital or traditional media, being well-prepared is essential for success.
Can you tell us about your journey as an author? How did your acting career influence your writing?
I believe everyone has the potential to write because we encounter so many experiences and thoughts every day. When we find ourselves in moments of quiet—when we're not working or just alone—those reflections can be valuable. If you can just write down even random thoughts, it can lead to something meaningful.
After 20 years in the industry, I’ve gained a lot of experience, though I know I still have much to learn from the legends in the field. Capturing those insights on paper can be a great way to express oneself. I've thought about writing down my thoughts or expanding on a single idea to explore it further.
How many books have you written so far, and could you share a bit about each of them?
I haven't written many books; in fact, I only wrote one as a trial to understand the process of publishing. I'm considering another book and have an idea in mind that I want to develop further. Currently, my schedule is busy with travel for work.
The book I wrote, *Point of View*, is available on Amazon and tells a story from a child's perspective. Through the writing process, I learned a lot about what works and what doesn't. Writing a book requires dedicated time and focus, and I’m looking forward to sitting down to explore my next idea in depth.
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