Playing a villain on Indian television is no small feat, especially when audiences begin treating the character as though he’s a real person. For actor Manoj Chandila, however, that’s the ultimate reward. The actor, who essays the role of the emotionally troubled Lalit in Oh Humnava Tum Dena Saath Mera, believes a villain has truly succeeded only when viewers genuinely dislike him.
Manoj Chandila opens up about playing Lalit in Oh Humnava Tum Dena Saath Mera, audience reactions, TV's future, and what's next in the show.
In a candid conversation, Chandila opened up about Lalit’s evolving journey, the psychology behind his character, the overwhelming audience response, and why he believes television continues to thrive despite the ever-growing popularity of OTT platforms.
Lalit’s Anger Reaches a Boiling Point
As the story moves forward, Lalit finds himself increasingly frustrated. According to Chandila, the turning point comes when Aparajita finally decides to stand up to him instead of living in fear.
“Lalit is furious because Aparajita has finally started confronting him head-on,” he shared. Every attempt to take her to Bhopal falls apart, and with each failure, his anger only intensifies.
Moreover, Chandila explained that Lalit’s troubled upbringing has left him incapable of distinguishing right from wrong. As a result, he views every setback as a personal attack, making his emotional instability even more dangerous and unpredictable.
Exploring Lalit’s Mindset as an Actor
For Chandila, portraying Lalit involves much more than simply delivering dramatic dialogues. Instead, the role has become an opportunity to explore the psychology of a deeply damaged individual.
He revealed that every day on set allows him to discover something new about the character. Rather than repeating the same performance, he constantly studies references, makes notes, and adds fresh layers to Lalit’s personality.
“I get to experiment with the psychology of someone like Lalit, and that ultimately strengthens my skills as an actor,” he said. “Every day is an opportunity to improve on yesterday’s performance.”
Why Oh Humnava Tum Dena Saath Mera Connects With Viewers
According to Chandila, the show’s biggest strength lies in its emotionally powerful narrative.
Unlike conventional family dramas, Oh Humnava Tum Dena Saath Mera explores the contrasting lives of two families while highlighting the harsh realities faced by women trapped in abusive marriages. Consequently, the series strikes an emotional chord with viewers who relate to these real-life struggles.
Furthermore, Chandila believes the show’s honest storytelling keeps audiences emotionally invested in every episode.
A Talented Team Behind the Success
In addition to the compelling storyline, Chandila credits the show’s cast and crew for its growing popularity.
He had special praise for lead actors Shabbir Ahluwalia and Sriti Jha, describing them as a wonderful on-screen duo whose chemistry naturally captivates audiences.
“They make a great pair,” he said. “Their positivity and warmth come across beautifully on screen, and viewers genuinely enjoy watching them together.”
At the same time, he acknowledged the dedication of the directors and the entire production team, saying their collective effort has helped make the show a gripping daily entertainer.
A Lesson in Dedication From Titanic
Interestingly, Chandila draws inspiration from an iconic scene in Titanic.
Recalling the violinists who continued playing as the ship sank, he said the moment serves as a reminder to remain committed to one’s work regardless of the circumstances.
“Whether the numbers are good or bad, you must continue giving your best,” he explained. “Anything less would feel like cheating both myself and the audience.”
Why Audience Hate Feels Like the Biggest Compliment
One of the most fascinating aspects of playing a convincing villain is dealing with public reactions. Chandila admitted that he frequently receives abusive messages on social media because of Lalit’s actions.
However, instead of taking the criticism personally, he views it as the highest form of appreciation.
“If people are abusing Lalit online, it means I’ve succeeded as an actor,” he said with a smile.
Summing up his philosophy, Chandila added, “Woh villain hee kis baat ka jo audience ko gussa na dila sake.” For him, making audiences emotionally invested—even through anger—is the true mark of a memorable villain.
Staying True to Lalit’s Emotional Core
Although Lalit’s story continues to evolve, Chandila makes a conscious effort to preserve the character’s emotional foundation.
He explained that he never allows the character’s baseline emotions to drift unless the script demands a complete personality shift. Even then, he carefully adapts his performance while ensuring Lalit remains authentic and believable.
According to the actor, maintaining that balance is challenging, but it also makes the role far more rewarding.
Television Still Has a Bright Future
While many believe streaming platforms have overtaken traditional television, Chandila remains optimistic about the medium’s future.
He pointed out that television continues to enjoy a loyal audience across India and has successfully adapted to changing viewer preferences.
“TV has its own dedicated audience, and I believe it will continue to stay relevant,” he said. “Just like OTT is evolving, television is evolving too.”
Expect Bigger Twists Ahead
Before signing off, Chandila teased that viewers can expect plenty of high-voltage drama in the episodes to come.
Without revealing any spoilers, he promised emotional twists, intense confrontations, and unexpected developments that will keep audiences hooked.
“I’ll only request viewers to continue supporting our show the way they have been,” he said. “We promise not to disappoint.”
Where to Watch / Shop
Shop the Look
As an Amazon Associate, Awesome TV earns from qualifying purchases.
