Ishwak Singh on seamlessly returning as Imran Ansari in Paatal Lok Season 2: 'It was like hot butter on toast' | Exclusive

In an exclusive interview with OTTplay, Ishwak Singh discusses his camaraderie with Jaideep Ahlawat and his personal growth through Paatal Lok.

Ishwak Singh/Instagram

Ishwak Singh, known for his breakout role as Imran Ansari in the critically acclaimed series Paatal Lok opened up in an exclusive interview with OTTplay about the much-anticipated second season. Reflecting on the gap between the two seasons, the actor shared how he seamlessly transitioned back into his character and the story.

Ishwak Singh's seamless transition back to Imran Ansari

"There was a significant gap between the two seasons. And I think it just was amazing. Everything just came back. Like the floodgates of memory, all those memories just opened up, and everything came back to me in an instant. I felt like, and it's also kind of so well charted, because it's not the story that doesn't pick up from the next day; there's been a gap. So I think it has more to do with that, that it just kind of fell in place because we're seeing each other even, kind of, it's like there's been some gap there. So I guess that's one thing that was like hot butter on toast," he said, describing his experience.

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Speaking about his on-screen camaraderie with Jaideep Ahlawat, who plays the gritty cop Hathiram Chaudhary, Singh revealed their off-screen dynamic mirrored their characters' equation. "It was similar to what you saw on screen. It was very much like that. He's a great guy and a fantastic actor, a fantastic co-actor, very giving, and he's also very loose on set, very easy on set. Everyone keeps, like, everyone on their toes and entertained and is a wonderful guy to work with. Plus, I also have this thing of, almost like, I mean, he's been in the industry longer than me. He's been part of films that I really, I like some of, like, my favourites, like Gangs of Wasseypur. So we did have that kind of Ansari-Hathiram kind of equation where he'd give us two bits about his experience, his journey. He's one of those guys who are great storytellers. So you sit with him; he kind of tells the story a certain way, which is very entertaining and hilarious, and it's always, always fun to be around him."

Ishwak Singh's personal growth through Paatal Lok

When asked about his personal growth as an actor through the series, Singh emphasized the importance of learning from every project. "I think you always learn if, especially when you're working on a good script and with a good set of people, there's always takeaways, and with good co-actors. And if there are no takeaways, if you're not growing, then I think there's something wrong. I mean, it should happen organically. It should happen naturally. As I'm sort of going out working on different genres, different stories, so it happens. And like I said, it happens organically. Of course, these are just transferable skill sets that you can use from one show and/or a film and take to the other. It's just something, it's about practice more than anything else. Practice makes a person perfect, and it applies to acting more than anything else."

Singh also touched upon the growing challenge of keeping viewers engaged in the era of smartphones. Drawing from his recent binge-watching experiences, he remarked, "I think if it's an engaging show, I've never looked at my phone. I've binge-watched Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul recently. I watch some other great stuff, different genres. And I don't somehow reach out for my phone. But if it's a show that doesn't warrant that kind of attention, if it's, just very, it doesn't have any depth, and probably you're going to be like, okay, fine. It's just playing. And let me just kind of do other stuff, chat with friends, stalk people, shop for something, look up something. Doesn't make sense to me. I don't buy that. I think it's good content that warrants your attention, and people watch it very carefully, like you would with a smartphone or no smartphone."

Anticipation for Paatal Lok Season 2

With Paatal Lok Season 2 set to premiere on January 17, 2025 on Prime Video, fans eagerly await the continuation of this dark and gripping tale. Singh's reflections promise an equally compelling narrative and performances that will leave a lasting impact.

ALSO READ: Paatal Lok Season 2 Character Guide: From Jaideep Ahlawat to Tillotama Shome, who plays what in Prime Video’s crime thriller

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