ETV Bharat Sitara: Did you ever thought that this web series will garner rave response?
Ishwak: I was very sure that it's something very special. The script was excellent. I usually download and read a lot of scripts, so, this had a very solid message. But unless it gets released, you are not sure how will it come out. The entire team was perfect. It's like a good play which comprises of sattire, has witty aspects, realistic characters and real moments. The series hits all the quadrants and it was really very unexpected.
ETV Bharat Sitara: How was the audition?
Ishwak: In this industry, you have to give audition for even a minor character, even for a 5 minutes roll. Lot of auditions were held for the role of Ansari. If you are in Mumbai, you can stay in the database of casting directors. And if someone has work experience, then it's much preferable. I had a long audition, later, one fine morning they called me.
ETV Bharat Sitara: Ansari is a policeman who wants to be an IPS officer. How did you feel after sporting a police uniform?
Ishwak: A lot of preparation has to be done. I spent time at police stations like Outer Jamuna Park and Outer District Police Station. I would leave at 8 in the morning and return at 8 at night. I had goos conversation with the policemen, we discussed investigation. I have done this kind of character previously on stage, I featured an army officer.
ETV Bharat Sitara: Are you a theater artist?
Ishwak: Yes. I joined theaters in 2010 and continued it till 2018. I have done 2-3 plays every month. I was part of the Asmita Theater Group.
ETV Bharat Sitara: Do theater artists prefer web series more?
Ishwak: Theater has a traditional way to train the artists. Acting school teaches differently. I was studying architecture and was also interested in sports. I knew how to acquire skills. I wanted to master the basic skill of acting and wanted to do it traditionally. Always wanted to be part of a traditional theater group. I used to go out stations to do shows. Good and bad performers are everywhere. There are people in the theater who are not so good. On the other hand, those who didn't acquire any training. But you have to have the passion. Choose an environment where learning opportunities are available.
ETV Bharat Sitara: Did Anushka Sharma come to the Patal Lok sets? Did you meet her?
Ishwak: The shooting was on for six months. The way I was shot, I did not meet her. Usually, producers do not come to the sets. EPs come on her behalf. I have met his brother many a times.
ETV Bharat Sitara: Are you missing the shoot days?
Ishwak: I miss everything. We used to enjoy together a lot. However, there was no continuous shooting, had occasional gaps. We are all in contact now. I'm getting very nostalgic because people are posting a lot of pics after the release. I remember how the shootings took place.
ETV Bharat Sitara: Do you share a goos equation with Hathiram Chaudhary aka Jaideep Ahlawat?
Ishwak: I liked his work in Gangs of Wasipur. I miss him so much. Those days with him are very special to me. We have talked about this. He is also a theater man. We share a good bonding. There is a mutual respect between us. Our bonding is also reflected onscreen.
ETV Bharat Sitara: Did Ansari's character paved a path for you in Bollywood?
Ishwak: Many filmmakers are talking about it on social media, specifically about the character 'Ansari'. That's a good sign. If everything goes well, there is a hope. People like Anurag Kashyap, Hansal Mehta have also praised the character.
ETV Bharat Sitara: Whose appreciation touched your heart?
Ishwak: I don't want to name anyone like that. Anurag Kashyap and Hansal Mehta have penned something that has touched my heart.
ETV Bharat Sitara: Ansari's character comes from a minority community. In the dialogue, when he is going to be an IPS, a high-ranking woman says, "Yaha yeh community se bhi log aate hai." What is your opinion about it?
Ishwak: While making a character, you have to get into it. This character is being marginalized in a way. There are many issues in our society including caste, class, sexuality, gender ... I have faced it while being in USA. I thought as if I am an outsider. The same happened with Ansari. There are many human emotions reflected prominently in the web series.
