After his debut in 2003 with Jajantaram Mamantaram, actor Manav Kaul took a sabbatical till his next film Kai Po Che! released in 2013. However, Manav admits that the break made him the actor he is today. Excerpts from a chat…

Talking about how crucial the break was to his career, the Trial Period actor shares, “I started saying no after my debut film, and eventually, I thought it is much better to take a break. The kind of actor I am right now, is because of the 13-year break. Otherwise, I would have been terrible. I would have earned a lot of money, but I would have been unhappy. So, the break actually saved me. I am an idealist, that is a problem. I have never done anything that I don’t like.”

Along with quality films, Manav has always been focused on writing and doing theatre. The Tumhari Sulu actor says, “When you are older and you look back, I don’t know what joy those 500 movies would give you. If you are not proud of those movies, even sitting in a bungalow on Peddar Road won’t give you happiness. I find more happiness in writing a book. So, my priorities are very clear. For me, Ajeeb Daastaans (web anthology) is more rewarding than a bungalow. It defines me as an actor,” he explains.

At 46, Manav is content with his personal and professional life. “I am single right now and happy. I know myself and I don’t see myself getting married. This is how I always wanted my life to be. I am completely in love with my work, and I find absolute comfort and solace in it. Now, to get someone else involved in this won’t do justice to them. If you don’t give them enough time and work on a relationship, it won’t last. My idea of love is broader. I feel romantically connected with each character that I write or enact.”