'Prakash Jha provides right atmosphere for actors to deliver truthful performances': 'Aashram' actor Rajeev Siddhartha

The third season of 'Aashram' has hit the web and is receiving amazing responses from audiences and critics. Actor Rajeev Siddhartha who plays a prominent role of 'Akki' is flooded with messages on social media and feedback from peers and colleagues on his performance and the show's success.

In season 3 of the social drama, Bobby Deol as Baba Nirala is seen in a more intense and vicious avatar, who continues to bend every rule to suit himself and has become a power-hungry adversary while Rajeev’s Akki is a morally centered journalist who from the very outset can see right through Baba’s intentions.

When asked about his role, Rajeev said, "I play the role of a journalist, a selfless human being who stands up for people who are exploited, for people who cannot fight for themselves. In season 1 and 2 you see Akki realise how terrible Baba Nirala’s operations are and how he's exploiting people in the Aashram, especially women. Akki launches an investigation to expose Baba, simultaneously he gets close to Pammi as he wants to rescue her from Baba's clutches''.

He added, “This season Pammi and Akki are on the run throughout. My character is more perspectival while Pammi’s is slightly impulsive. Akki is the centred guy, someone who wants to plan and make sure efforts don't go to waste. He acts as a perfect sounding board for Pammi’s character. Akki’s and Pammi’s scenes are full of stillness and pauses. There's a lot of breathing space. We've been fortunate to be given those scenes by our director. Between the plotline and Akki’s and Pammi’s relationship dynamics, I believe Akki is a very nuanced character who is growing, continually."

On working with director Prakash Jha, Rajeev said, "It was a fantastic experience with Prakash Sir. As the captain of the ship, he is so secure and confident about his craft and storytelling that the rest was taken care of. There are a lot of admirable qualities in him- the way he handles projects on a huge scale, and how he provides a right atmosphere for actors to deliver honestly in the scenes. I have been lucky to learn under his guidance and direction through all the three seasons."

From a poster boy in 'Four More Shots Please' to serious roles in 'Hundred', 'Marzi' and Prakash Jha’s series, the investment banker-turned-actor, Rajeev Siddhartha has his game on point in tinseltown.