Namit Das on playing Ganesha in Hamara Vinayak: 'Felt it would be a clutter-breaker for me'

Namit Das as Vinayak in ‘Hamara Vinayak’

While researching for this interview, we discovered that Namit Das is not only an actor but also a trained singer, owing to his musical lineage. So, we requested him to hum a tune - and he did - leaving us pleasantly surprised by the range of his talent. This year has been particularly exciting for Das. He starred in Aap Jaisa Koi in July, followed by The Taj Story in October, and now, Hamara Vinayak, in which he plays Lord Ganesha. "November is a turning phase for me," says Das, as he talks about his upcoming work. In conversation with mid-day, he discusses what drew him to the show, how it appeals to a universal audience, and why he ultimately chose acting over music.

Excerpts from the interview.

What was your first impression of Hamara Vinayak when it was offered to you?
When I read it for the first time, I realised there is so much content releasing on streaming platforms, television, and social media. But we do not have a show that is happy, simple, and talks about basic values on how human beings should exist and live happier. And this seemed like something that would fit into that category and nature. I felt it would be a clutter-breaker, and a challenge for me to play this character.

Being the son of ghazal singer Chandan Dass, and having trained in music since childhood, how did it not become the focus of your career?
I have a band and I have released a few songs here and there. I think life surprises you, let's put it that way. Often, while you are making plans for life, life is actually making plans for you. And you have to live according to whatever is thrown at you. Somehow, singing never happened. Even when I was growing up, I used to go for college competitions. [But] singing never gave me the right direction [then]. I don't know what happened there, but it came back and it keeps coming back into my life through theatre and other formats.

Was there pressure to follow in your father's footsteps?
No. My parents are very sweet. They have always stood by and supported whatever choices I made. In fact, some of my family members were surprised with my choice of subjects in college. But my mum stood by me. She said that if he wants to take up arts, then that is his decision. In fact, my father said something very beautiful when I told him that I want to be a singer, actor, and be in the performing arts. He said, ‘Beta, karne ki vidya hai, jitna karoge, utna hi paoge.' That is what I have lived by.

When you pick roles, do you decide based on how they align with your ambitions in the industry?
Not at all. A lot of my choices are determined by the conversations I have with the makers. In this case, I interacted with director and writer duo Ashutosh [Chaturvedi] and Pankaj [Mavchi], Agastya [Jain], who is the creator and showrunner, and [producer] Siddharth Kumar Tewary. When you start having fun in those conversations, that is when you align with the project.

Did Aap Jaisa Koi and The Taj Story change your trajectory?
You can't plan these things. It has all been very organic and instinctive. While I do not think it changed anything, the audiences will know better how my career is shaping up. You just keep doing whatever comes your way, it helps you survive in the city and build a life.

Most Ganesha stories are meant to draw kids to a show. So who is the target audience of Hamara Vinayak?
I think everybody - from kids to senior citizens. It's such a happy show. It brings in a lot of positivity. It's such a universal subject that it will connect with all age groups. When the first episode dropped, my nephew connected with it and so did my uncle, who is 15 years older than me.

With a values-driven show, there's always the risk of sounding preachy. How did you maintain the balance?
The writers, Ashutosh and Pankaj, actually maintained that balance. When I was having a chat with them initially, I expressed the same concern. When I read it, I realised their vision steered away from the preachiness or the traps of a subject like that. It was completely opposite. The audience learns things on a subliminal level. It's in the mannerisms and little looks; it's done in a very subliminal way.

Besides getting into the garb of Vinayak, what else did you do to get into the zone for the role?
I think it was very simple for me. It had to be divinity - something otherworldly. I broke it down to the innocence and energy of a child that all of us want to hold on to. I just tapped into that, literally.

What's next after this?
I have a film called Minimum, which is the opening film for the Jagran Film Festival. The film also stars Saba Azad, Naseeruddin Shah, and Geetanjali Kulkarni. There is a show for Applause [Entertainment], which has been waiting for some time. There is another film called Vrindavan, which will find its way
at some point.