Siblings bond over 'trip'

How was the experience of shooting for season 2 different from season 1?

At the time of season 1, web shows had just come out and nobody was willing to invest their money and take the risk. TVF was amongst the first ones to make a web series, so in that sense we were all under a bit of pressure.

We got lucky as they liked the script, agreed to the concept, trusted us and gave an opportunity to make it happen.

Secondly, Tripling was more like working with friends. The director was not from the company, and I had recommended Rajesh Krishnan's name. He was sweet enough to agree and get on board. Director Sameer Saxena, who has helmed 'Permanent Roommates', was also involved in the first season of 'Tripling'. So, working together with people known to me was amazing.

On the other hand, in season 2, the pressure had gone because season 1 did pretty well. The web series was being accepted and the audience had found some sort of connect with the characters of 'Tripling'. In that way, it was altogether a different experience.

Has the bonding with co-actors strengthened over the years. Can you share any interesting memory from the set?

Yes, definitely. Not only because we have been shooting together, but also because we have seen each other grow over the years as individuals, actors and also in terms of popularity. In season 1, not many people were aware of who we are, or what our talent is. By the time we reached season 2, everyone knew about our work.

As co-actors, we have developed a lot more trust in each other.

We celebrated Diwali during the shoots of 'Tripling'. We were in Sikkim and had no option to go home. So, we stayed together and enjoyed the celebration like one big family.

You have worked in different spaces as an actor. What is one advantage and one disadvantage of working in a web series?

I don't see any disadvantage of working in a web series. The advantage is that you are a bit free as an actor and artist. You don't feel like there is a protocol hanging on your neck.

Just like our audience, who steps in with an open and relaxed mind to watch a web series; we as actors, creators, and directors also enjoy the comfort to express ourselves freely while working on that web show. This is definitely an advantage.

The disadvantage earlier was that people did not want to accept actors from web series as mainstream. They weren't considered serious about the art; but fortunately, the perception has changed now.

What were your expectations from the second season? How has the response been so far?

My expectations were not to disappoint the audience, and treat the story as organically as possible. I think we have achieved that. I also hoped that people would remember the characters, and it definitely happened. The response has been phenomenal.

Well, there's also a bit of criticism, which is fair and valid. We take it all, and perhaps try to make it better the next time.

We wanted to make some sort of shift in the way second season moves - so that there could be a differentiating factor between the two seasons.

But in the end, what matters is that the audience has really appreciated and loved the episodes.

Did the success of season 1 create pressure to deliver something which could surprise your audience?

Not really. There was no pressure as such. Rather, it was more like a responsibility to give them what they expected. People have shown so much love to all the characters and audience is really connected to each one of them (Chandan, Chitvan, and Chanchal). So, I was aware that I just cannot fool around with this story.

One emotion you experienced while shooting for Tripling 2...

I would have to say 'Family bonding'. When we were shooting the first season, it was a very different space. During the second season, I really enjoyed the family vibe that this season so perfectly encapsulates. Even in terms of the shooting experience, it was like that. Amol, Maanvi and I were shooting together, and there was some genuine bonding happening. As I shared earlier, in the last schedule of Sikkim, we celebrated Diwali together. So, that feeling was constant throughout the season.

After working in the entertainment industry for such a long time, do you feel the experience has helped you evolve as a writer?

Yes, it definitely has. With time, you learn to use your experiences in life for the sake of art. Over time you become more observant than regular people – when you travel, when things happen to you. You feel and experience every bit of life. In that sense, it has really worked for me. Not just as a writer, it has helped me as an actor as well.

After the success of two seasons, will the siblings be back for the third chapter?

The fact that second season has done so well, I hope that third season happens sooner. We took almost 2-3 years to come up with the second season, but surely we won't take that long to churn out the third chapter . Sameer Saxena is the right man to answer this question.

CANDID TALK

Turning point in your life

'Permanent Roommates'

One genre you wish to explore as an actor and writer

Action

A director you want to work with

Imtiaz Ali, for sure

A movie/role you wanted to do

Amitabh Bachchan's part in original Agneepath

If given a chance. whose biopic would you like to be a part of

Satyajit Ray's biopic

Your childhood celebrity crush

Mini Mathur

Title of your biography

'There's more to it than what meets the eye'

Which is your favourite film

Eternal sunshine of a spotless mind

A superpower you wish you had

Invisibility

Your guilty pleasure

Definitely, eating!

(Inputs by Sumeet Vyas)