Athar Siddiqui returns to the mythological genre after a four-year break with Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav
TNN | Feb 2, 2025, 06.49 PM IST
After a break of four years, Athar Siddiqui has returned to the mythological genre by joining the cast of Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav as Rajkumar Vayu. Speaking about his character, he reveals, “Rajkumar Vayu is Meenakshi’s – the incarnation of Goddess Parvati – childhood friend. A marriage between us is arranged, but Meenakshi soon develops feelings for Sundar, a normal guy who turns out to be Lord Shiva in disguise. This leaves Rajkumar Vayu heartbroken, setting the stage for a story full of vengeance. Currently, the track is planned to run for a month, though its continuation will depend on the audience’s response.”
His last mythological project was Jag Janani Maa Vaishno Devi in 2020, after which he intentionally stepped away from the genre to avoid being typecast. He shares, “I stopped taking on mythological roles because I felt I was being offered similar characters repeatedly. I hardly had time to audition for daily soaps, so I decided to take a break from the genre. Instead, I focused on social dramas and was fortunate to land good roles in Pratigya 2 and Ali Baba: Dastaan-e-Kabul. I also ventured into films with Attack, along with web series and South Indian projects. With such a packed schedule, I never found the time to return to television. Par naya saal nayi soch laata hai, and I felt it was the right time to reconnect with the medium that helped shape my career.”
What prompted his change of heart about returning to mythological roles? He explains, “I was offered the role of Indra Dev in a prestigious Bollywood production's web series, Chandra Dev. Initially, they approached me for Lord Shiva, but the deal didn’t materialise. After seeing my pictures as Indra Dev online, the casting agency of another show titled Tirupati Balaji reached out to me to reprise the role. The makers of Shiv Shakti had been approaching me for six months, but I had turned them down until after Chandra Dev and Tirupati Balaji. Finally, I felt it was time to take on a well-written mythological character this new year, which could open doors to more exciting opportunities. After all, I owe everything I’ve achieved to my journey in mythological shows. My first breakthrough role in television was as Kalia Naag in Paramavatar Shri Krishna.”
He further adds, “I no longer fear being typecast because I’ve already proven I can take on various genres and portray diverse characters.”
His last mythological project was Jag Janani Maa Vaishno Devi in 2020, after which he intentionally stepped away from the genre to avoid being typecast. He shares, “I stopped taking on mythological roles because I felt I was being offered similar characters repeatedly. I hardly had time to audition for daily soaps, so I decided to take a break from the genre. Instead, I focused on social dramas and was fortunate to land good roles in Pratigya 2 and Ali Baba: Dastaan-e-Kabul. I also ventured into films with Attack, along with web series and South Indian projects. With such a packed schedule, I never found the time to return to television. Par naya saal nayi soch laata hai, and I felt it was the right time to reconnect with the medium that helped shape my career.”
What prompted his change of heart about returning to mythological roles? He explains, “I was offered the role of Indra Dev in a prestigious Bollywood production's web series, Chandra Dev. Initially, they approached me for Lord Shiva, but the deal didn’t materialise. After seeing my pictures as Indra Dev online, the casting agency of another show titled Tirupati Balaji reached out to me to reprise the role. The makers of Shiv Shakti had been approaching me for six months, but I had turned them down until after Chandra Dev and Tirupati Balaji. Finally, I felt it was time to take on a well-written mythological character this new year, which could open doors to more exciting opportunities. After all, I owe everything I’ve achieved to my journey in mythological shows. My first breakthrough role in television was as Kalia Naag in Paramavatar Shri Krishna.”
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He further adds, “I no longer fear being typecast because I’ve already proven I can take on various genres and portray diverse characters.”