When actors share screen space with Jaideep Ahlawat, they must often decide between striving to match his performance or simply soaking in his technique. This is the case with Taaruk Raina, who has worked closely with Ahlawat on two seasons of “The Broken News.” Raina reveals that his time with Ahlawat has been an enlightening journey, filled with invaluable lessons on the art of acting.
Taaruk states that one of the most rewarding aspects of working with Ahlawat is their enjoyable working relationship. “Our relationship is such that we’re always having fun, sometimes more than required. He is an easy person to work with. I have learnt plenty from him,” Raina shares. This sense of ease and camaraderie becomes pivotal especially when Raina considers how it impacts his own performance.
In “The Broken News,” Ahlawat plays an aggressive primetime news anchor, a role that demands a high level of intensity and focus. His co-star, Taaruk, has observed that Ahlawat’s greatest strength lies in his ability to remain true to the moment. Taaruk articulates this by saying, “The biggest lesson is that he doesn’t overthink. He is relaxed when he is performing. When he is in front of me, he is also helping me perform better. It’s great to have an actor of that calibre because he rules out the possibility of anything going wrong as he is there with you.”
This technique of being present and relaxed not only boosts Raina’s performance but also cultivates a cooperative environment where both actors can thrive. It is an approach that Taaruk aims to adopt in his career, striving to be equally supportive of his co-stars.
From the intense newsroom battles in “The Broken News,” Raina has ventured into the youthful and vibrant world of “Mismatched,” a Netflix series featuring Rohit Saraf and Prajakta Koli. Raina contrasts the experiences, saying that the YA series feels “more like home and less like work.” He attributes this feeling to the remarkable cohesion and camaraderie shared among the primary actors.
Directed by Akarsh Khurana, “Mismatched” has garnered acclaim for the palpable chemistry between its actors. Raina insists that this synergy stems from a complete lack of competitiveness on set. “Is it difficult to not feel competitive with your co-star? Absolutely not,” he asserts. According to Raina, competition would have hampered the dynamic that makes the show successful. “Mismatched has worked because of its camaraderie. If there was competition between us, we couldn’t have made the show the way it is. We learnt that if we elevate each other, it rewards all of us. So, why not have the glory together than not have it at all?”
Reflecting back on his experiences with both projects, Raina underscores a central theme—collaboration and mutual support lead to the best outcomes. Whether it’s learning to stay present from someone like Jaideep Ahlawat or fostering a spirit of mutual success with the younger cast of “Mismatched,” the lessons are clear.
Ahlawat’s influence on Raina goes beyond on-screen techniques. The veteran actor’s demeanor and attuned presence create a safety net for his co-stars, making it easier for them to deliver their best performances. This environment of trust and ease allows for greater creative risks, something Taaruk greatly values and aspires to emulate.
The collaborative essence of these experiences also holds implications for the wider industry. In a competitive field rife with pressure, jealousy, and the race for individual acclaim, stories like these remind us of the importance of teamwork, respect, and shared glory.
Taaruk Raina’s journey, spanning from the intense scripting of a newsroom drama to the heartwarming themes of young love and friendship, demonstrates that emotional authenticity and mutual support remain invaluable. It’s a testament to how acting is not just a solo craft but a deeply collaborative exercise.
As Raina continues to navigate his acting career, carrying forward the lessons from greats like Jaideep Ahlawat and the camaraderie of the “Mismatched” cast, he is poised to continue delivering performances that resonate with audiences and elevate those around him.
