Sukant Goel, the talented actor known for his standout role in Netflix’s Kaala Paani, recently opened up about his journey in theatre and film. In the critically-acclaimed survival series, Goel portrayed the complex character of Chiranjeevi, a self-absorbed hustler grappling with guilt and seeking redemption. However, this was not his first experience with challenging roles.
Goel, born in Muzaffarnagar and now 38 years old, has previously played various interesting characters, such as the hero’s goofy friend in Kapoor & Sons, a man confronted with horror in Ghost Stories, and a dubious manager in Sandeep aur Pinky Faraar. With a solid background in theatre and a passion for immersing himself in his character’s psyche, Goel has consistently made an impact both on stage and screen.
Reflecting on the reactions to his performance in Kaala Paani, Goel expressed that they have been overwhelmingly positive. Viewers, including those from the Andaman Islands where the series is set, have praised his portrayal of the local dialect, appreciating his sincere representation. Peers have also reached out to him, expressing inspiration and seeking insights into his process as an actor.
When asked about his initial apprehensions regarding the role of Chiru, Goel admitted that he was glad it differed from his previous characters. Curious about why he was chosen for the role, especially considering its Tamil background, he ultimately decided to take on the challenge. Although he had the opportunity to audition for another character, he was particularly excited about portraying Chiru and the opportunity to discover a new approach.
Recounting his approach to bringing Chiru to life, Goel emphasized the significance of the writing. He focused on portraying Chiru as someone who highly values himself, and whose world is disrupted when that self-assuredness is rattled. Furthermore, the character’s deep love for his mother played a crucial role in his development. It was the writer’s intriguing choice to have Chiru experience anger towards those he blames for his mother’s death before experiencing overwhelming guilt and grief. This combination of elements guided Goel’s understanding of the character.
In preparation for the role, Goel was provided with video blogs by the writer. However, he still felt the need to connect with the character on a deeper level. This led him to visit the Andaman Islands, where he spent seven days immersing himself in the culture and observing the dynamics of the place. The feeling of being stuck on the islands during a cyclone announcement reinforced the authenticity of the character’s experience. After returning home and revisiting the script, Goel felt a significant shift in his portrayal, which ultimately resonated with the audience during group readings.
Goel’s filmography includes a range of complex characters, which he credits to the directors who chose him for their projects. While he doesn’t actively select roles, he prioritizes the human element within a character. For example, in the film Monica, O My Darling, he saw his character’s storyline as a love story. Goel continues to balance his work in theatre, which he considers equally important.
Looking ahead, Goel is currently working on a new play that he plans to direct next year. He has also filmed a pilot for a series, hopeful that it will be approved for production. While he remains open to future opportunities in cinema, he values the exciting work he can pursue in both theatre and film.
Sukant Goel’s ability to bring diverse characters to life both on stage and screen has earned him recognition and critical acclaim. Through his dedication to understanding the depths of each character he portrays, Goel continues to captivate audiences with his performances. As his journey in theatre and film progresses, audiences eagerly anticipate his future projects.
