Sourabh Raaj Jain on Mythological Roles, Theatre, and New Genres
Best known for portraying divine and powerful mythological characters on screen, especially Lord Krishna in the epic television series Mahabharat, Sourabh Raaj Jain has cultivated a loyal fan base through performances that masterfully balance intensity with restraint. The versatile actor, who was recently in Ahmedabad for his play Mere Krishn, spoke exclusively about his career, the nuances of different acting mediums, and his personal philosophy.
Reframing Mythological Roles as Historical Portrayals
While discussing his iconic portrayal of Lord Krishna, Sourabh offers a fresh perspective. "Instead of mythological roles, call them historical roles," he suggests, emphasizing the depth and reality he brings to such characters. This approach highlights his commitment to grounding even the most revered figures in relatable human experiences.
The Unique Thrill of Theatre Performance
Speaking about his foray into theatre with Mere Krishn, Sourabh underscores how the medium differs fundamentally from television and films. "Theatre is an entirely different platform—so the execution changes significantly," he explains. He notes that while screen acting allows for multiple takes and edits, theatre demands a continuous, unbroken performance from start to finish.
"As an actor, that uninterrupted flow is extremely satisfying, and receiving instant audience reactions adds an exhilarating energy to the performance," he shares, describing the live connection as uniquely rewarding.
Maintaining a Clear Boundary Between Reel and Real Life
Despite portraying deeply revered characters like Lord Krishna, Sourabh asserts that he has always drawn a firm line between his real self and his on-screen roles. "Off camera, I've never let these larger-than-life characters influence who I am. I remain the same person, regardless of the roles I've taken on," he states firmly.
He illustrates this by referencing his diverse roles, from negative characters in shows like Uttaran and Chandragupta Maurya to the divine Krishna. "Playing Lord Krishna doesn't give me a God complex. I know who I am—I'm Sourabh Raaj Jain—and that clarity has always been intact," he affirms, adding that this separation has preserved his mental peace.
However, he acknowledges that some roles leave a subtle imprint. "Often, when we portray a character, a part of it lingers within us and subtly shapes our perspective. For me, playing Lord Krishna brought about a shift—I became less impulsive and more composed. It made me calmer," he reveals, describing how his real-life demeanor exists somewhere between the calm and fierce extremes he has portrayed.
Eager to Explore New Genres and Formats
Sourabh expresses a strong desire to diversify his acting portfolio. "I want to experiment and remain open to doing different genres," he declares. He is currently seen in the OTT show Sangamarmar, where his performance has garnered positive fan feedback on social media.
Looking ahead, he is set to play Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in an upcoming film, continuing his exploration of historical figures. "I've always tried to explore different kinds of work, regardless of the medium or genre," he says, before revealing a specific interest: "I'd love to explore crime thrillers—just not the gory kind. I mean the kind of stories I can comfortably watch with my parents and children."
Fond Memories and Culinary Delights of Ahmedabad
The actor also shared his affection for Ahmedabad, reminiscing about childhood visits and family connections. "I've been to Ahmedabad earlier for work and promotions, but I haven't really explored the city—something I'd love to do if I get the chance," he admits.
He praises the local cuisine, particularly enjoying thepla with mango chhundo for breakfast. With relatives in Gandhinagar, he recalls cherished memories: "One of my fondest memories is going to the open-air drive-in theatre with family in the evenings—we would take our cars there and have an amazing time."
Through this candid conversation, Sourabh Raaj Jain emerges not just as a talented actor dedicated to his craft, but as a grounded individual keen on growth, diversity, and maintaining a healthy balance between his professional achievements and personal identity.
