Exclusive: Sumit Kaul on joining the new season of Tenali Rama as Girgit; says ‘It will be a challenge for me to live up to the expectations of audience’

The beloved show Tenali Rama returns with its second season, and fans can’t wait to dive back into the witty and intriguing tales of the iconic Tenali. This season, a fresh character, Girgit, is set to shake things up, and actor Sumit Kaul has been roped in to bring this complex role to life. In an exclusive interview with Times of India TV, Sumit shares insights about his character, his experience joining the established series, and the challenges he faced in portraying the shape-shifting antagonist.
What Attracted Sumit Kaul to Girgit's Role?
Kaul was immediately drawn to the layered and nuanced role of Girgit. “Usually, in TV, it’s not easy to find well-rounded, quality characters for male actors. It’s rare to see a character like Girgit in TV shows. Most actors would lap this part. It was a very easy decision. I’m thankful to the producers for considering me worthy of this part,” he shared.
Girgit’s unique traits and dynamic role as an imposter who uses his wit over physical strength captivated Kaul. The chance to portray a character with such depth and transformation opportunities was an offer he couldn’t pass up.

Joining an Established Show
Tenali Rama is already a household name, with its first season amassing a loyal fanbase. Kaul acknowledged the challenge of joining an established show. “Tenali is a well-established brand and has been a very successful show in the past. It’s a privilege to be part of a show that is very well written, mounted, and performed. It will be a challenge for me to live up to the expectations of Tenali’s audience,” he admitted.
Girgit’s Role in the New Season
Without giving away too many details, Kaul hinted at how Girgit would bring a fresh twist to the storyline. “The makers are trying to add flavour to the show by introducing some new characters, including Girgit. He comes with a very deep personal grudge and acts with the sole purpose of destroying Tenali and the KDR kingdom. It adds a new dynamic to the show and acts as a large looming threat to the protagonist.”
Challenges of Playing Girgit
For Kaul, portraying a character like Girgit, who is both a master manipulator and a shape-shifter, is no small feat. “Girgit, as a villain, is not your regular physically powerful antagonist. His prowess lies in using his sharp intellect to create hurdles for Tenali and changing his personality to keep his opponents on their feet,” Kaul explained.
One of the most demanding aspects of the role is portraying multiple personas seamlessly. “As an actor, I need to portray multiple personalities of the character without seeming obvious to the audience that it’s the same man. It would mean playing with not just the physical looks but also the mannerisms, voice, and attitude.”

Dramatic Looks and Collaboration
Girgit’s transformations come with a variety of appearances, from extravagant to humble. “In Girgit, I get to don multiple looks and get-ups. It ranges from extremely dramatic and larger-than-life looks to that of a pauper. His superpower is being unrecognizable, and that is an exciting space for me to be in,” Kaul enthused.
Though Kaul has yet to shoot significant scenes with the cast, he expressed excitement about working alongside talents like Krishna Bharadwaj and Pankaj Berry. “I’m looking forward to collaborating and weaving a new kind of magic on screen.”

What Fans Can Expect
Kaul teased that Girgit would bring an edge of suspense and thrill to the show. “Girgit brings a new color to the show and adds a dynamic that creates intrigue. They say the bigger the antagonist, the more impressive the protagonist looks. Tenali will constantly be pushed to use his wit and intellect in creative ways to deal with the mammoth challenges that Girgit poses him.”
With Kaul’s dedication and the unique flair of Girgit, fans can expect a gripping new season of Tenali Rama.