Actor Neel Samarthh, known for his roles in shows like Tera Kya Hoga Alia, Kundali Bhagya, Waaris, and Sapnon Ki Chalang, will be seen in the upcoming series Sabse Bada Rupaiya on Atrangii, releasing on May 2nd. Sharing details about his look and the show, he says, “I play the protagonist—a lover boy who falls deeply for a girl. Driven by love and the promise of a better future together, he’s convinced to rob a bank.
The title is quite catchy, and in some ways, it reflects what many people believe in today’s world. I don’t believe that money is everything or the most important thing in life—but at the same time, it’s not insignificant either. Even something as simple as buying an incense stick or a coconut for prayer requires money. I’ve seen people with immense wealth living in sadness.
On the flip side, some say, ‘It’s better to cry in a Mercedes than on a bicycle’—which is amusing, but also shows how people view comfort even in sorrow.”
The show was shot in Lucknow, and for his character, Neel adopted a new look. He adds, “I’ve adopted a typical ‘desi boy from Lucknow’ look. I experimented with a quirky hair color and embraced a local style—wearing an open shirt over a T-shirt, sporting ear studs, and carrying a bit of that rugged, street-smart ‘desi majnu’ vibe. That definitely helped me get into the skin of the character.”
When asked about the USP of the show, Neel says, “I believe the USP of this show lies in the innocence of its characters, combined with a cast that delivered outstanding performances with their craft and dedication. But above all, the most important reason everything came together so well was the vision, direction, and guidance of our writer-director, Rajeev Mehendiratta. Thanks to him, everything ran smoothly and exceeded expectations. The series was originally planned to be shot in a month, but because of the professionalism of the cast, the efficiency of the team, and most importantly, Rajeev sir’s leadership, we wrapped it up in just 14 days.”
OTT platforms are often associated with the absence of censorship—featuring bold scenes and abusive language. On this, Neel shares his perspective, “At first, I was quite hesitant to perform intimate scenes on camera. But over time, I realized that times are evolving, and storytelling now often reflects the emotional and physical intimacy people long for—something that’s missing in many real life connections. Audiences today don’t just want to see idealized heroes and heroines; they want authenticity, vulnerability, and relatable emotions. I do feel there’s an overuse of intimacy in content today. Not every story needs it, and when it’s forced, it takes away from the essence of the narrative. As the saying goes, beauty lies in subtlety and restraint. I think one of the reasons some projects aren’t resonating with audiences anymore is because too much focus is placed on bold elements, while emotional depth and strong storytelling are being overlooked. Change is definitely welcome—but only when it serves a real purpose in the story.”
