Jai Vats on his love for costume dramas: Living like a king, even briefly, is unparalleled

Jai Vats, who has been part of shows like Ikyawann and Choti Sarrdaarni, recently concluded his track as King Mrityunjay in 10:29 Ki Aakhri Dastak. He shares, “Though my track has ended, you never know when it might be revived on television. I’d be thrilled if that happened because I thoroughly enjoyed being part of a supernatural fantasy drama.”

His fondness for costume dramas and mythology is evident from his work in shows like Jai Jai Jai Bajrang Bali, Ramayan, and a non-television project based on Mahabharat. He explains, “Portraying Gods and kings is a unique experience. As actors, we live multiple lives in one lifetime, and stepping into the shoes of a king or a deity is unparalleled. Wearing extravagant costumes, heavy robes, and intricate jewellery while portraying such characters is amazing. Imagine living like royalty, even if only briefly.”
However, playing such roles comes with its challenges. He shares, “Donning heavy costumes and jewellery while acting isn’t easy. Add a turban or crown, and it becomes even more demanding — especially in summer. Wearing fake beards or moustaches can cause discomfort, but you have to manage all of this while delivering a convincing performance. In regular dramas, you’re in light, comfortable clothing with minimal makeup. Here, the effort is significantly more.”

The challenges aren’t limited to attire. Jai highlights the importance of body language and diction in mythological and fantasy shows. “Unlike social dramas, where you can improvise and play with the language, these genres demand precision. You need a strong command of chaste Hindi and flawless diction. Thankfully, being from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh — a Hindi-speaking state — gives me an advantage. But even so, the dialogue delivery and the acting style require a disciplined approach.”
Despite the hurdles, he finds the genre quite fascinating. “Some actors shy away from it, but for me, it’s an enriching experience. The effort it demands makes it even more fulfilling,” he concludes.