Tarun Khanna: The Versatile Actor Breaking Free from Typecasting

Tarun Khanna, a prominent actor recognized for his portrayal of Lord Shiva, is on a mission to break free from typecasting. In a recent interview, he discussed his selective approach to roles, emphasizing the importance of character depth and personal satisfaction in his performances. Khanna is not afraid to walk away from projects that don't align with his artistic vision, as seen in his latest role in the series "Blackmail." His commitment to exploring diverse characters showcases his dedication to growth as an actor. Read on to learn more about his journey and creative philosophy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 23, 2026, 21:42 IST

Exploring New Horizons in Acting

Tarun Khanna, a veteran actor celebrated for his performances in numerous TV shows, has taken on the role of Lord Shiva around 16 times during his career. While this iconic character has become synonymous with him, Khanna is keen on diversifying his roles. He recognizes the risk of being typecast as Mahadev but is determined to pursue opportunities that showcase a variety of characters.

In a recent discussion, Khanna revealed his careful selection process for the roles he takes on. He mentioned that he often turns down offers that include smoking or explicit sexual themes, emphasizing the importance of character depth and strength. "I am not okay with all that," he stated, underlining his commitment to engaging with complex roles, regardless of whether they are heroic or villainous. His aim is to tackle characters that push his acting boundaries.

Khanna is unafraid to step away from projects that do not align with his artistic goals. "I have left shows and roles where I felt that they were not doing justice to my talent," he remarked. His passion for portraying impactful characters is clear, as he actively seeks roles that resonate with his abilities and allow him to demonstrate his full range as an actor.

Among his latest endeavors, Khanna highlighted his role in the series "Blackmail," where he portrayed a captivating antagonist alongside co-stars Mugdha Godse and Kangana Sharma. This character reflects his quest for challenging and unique roles, which he believes are vital for his development as an actor.

Additionally, Khanna shared his thoughts on his creative journey, stressing the significance of personal satisfaction in his performances. He compared acting to cooking, saying, "If you can't enjoy your own cooked food, how do you expect people to like it?" This philosophy motivates him to pursue roles that not only meet audience expectations but also bring him joy and fulfillment in his craft.