While researching for this interview, we discovered that Namit Das is not only an actor but also a trained singer, owing to his musical lineage. So, we requested him to hum a tune — and he did — leaving us pleasantly surprised by the range of his talent. This year has been particularly exciting for Das. He starred in Aap Jaisa Koi in July, followed by The Taj Story in October, and now, Hamara Vinayak, in which he plays Lord Ganesha. “November is a turning phase for me,” says Das, as he talks about his upcoming work. In conversation with mid-day, he discusses what drew him to the show, how it appeals to a universal audience, and why he ultimately chose acting over music.

Excerpts from the interview.