Ribbhu Mehra who essays the role of Nikhil in Star Plus’ popular show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein (Balaji Telefilms) has had an incredible journey with the show.
He says, “From the direction team and creative team to the production people and my co-actors, all have been very nice to me. I couldn’t have asked for a better team than that of ‘Yeh Hai Mohabbatein’. This top rated show has its loyal audience who now recognize me because of my character. Usually, it’s hard to make a mark when such a big show has a loyal audience, but I am happy they’ve accepted me and my character and shown immense love. Plus, I’ve got a lovely family in the form of the entire team that I am proud to be part of.”
Ribbhu who comes with a lot of TVC experience under his belt feels lucky to have worked with brilliant directors in his outings, both on TVCs and show. “I have always tried to give what was desired of me by my directors and I believe that has worked for me. Keeping that thought in mind, I always try and give an element of personal touch to my performances.”
The talented young actor feels that he is quite similar to the character of Nikhil. “On a personal level, I go out of of my way to help my loved ones whenever I find an opportunity and have time. Nikhil is caring and loves bonding with kids and so do I. The major difference would be that Nikhil tends to move towards alcohol when upset or sad and I wouldn’t opt for it. I try and work things out if they go out of hand or would just go to the gym and take my anger out on the weights.”
Ask him about the amazing onscreen chemistry that he shares with Aditi Bhatia and he states, “I am glad that the audiences have been appreciating the chemistry that we share onscreen. Aditi is an amazing person to work with and we have lot of fun off screen as well. We leave no opportunity to pull each other’s leg and both of us being scorpions gel quite well. One thing that makes people turn their heads towards us is the way we laugh like maniacs cracking our little inside jokes (laughs). We are house on fire.”
On working with talented and experienced actors like Divyanka Tripathi and Karan Patel, he avers, “It has been wonderful sharing the screen space with such talented actors who have been on the show for so long. They are very supportive of me and professional at the same time. They make the atmosphere very relaxed making it easy to play your part. Although most people may think being the seniors they may be more strict, they’re a lot of fun to be with and its an utmost pleasure to work with them.”
For Ribbhu, doing an emotional scene is more challenging than doing a comedy scene as an actor. “Everyone has their strengths but to give your best emotion to each scene is something that one needs to have in the back of their minds. I enjoy doing both but I require more time to prepare myself for an emotional scene,” the actor explains.
Ribbhu who has a macho man body himself, would love to play a character similar to that of Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky’. “Also, a project that has something to do with sports probably where I can put my athletic side to full potential is what I want. Looking at Bollywood, may be a film like ‘Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikandar’ is what I desire to be a part of.”
The young lad is a professional DJ and is known as DJ Ribz in the professional DJ circuit. “Like acting, DJing gives me another kind of high and satisfaction. So this is something that I’m revealing for the very first time but I will be coming out with my single very soon. One would find me making music when I’m not acting. Recently I went Live on Instagram and was strumming the guitar and sang couple of songs and it was loved by the viewers. Holding that thought, I would also like to announce that the next time I go live I have a surprise for the viewers.”
He has an interesting take to his likes and dislikes, and quips, “I like chilling and spending time with my family and make visits to my hometown Delhi where they reside. Hanging out with friends is another thing that I thoroughly enjoy. I love eating great food. I like watching movies and enjoy playing sports. I shouldn’t be saying this but what I majorly dislike is waking up early in the morning.”
On the importance of being fit, Ribbhu explains, “Fitness is an integral part of my personality and routine. I have always been into sports, right from my school days. No matter what, I do take time out to work out in the gym or do some basic training at home if there’s not much time. I even like to go for a good run out at a garden or track to have a more natural environment. To be honest, I am so used to being fit and muscular, that I can’t see myself without my lean muscle and abs and this works for me.”
Ribbhu has had a good growth in career. On his thoughts on work, he says, “Nobody is perfect but to be the best version of oneself is what everyone should strive for. That’s exactly my motto and initially you have to learn a lot about the craft of acting. It’s an art and it takes years and years of practice to get the perfection. I am learning every day and I want to keep learning. One should never stop at trying to showcase the best of their capabilities after all.”
Wish you all luck, Ribbhu!!