Bhavya Gandhi who started his career playing Tapu in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has given himself various opportunities to prove his versatility. With a Gujarati film and a Bollywood film in his kitty, Bhavya has recently returned to the small screen to play a contrastingly different role, this time in Sony SAB’s popular show Pushpa Impossible.
In an exclusive chat with IWMBuzz.com, Bhavya talks about his vivid memories of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, his role in Pushpa Impossible, and his efforts to pick up varied roles in his career.
Read on.
Tell us about your character in Pushpa Impossible?
Prabhaas is a negative character with a lot of layering. He tends to get violent in situations, and how he is here to destroy the whole ecosystem of the main family forms the crux. He is a very egoistic, rich spoilt brat.
You have moved forward in your career, but the memories of you as Tapu of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah never seem to fade. Tell us about it.
I feel blessed that I am a member of everybody’s family. I am connected to them. I am glad that I am working more so that they can see me more.
What do you have to say to the team of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah who have surged on, and maintained their consistency despite a newer cast coming in?
It has to be like this, isn’t it? There is this very beautiful mantra that is followed in the industry – The show must go on!! Everybody has their own journey and their own plans. Nobody is indispensable. Everyone should focus on their journey, and all these journeys come together to create a bigger journey. That is what we actors look for!! So I am happy that the show continues to spread its warmth all over.
There have been constant comparisons with the old cast, claiming that Old is Gold. What do you have to say?
It is a fact that Old is Gold (laughs). But answering this seriously, everybody present in the cast, either earlier or presently, has done a great job. The channel is also taking care of the show and its cast closely. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah will do well for a long time, it will do well for another 20 years, I am sure of it.
Getting back to Prabhaas in Pushpa Impossible, what is the toughest attribute of him for you to imbibe?
In my head, I had never thought of doing a negative character at all, especially in a TV show. The fact that I am doing it has been appealing to me. It is a Hats Off Productions show and I am excited to be a part of the team. And it has been a homecoming with Sony SAB after Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.
Asit Modi and now JD Majethia, you have worked with the best. Take us through that journey of getting inspired by such people?
It is a big blessing. You learn from each and every person you work with. Asit Sir has helped me learn a lot. Now, JD Sir and his team are helping me. Experience is the biggest learning for any human, so this is huge for me to get guiding forces like them in every aspect of my life.
What are the learnings that you have imbibed over time?
Every scene, every set, every director, every script teaches me. I feel happy that I am doing it. I have not gone to any acting school to learn. Whatever I have learnt has been on the field.
What do you expect from Pushpa Impossible now?
There are no such expectations. People have supported me every time I came in front of them. So I appeal to the same audience to watch me portray this different character in Pushpa Impossible. Their feedback means a lot to me.
How is the going for you as you play this negative character?
It has been tough, as I did not want to get into the stereotype mode. We have been brainstorming on how differently this track can be approached. At the same time, we have to keep in mind that it is for a TV show where deadlines have to be met every day. We are on fire, we have to run, and we are also thinking of innovation in the track.
Pushpa Impossible has always been inspiring as a show. Tell us about your experience.
Everyone is extremely sweet. It is a positive set with an amazing creative team, direction team and of course, the production team is huge. When it is JD Sir you are working with the best. Whenever we are working towards the same goal, that of following the mantra of Sony SAB, it is an exciting experience.
Have you got any feedback from your Taarak family?
Yes, they never expected to see me in such a negative role. I was appreciated by them for attempting something different.
What are the kinds of roles and genres that you want to try?
I want to do period roles, mythological shows or films, and reality. I want to do everything.
Tell us about your films.
The Gujarati film Ajab Raat Ni Gajab Vaat, is a one-night story. Two friends try to kidnap the girl of their friend, but end up kidnapping the wrong girl. It has a complete comic flair to the story plot.
The Bollywood film Kesari Veer is also in the pipeline. But we have not completed its shoot yet. It is a beautiful film with Suniel Shetty, Sooraj Pancholi, and Vivek Oberoi. I play the role of Sooraj’s friend. I am excited for this.
