Filmyy People

February 29, 2024 I Richa Devesar I Filmyy People

Imagine the light in parents’ eyes when their child achieves something extraordinary. Meet this genius who's not just dreaming of making her parents proud but has already done it and that too at the tender age of six which most of kids can just dream of and infact why just kids..we grownups too. Yes that’s exactly what this Wonder kid has done. This little entertainer has captured the hearts of millions as Dabangi Arya in Sony TV’s serial Dabangi. You’ve got to see her to believe her..what a natural and effortless actor is she.  Although, the serial has taken a leap and so has her character, but her fans still miss this cutie Dabangi and trust me I’m one of them.

At an age where most kids are not even able to write properly, this little wonder is walking red carpets, receiving awards, getting clicked with fans, shooting back-to-back and signing autographs. At an age where kids find it difficult to learn a single sentence, this girl learns a script of 20-25 pages everyday and that too with no hassle. Kids her age have to be forced to get ready to go to school whereas this star kid moves from one set to other, gives shot after shot without being difficult. Actually, this Chhota Packet Badaa Dhamaka (that’s what you can call this magical and super energetic and enthusiastic kid) kinda girl is not just playing a character but is inspiring kids and adults alike, showing that age is just a number when it comes to talent and dedication.

It won’t be an exaggeration if I say that watching Maahi Bhadra playing Dabangi Arya is not like watching a serial but feels like beginning of a new chapter in entertainment, led by a little girl with a big dream and an even bigger talent. I have watched her performing and seeing her, I thought she must be 10-12 years of age but I got shock of my life when her mom told me that she is just 6 years old. Its rare…the kind of understanding of character, dedication, positivity and energy she has.

I can go on and on talking about Maahi Bhadra but let me share my telephonic conversation with Maahi Bhadra and her Mom Devyaani Bhadra and let you know more about this talented girl. After talking to both of them, I must salute her Mom (alongwith Maahi) for 24/7 dedication, support and guidance. Its not an easy task preparing her for a character, recording auditions, helping her with learning dialogues, being on set with her all the time, taking her from one location to other for shoots, auditions, mock shoots, promos etc. but Maahi’s mother does it all…that too with a smile on her face because this is what makes Maahi happy. So here the conversation goes….

Hi Mahi! I’m really surprised to know that you are just 6 years old and so so talented….

‘Hiiiiii! Hehheheeh….Thankyouuuuuuu’. Her giggle was so familiar and infectious at the same time.

Okey, tell me which class you are in and in which school you study?

I am in Senior KG and study in Royal International School.

Achha,  I don’t think aapne acting seekhi hai but still I want to ask, have you learnt acting from any institute or something?

Nahi, maine acting seekhi nahi hai (No, I have not learnt acting)

You haven’t learnt acting still you’re such a natural on screen. But then from where did this idea of acting come to your mind?

From my sister and Papa. When I was younger, whenever they would go out for audition, I used to accompany them infact I used to make sure that they don’t go without me. Heheh…

Oic!  Your sister and father are also actors?

‘Yes!’ And her Mom then tells me that her father Devendra Bhadra is also an actor who’s acted in serials like Kundali Bhagya, Dabangi , Shastri Viruddh Shastri and Jaghanya  (Marathi) alongwith many more. And her sister Jeeya Bhadra who is 13 years old now made her debut as a child artist in the serial Veera at the age of 2 and a half years and did serials like Aarambh, Shakuntalam etc but now she has taken a break from acting and is preparing for her Muay Thai (Martial art) competition.

What do you have to say about Maahi’s enthusiasm and dedication for her work.

Maahi’s Mom replies ‘She is always ready to act. I don’t have to convince her or anything. To act.. Is her wish, her dream, her passion. Infact so many times, I have to think but she is always ready to shoot and record an audition so much that even at 2am, she will insist that No Mom lets do it now and send it. Actually, being her mother, its so natural for me to appreciate her but if I look at her from a distance she is a very enthusiastic and dedicated. She leaves a mark wherever she goes. Everyone who meets her says, this child is god gifted, she is mind blowing. And as far as this serial Dabangi is concerned, she was selected out of 120 kids.

Wow Maahi! That true?

‘Yes….absolutely! Mujhe acting karna bahut achha lagta hai’ (I love acting) and you know yesterday only I was shooting where I played a Punjabi boy and really had a great time.

Do you find it difficult to act sometimes, bringing out different emotions one after the other. How do you manage to do it?

‘Actually we have a team with us. They tell me, make me understand.. that now you have to laugh, now you have to cry..toh ho jata hai rona (so that’s how I cry).’ (See, its that easy for her.)

Do you remember your first audition?

Yes, ofcourse I gave my first audition at the age of 4 and I remember that it was for Jai Hanumaan serial on Dangal TV in which I played the role of Bhoori..Bhoori (and she giggles). Her Mom then explains that the serial, based on Lord Hanumaan had a group of kids and she was the one whom Lord Hanumaan would always carry on his shoulders.

And what other serials you did after Jai Hanumaan?

After Jai Hanumaan, I did Ali Baba - Dastaan-e-Kabul which used to come on Sony Sab and I played Haida in it. And her mother elaborates on this and tells me that she had a very important role in this serial. Also, the producers were so happy with her performance that her role got extended. And no one would believe that just one day after she finished Ali Baba she started shooting for Janam Janam Ka Sath. And for this I give all the credit to Maahi because she did not bother to take a break but was more than just excited to start her new serial.

Maahi, are you able to remember all your dialogues. Because as your Mom just told me, you get 20-25 pages script everyday. Do you forget your dialogues sometimes?

‘Arrey do minute mein yaad ho jata hai, ho jata hai mujhse sab’’. (I learn my dialogues in just 2 minutes, I am able to do everything.) Actually, I don’t take much time to learn my dialogues..i read it once and it gets into my head and I don’t find learning my dialogues difficult. And sometimes, if I forget, our team is there to prompt me and then I recall it. Her mother adds that 99% of her shots are done in one take.

How do you manage studies and acting?

Her Mom says that she is not able to attend her school regularly but her teachers are very cooperative. And Maahi is equally serious about her studies as she completes each and every worksheet given to her on time. And moreover, she gets time to study even on sets.

Now tell me Maahi, who are your favourites in Dabangi?

I love everyone Gud Kaaki, Jhakkas Kaka, Ikya, Bhoplya, Aju baba, Aaji everyone. But yes I am very close to Manav Sir, Kasturi Mam and Tanmay. Although in the serial, he is my enemy but in real life he is a good friend. We all alongwith Gud Kaaki used to make lot of reels. And Manav Sir loves me so much. Her mother adds that offscreen also, Manav Sir and Maahi are like father-daughter…he always calls her ‘my darling’ . Although Maahi is no longer in the serial as it has taken few years leap, but he often comments on her posts and in that case even her producer and director often join in whenever she is live on Instagram. Just the other day, we had gone to meet everyone at the shoot….they all stopped shooting and welcomed Maahi with so much love. Its not a small thing to leave shooting and welcome us. Actually, all the Unit gives Maahi so much love that we feel blessed.

Few days back, I read that Rachana Mistry who is playing big Arya (after it took 14 years leap) said in an interview that young Arya has set high standards for her. How was it listening to this complement?

I was very very very very happy to read that and shared it on my instagram as well. Her mother adds that Rachana Mistry told her that for the very first time she has to do her homework, she has to look at the previous episodes to see Arya’s personality and her reactions on different situation. She has given me a challenge. That is such a big complement for Maahi.

Maahi…especially after Dabangi everyone knows you, they appreciate you so much. So what do you think about all this love from people?

Yes, I enjoy it so much and thank all my audience for the appreciation and love and now I want to work with Amitabh Bachchan. That’s my dream.

O wow! I hope this wish of your reaches Mr. Bachchan and you get to work with him soon. Maahi, you are, I think the only actress who has done so many promos for almost all Sony serials going on with Dabangi. How did you manage it?

Ohhh I loved doing those promos and had a great time shooting them. And her Mom says that she had to devote a lot of time for that..because after finishing her promos she used to shoot for Dabangi. Also around that time only, she was called by Jhalak Dikhla Ja Team to record a promo....and everyone loved her in that too.

Okey Maahi, you are a known face now so do people ask you for a picture or autograph? Yes, wherever I go, people say.. Oh ye toh dabangi hai… (that’s Dabangi)and they click picture with me and autograph….yes Manav (Gohil) Sir asked me for an autograph once. I felt so nice.

Maahi, you are doing so much of work…don’t you feel lazy at times?

Mujhe sab badhiya lagta hai! (I find all this so good) No, never..it has never happened. That’s because I enjoy acting so much. Infact, I always look forward to shoot. Her Mom adds that she never feels lazy infact all the time she is very excited to do new things..play new characters and never feels bored.

Now tell me, what do you like to do when you are at home like…. when you are not shooting?

When I’m home, I like to do painting and love playing with my elder sister Jeeya and my friends. We often go downstairs and play badminton and hide and seek with friends and I play indoor games with Jeeya Didi, my elder sister.  I love all my friends and enjoy a lot with them and they also feel very happy whenever I go to play with them because most of the time I’m shooting but still I manage to take out time for my friends. Her Mom adds that she knows what she has to do and manages her time well. She gives importance to each and every thing be it studies, shooting, playing, friends etc. She has a very normal upbringing and that’s the reason she never shows attitude to anyone. Like she is very fond of making Rangoli so whenever she makes one, she calls her friends and show them. And she likes to be at home when not shooting and loves to eat home made food. That reminds me how the director of Dabangi serial would tease her on the set. Actually we are pure vegetarians so he used to tease her..Arrey Arya is pure vegetarians iske liye veg wala chicken mangvaao.(Get her vegetarian chicken)  

So how was her bond with the director and producer of the show?

Her Mom says that Arif Ali and Herumb Khote love Arya so much. They say that we thank God for bringing Maahi in their serial because this is the type of girl they wanted their Arya to be..and they say that they didn’t have to make any extra efforts, she was already like Arya..and we didn’t have to work much on her.

30th Oct, 2023 I Richa Devesar I Filmyy People

Thinking about a career change at the age when you have reached a certain position professionally as well as personally and on the top of it when you are a married woman and a mother of two! Not very often, we get to hear this!! Basically, we are so engrossed in living life in our so-called Safe Zone that most of us can’t even think of taking this risk, let alone doing it, for the simple reason that  we are scared and the doubt of ‘what if i fail’ makes this (career) shift all the more difficult. But when Priyamvada got in to this situation, instead of thinking about failing she said to herself ‘what if i fly?’ She went ahead with this conviction and within just one week of sharing her portfolio, she was signed for a movie called Gone Kesh, wayback in 2018.

After doing MBA, B.Ed and PhD in English Literature and teaching for over 10 years, Priyamvada Singh had guts to try her luck in the glamour world at the age of 35. She is currently playing Farha in Katha Ankahee and Sushma Bua in Do Chutki Sindoor. It must not have been an easy ride for someone who had no connections in the industry. And the fact that with less than 5 years in the glamour World, this vivacious and cool lady has done lot of  interesting work, makes her journey all the more interesting. Let’s get to know how she did it all and what actually prompted her to explore her instincts. 

Entering Glamour World at 35 must not have been an easy step. Tell me who all, would you like to thank, for supporting you in this decision?

My family has been the strongest support system for me. My Dad, my mom, brother, sister, my husband and kids…. It was because of their support that I could not just think about this career-shift but could also make it happen.  It really isn’t easy for a married woman to start acting after a certain age and stage in one’s life. But my family has always stood by me. Without their support it wouldn’t have been possible, for sure. I see a big smile on their faces and a twinkle in their eyes when they watch me performing and I love that. It is so satisfying to know that they are super proud on my achievement. My 14-year old daughter Adwitiya, 9-year old son Adbhut and my brother Mukund who’s just cleared UPSC exam, they  jump with joy and shower me with complements on my look, hair, costumes, everytime they see me on screen whereas my husband Anirudh who is a banker, my sister Shikha, a cop and my Mom and Dad check on my performance. And I’m so grateful to God for this blessing.

Tell me more about your Mom and Dad so that we get to know about your inherited talents? Well, my father Dr. Yogendra Singh Chahar is an International Level Wrestler and my mother Ms. Meena Chahar has got a beautiful voice and if I tell you about her dancing, its like… even if she is listening to some song for the first time, she wouldn’t skip a beat. I have grown up seeing all that. So, getting in to sports and being creative came naturally to me. I was a national player of Hockey and Badminton in my school days. And dancing, although I could not learn it professionally for some obvious reasons but I feel, I’m quite good at that and I enjoy singing too.  

And now I am intrigued to know your journey right from childhood. So, tell me what kind of kid, Priyamvada Singh was?

As a child I was a big entertainer like.. during family gatherings and functions, I used to be the one who would imitate actors, speak filmi dialogues, crack jokes and dance a lot.

Talking about childhood, which are your best memories?

Small cities, I feel have lot of warmth, care and people know everyone so well. I miss the festive season of Sehore (in MP) a lot (where she has spent her school and college days) especially Ganesh Chaturthi. I still remember, Ganesh Chaturthi was one festival, I used to look forward to. Participating in competitions and winning prizes, it used to be such big fun. This is one of the most fun memories of my childhood that i cherish and tell my kids also.

Have you been able to be in touch with your old friends? Absolutely, infact my friends say that you haven’t changed a bit as a person even after becoming an actor. I still meet them for get togethers, family functions, whenever I am in Bhopal where my parents live. I feel earning name, fame and money is one thing but bonding and relationships play a very important role in our lives. I feel how can those people with whom we have discussed and shared our dreams, not be a part of our lives when we attain those dreams.

How would you describe Priyamvada?

I am very observant and may not be very talented but hard working, for sure. I started my acting career at an age when people have already attained and have become what they want to be. Although, I did have this pressure initially but still went ahead with my decision. So, now I feel I don’t have any time to waste. I am always very focused, working very hard so that I get appreciation for my work. Also, I’m a quick learner.

Did  you ever do theatre or participated in drama during school or college days? No, never! I have never participated in any drama during my school and college days. But yes, in school annual functions, I used to participate in dancing, quiz  and speech but never acting. And honestly, never really got time to do all that professionally because studies, job, marriage, kids kept me pre occupied all these years.

Talking about your entry in to the acting world, which people and co-actors really helped you in becoming a better actor.. so to say?

This is one field where we get to learn from each actor we work with and that’s been the case with me from the time I started my acting journey. First of all I would like to mention my dear Casting Directors Neha Singhania, Aditya Surana, Vishal Gupta, Nazia and Jigar. They have made my acting journey so so easy by giving me great opportunities. I will always be grateful to them. Then comes, Sandeep Sikand who was the producer of my earlier shows Bahut Pyar Karte hain and Lag Ja Gale. He is one of those producers who actually sees the talent of a performer and if he feels the actor deserves more, he would create more opportunities for that actor so that the actor gets a better chance to showcase his or her talent. These people have a great role to play in my acting journey.

I have really been fortunate enough to have got chance to work with best of directors and producers and actors and talking about my co-actors I would like to mention few names. First one is Manav Gohil, a very senior and flawless actor and an amazing human being. Observing him was my very first experience of seeing how an actor can make a written scene look so magical and perfect. I got a chance to work with him in my very first daily soap Shaadi Mubaarak and ofcourse  I was very nervous and anxious but the way he guided me and involved me in the scenes, was just amazing.

Then comes Samar Vermani, he is again one of the coolest and sweetest guys I have ever known and above all, he performs with lot of ease, a master of his craft and so effortless at the same time. While observing him, I realized that if son is like this, then his mother should also be like that. As a result, I improvised a lot in my character.

Gagan Anand is one more actor who has inspired me the most. I worked with him in Lag Ja Gale. His character was negative and so was mine as I was playing his wife. Gagan is a Punjabi and as my character was also Punjabi.. I was able to pull that character so well because of his guidance.

Beautiful and very senior actor Dolly Mattu is one actress, I have learnt so much from. Such a graceful lady, a natural performer she is. I observed her a lot and after seeing her perform, especially emotional scenes I challenged myself and my performance got better.

Anjali Mukhi..what a beautiful performer and human being is she. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much scenes together in Katha..Ankahee but I observed her a lot. The way she experimented with scenes, added her inputs was just a treat to watch. I just hope, I get a chance to work with her again.

So, now let’s talk about how the transition of a Lecturer-to-an-actor, happened.

You know, switching career at this age is very risky and if one is thinking to enter in to glamour world, its way more riskier. Noone from my family is from films, infact we have got nothing to do with film industry. But God has really been kind to me.  I was born in Agra and did most of my schooling and graduation from Sehore. Then after marriage, I did M.B. A., B.Ed and then PhD (in English Literature) from Bhopal after which I started teaching Personality Development Skills in an Engineering College in Bhopal..where I taught for 10 years. What happened was that in 2018, we shifted to Mumbai as my husband got posted here. That’s when I decided that since I love acting so much, why not give it a try. I might fail but then what… if I fly?  I have not had any training so I am not a trained actor, but what i feel is everyone already has that X factor. With training, it gets more polished.

How was the experience of getting your first acting assignment?

Within one week of sharing my portfolio and audition videos with casting directors, I was selected for Gone Kesh which released in 2019. I played the character of a boss of the leading lady. It’s the story of a girl suffering from Alopesia and how she overcomes this disease. My character plays a very important role in her journey. It was a very positive character and I loved playing it.

And what about Mamatva? I have heard it’s a Braj Language movie. How come you know this language so well?

One strange thing happened. Gone Kesh was the first film I signed but it released later and the shooting also started after I signed Mamatva, a Braj language movie. I played a grey character in the movie and villagers feel she is jinxed. I was very comfortable in speaking Braj since my Mom is from Mathura. But facing the camera for the very first time was a bit tricky for me, atleast on the first day but then with my director Keerti Singh’s help, I was able to understand it all, the very second day onwards. Actually what I had in my mind was that as soon as the director says Action, I have to start acting but my director told me no..you don’t have to act..you have to feel the character from inside. So, from second day onwards, I was able to grasp everything and acting was no more ‘just’ acting for me. It all became like… being that character.

 Tell me about your first TV serial?

In the beginning of my TV career, I did this serial called Nazar where I had a cameo and it was very interesting role. I was a part of the group that was doing mermaid hunting and it was quite interesting. Then Crime Patrol came my way where I not just acted but tried my hand at writing story, and dialogues also. Infact, it used to be one of my very favourite serials before coming in to this field and I was thrilled when I got a chance to write as well as act in it.  Infact, I also got an opportunity to write for a serial called Laal Ishq which received a very good response from the audience.  

Your first Daily Soap Shaadi Mubaarak (2020) was shot during Corona time, how tough was it to shoot during Covid days and how was the whole experience? Yes, Shaadi Mubaarak was my first daily soap. It was a great experience but we had to take lot of precautions. With sanitizing and mask on, sometimes things would get a bit difficult. But, the whole experience of doing this serial was mind blowing. I had wonderful co actors whom I’ve grown up seeing, so naturally, I was nervous for first few days but then all awkwardness was gone as nobody made me feel like a newcomer.

Which is your favourite character out of the ones you have played so far?

Farha ofcourse, is my favourite character for the simple reason that its very realistic and Farha is very much like me. Its like playing myself on screen. Sometimes even my family says that Farha sounds exactly like you. And second one Lag Ja Gale as it was very challenging for me to play a negative character. I started getting hate messages for this character on Insta and got a bit disturbed also but then my daughter told me Mumma, you should take it as a complement, it simply means that you played your part really well. That’s when I realized, ya that’s so right.

And now about Katha..Ankahee. What do you have to say about your co actors?

I consider myself really lucky that I have got a chance to work with such great actors, our whole team is simply amazing and we all have a great bonding. The magic, the bonding that you see on screen comes out in such a beautiful way because every actor is such a beautiful person from inside. You know being a good actor, good technician is one thing but to be good with everyone is really commendable. Whether its Adnan who is an extraordinary person and a brilliant actor or Aditi who is so humble and a great performer. Bidisha is multi talented and a very dear friend. Then Samar, he is the most amazing and chilled out co-actor, I have worked with. Our director Ravi is one of the finest directors I have worked with. We all enjoy each other’s company a lot and everyday we get to learn so much from each other atleast that’s true in my case.

Your and Bidisha’s friendship is amazing both onscreen and offscreen. So, did it start with Katha only or is it Mission Over Mars?   You won’t believe, we met on Katha’s set for the first time and you are right we both acted in Mission Over Mars also without even knowing it. We were really not aware of each other’s presence in MoM as we didn’t have any scenes together. Its only while shooting for Katha, we discovered this fact.

Since there are so many females on the set of Kathaa..Ankahee, is there any competition or insecurity among all?

Well, I don’t want to sound politically correct but frankly speaking, nothing like that happens. Infact, we are always appreciating each other so much. We are so happy about each other that there is no such thing like competition or insecurity or anything like that.

Apart from Katha Ankahee, you are doing Do Chutki Sindoor also. Tell me about that.

It’s a Shashi-Sumeet productions with whom I did my very first daily soap i.e. Shaadi Mubaarak. I play a negative character in the serial who is Bua of the main lead. It has been a great experience so far and the best thing is that I was locked for a positive character but during the workshops, the director thought that I would be able to pull off negative character very well. So, the character I’m playing in Do Chutki Sindoor is of a woman who is very greedy, mean and cunning and can go to any extent to prove her point. And I must say that i am having a great time with my co-actors.

Is there any particular character you want to play on screen?

As such, I don’t plan things and I’m always content with what I do. But yes having said that, I would love to play a cop or a don type character, a powerful character that can scare people. (and she laughs)

Which are you favourite childhood serials?

Pallavi Joshi’s Aarohan which was about a girl who joins Navy was very inspiring. Another one was Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai. And out of current serials, I love watching Asif Shekh and Deelip Joshi in Bhabhi ji Ghar Par Hain and Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashma. One strange thing, I would like to mention here is that shooting of Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashma is happening in Filmcity where I shoot for Katha but I never feel like going there.. why..because somewhere I have this belief that the society exists somewhere in reality  and I don’t want to break that myth. So, that’s the level of liking and attachment with this serial.

Who are your favourite actors both on Television and films?

My all time favourite actor is Sridevi. She is one actor whom I have, grown up watching. Infact, my way of understanding a character, emoting and performing, the essence is somewhere or the other, inspired by one and only Sridevi. She has not only inspired me professionally but she’s had a great impact on my personality as well.

Bryan  Lee Cranston is another actor, I appreciate a lot. I watched his series Breaking Bad on my brother’s insistence. This actor, I feel is the most fabulous performer I have ever seen in my life. If ever I got a chance to play such character, I would definitely take his reference.

What message you have for your fans who appreciate you so much?

23rd June, 2023 I Richa Devesar I Filmy People

Samar Vermani, a well known face in the advertising world, who’s done over 200 TVCs so far is currently playing Ehsan in Sony TV Serial Katha....Ankahee. He has become a big craze especially among girls. Fans are going crazy over him and his Instagram account is a proof of that. Although he is not very active on social media but his fan following is increasing day by day and he is being praised for his acting, looks and dressing style. Infact, people are liking him so much that they want him to be the lead. Well, that’s quite a rare thing to happen but is very much evident from the appreciation being showered by his fans on his Instagram profile. One fan writes ‘I watch Katha just because of you, sometimes I skip all parts and just watch yours’, another one says ‘I don’t have TV at my place but got the App installed because I am hooked to the serial just because of your character’ while another fan says ‘You are a very good actor and your acting looks very natural, you should have been the lead.’ Some complement him for his effortless acting skills and others for his cute looks.

He started modeling at a young age of 23. Its been more than 10 years now and he is still in demand for TVCs and that is something which keeps him going. He made his Bollywood Debut as a lead, in 2018 with the movie Lashtam Pashtam  although he was first seen in a supporting role in the film Jo Hum Chaahein in the year 2011.  Not just modeling and acting in TV Serials but Samar has done some interesting Video Albums too including Sajte ho with Devo Ke Dev - Mahadev serial fame actress Sonarika Bhadoriya and Show Men Some Love - Men's Day Spl (not to forget his presence in Punjabi Music Videos) before taking a plunge into the world of OTT with web series Girgit in 2021 and recently released Happy Family- Conditions Apply.  Its interesting to know that before Katha..Ankahee  he was seen in a serial called Shadi Jasoos (2018) too. And to everyone's surprise  Samar has also acted in a Srilankan Sinhala language movie called 'Kadira Divyaraja', a fantasy movie where he played the title role of Kadira. 

Samar, as Ehsan has got different shades in his character which gives him a chance to showcase his versatility. How many shades does he have in real life? Well, well, well, in real life, he is a very soft hearted, modest, fun loving and happy go lucky kind of guy and is an Engineer. A versatile and effortless actor who believes in doing different character everytime be it serials, web series or movies, hails from Chandigarh. He likes to keep a low profile and this gives us a good reason to peep in to his life to get to know this humble, gentle and talented actor more. So here we go....

My first question to you has to be regarding Katha. Ehsan is stealing hearts.! You are getting so much love and appreciation. What made you say yes to play Ehsan?

To be very honest, what made me say ‘Yes’ to Ehsan was Director Ravi Bhushan Sir who is just the best in the Television Industry and also the Production House. Then I got the narration of the character where I got to know that Ehsan is a happy go lucky guy who doesn’t think much before doing anything because he lives in NOW. Vo past ko sochke itna rota nahi hai aur future ko sochke itna tension nai leta (doesn’t cry thinking about past and takes no tension about future). And probably that is the phase of life I am in right now where I don’t want to think too much about what will happen in future and what has happened in the past, I wanna really focus on my present and just enjoy life as it comes. And there was one more co incidence that I was reading the book ‘Power of Now’ when this role was offered to me. So, I thought lets go and explore it.

Since you belong to our very own Chandigarh, please tell us about your stay here, your schooling and friends etc.

You know one actually doesn’t realize the value of one’s hometown till one leaves it. Same thing happened with me. I left the city and home for the very first time at 18,  to pursue my Engineering at Pune. Till then, I had not travelled much, more so because My Dad’s job was such that he could not take much off. So, I can say that it was first time for me to explore a different city on my own. And that’s when I realized the value of my city that O My God there is no other city like Chandigarh.

This is the city where I was born and brought up no matter which part of India I go, I can never forget Chandigarh. I feel what I am today is because of this city. People often say I have that stability in me. I guess, its because of my family and my city Chandigarh which has made me the way I am. My schooling was from Little Flower Convent School,  Panchkula  till 10th and in 11th  12th I was in Chandigarh preparing for my Engineering. I still relish my school friends and  meet them whenever I come for a vacation here.

It's been more than 10 years since you moved to Mumbai, do you miss Chandigarh and what exactly do you miss?

Yes I miss Chandigarh, miss the peace, the calm, the roads, clean air. For me going to Chandigarh is like going abroad on a vacation. Whenever the city Mumbai gets on to me kyunki our work is like that you know from outside world it looks really fame and glam and all that jazz but its actually a lot of hard work, its lot of lifting yourself every single day. So whenever it gets too much on my health, mental or physical, I like to come back to Chandigarh and spend time with family. Ye sheher hi aisa hai like yahaan land karte hi (The city is such that after landing here) there is certain calmness in your mind so that’s the one thing I miss most about Chandigarh. 

You are a Punjabi, right? So do you see Punjabi movies and which ones are your favourite?

Yes I am a Proud Punjabi and love watching Punjabi movies. I have many favourites actually  from Carry on Jatta to Kismat. Infact I think if I watch 10 punjabi movies 8, I love. So, its like this. And being a Punjabi I feel, it’s a very sweet language that even if you are abusing in Punjabi na tab bhi vo pyaar lagta hai (seems like love).

Have you ever thought of working in a Punjabi movie?

Yeah, I would love to work in a Punjabi movie. The only thing is that like most of the Chandigarhians, I speak that kind-of-refined Punjabi because you know how it is in Chandigarh and Panchkula, people speak more of hindi so our Punjabi accent is a bit refined, you can say. Having said that given a chance, I would love to work in a Punjabi movie and then work on my Punjabi as well, for sure.

Punjabi film industry has grown so much in last 20 years, what is your take on that? 

I think its really amazing! Anyone who is in abroad probably seeing a Punjabi film won’t say that it’s a regional film it’s a film from Hindi Film Industry simply because the kind of films they are making now with the kind of budget, content and production value , it doesn’t anymore look like a regional film. And with a very recent example of RRR we have seen that whether it’s a Telugu film, from south or a Punjabi film you know we can do our country proud on a world scale irrespective of the language.

Do you relate with the Mumbai culture and people around you?

I definitely relate with the people around me. Artists here are all so passion-driven that whatever work they are doing, its coming from the bottom of their heart. People are very nice here, very inspiring, very motivating. Its like whenever you feel down you just talk to your friend and he or she will understand what you must be going through because somewhere they are having same issues so that level of understanding is very much there.

Moreover, It’s a fast moving city where you have to be on your toes every single day. So I took some time to get used to it because coming from Chandigarh you know which is a chilled out city not this fast, so to say. But its been so many years now and I have become used to the city.

You did your engineering from Pune, how did acting happen?

Thanks to my Engineering, acting happened. Till the time I was 18,  I had no idea what I have to do unlike today’s kids who are so sure. So for me it was more like following the mob. My parents took a decision on my behalf  and made me do engineering which turned out to be good for me. But staying away from home for 4 years and doing everything on my own opened my mind.  I discovered my liking for acting and started doing street plays, theatre in college just as a hobby and actually started enjoying it and post engineering I thought there is no harm going to Mumbai and trying your luck for couple of years. If it works well, its good and if it doesn’t then there is always Plan B to fall upon which was my Engineering.

Do you remember your first TVC?

I ofcourse remember my first TVC, it was with Prahlad Kakkar Sir, a well known name in the Advertising Industry.  I was just lucky and fortunate enough to have got a chance to do my first TVC with him. Infact even after getting selected, I didn’t know that I was going to be lead guy out of four and that Prahlad Sir would be directing it. It was quite a big TVC and the concept and everything was great and it was a big hit also. And the best or you can say the funniest thing was that I could relate to it, how? A cop stops me and asks for my license and I give him money so it was quite ironical because my Dad is a Cop.

Your Big Break in Bollywood came with Lashtam Pashtam in which you worked with veteren actor Om Puri. How easy or difficult it was playing lead in the presence of such a seasoned actor? 

Firstly, I really feel glad and fortunate to have shared screen with Late Om Puri Sir. It was his last theatrical release. And..it was difficult till the time I didn’t meet him. You know we all have some perceptions about such great actors. But I remember my first day on set with him. He called me in his vanity and chatted with me, discussed with me about everything about my life, my family and told me about his life too but nothing about the scene which we were supposed to rehearse. So, I was just thinking in my mind that why are we not rehearsing the scene? But realised later… that was his way to make me comfortable that first lets get to know each other and be comfortable and scene toh ho hi jaaega fir (scene will then be done) and it exactly happened the same way. So, he was like that elderly person on the set whom everyone is looking upto and really a friendly, jovial person. And it was so much fun working with him. Like I am actually truly, genuinely, grateful to have spent that time with him because Igot to learn so much and all that learning happened in a very fun way.

In TVCs we get to see a smiling Samar, in Lashtam Pashtam, you had an intense character to play, then in Girgit, you play a blunt cop and now in Katha a happy-go-lucky-guy with some grey shades, at times? Has it been difficult portraying such different characters or it comes naturally to you?

No, its not difficult but I enjoy playing such different characters. Because aap same-same play karke toh bore ho jaaoge na. (You will get bored playing the same characters) Its like having daal khichdi everyday, though its good but not everyday, you see. But yes, one thing is there that playing a different character requires a lot of prep and all.

I am glad that I have been offered such different characters you know where I get to play different sides of me. I honestly want to say that ‘me’ playing different characters is like ‘me’ playing different sides of  myself. In Girgit, I played that more angrier side of me or the desi side of me, in the current show Katha, I am how I am in everyday life. Then Lashtam Pashtam , my first film didn’t do well unfortunately, but is very close to my heart. And Ads toh I love doing. I think Ads just keep everything rolling keep the actor in me rolling, keeps money rolling, so that’s the biggest reason probably, I could consistently survive in the city.

12. What is the best and the worst thing about being an actor?

Best thing is you get to play different character every single day but more than that its what you love doing I mean I get paid for whatever I do but God forbid, even if I wasn’t getting paid, I would have still done it and loved it the way I do now, why because when I am on set, when I am in front of the camera, when I am acting, I just forget time. So many times, we shoot for 14-18 hours in a day, though that’s not healthy, but there is no tiredness,  maybe some physical fatigue but mentally, I don’t get tired because that is something, i love doing. So, I am, you know, by God’s grace fortunate enough to follow my passion, in my professional life.

And the worst thing could probably be rejections, I guess. But these rejections also makes one a stronger person altogether. After all those Nos, a single Yes does the magic makes you to be grateful, to be at peace with yourself that All is Well. I always feel one thing that any artist who is working from his or her passion might or might not be as successful as they aspire to be, at a certain point of time, but they see so much in such a short span of life that they surely become humble and good human beings.

Who is the real Samar? What does he like, what he dislikes and what interests him the most.

That’s a tough one to answer because I think the line really merges where I can differentiate myself from my professional life why because whatever I am doing in my professional life is so close to me personally that the line really merges. I love to act and that’s what I am doing.

As such there is no specific thing which I dislike,  I would say may be just few traits in me which I dislike.

I really love spending time with my family though we fight a lot (and he laughs) but it’s a very good time with them. Apart from the work, travelling is definitely something which interests me and yes meeting friends. Honestly speaking, I am really not a materialistic kind of person who would say it mere ko ye achha lagta hai vo achha lagta hai (I like this, I like that) I am content with a happy and  peaceful mind. And if I am already sounding like a Saint… let me tell you, I also love dancing and playing cricket.

What do you miss the most after becoming an actor? 

That’s again a tough one. I miss being with my family ofcourse but actually, since the time I have grown up this is the only life I have seen I am here in Mumbai since the time I was 23 post my engineering. Having said that one thing does bother me, not always because I feel God has really been kind in giving me consistent work and that too of my choice. But at times when I look at my friends who are in IT companies, I see they have a certain stability because they are sure of their job and we actors have to prove ourselves at every point. But that only is the beauty of this acting field that makes you stronger. Having said that, I also feel any other job will get me security but then I will not be sure of happiness whereas acting field may be insecure but thergives me lot of happiness.

What life is to you?

Life to me is living every small moment and finding happiness and contentment and peace in smallest of things I do everyday. Half of the time, we human beings are either in the future or in the past and we are kind of ruining up our present so as much as I give this advice to anyone, I try to follow it up every single day. Also one thing lately I have realized that if sometimes, things are not happening as you have planned, its okey. You never know what is kept in store for you. So let the supreme power bhagvaan keh lo God keh lo let him decide ofcourse hamara farz hai kaam karna mehnat karna (our job is to work, to make effort) but if some unexpected thing has happened and suddenly we are like Oh my God why this thing has happened that moment, just wait and watch there might be some good in it which time only will tell. So that’s the reason I try to live in today and not think much about tomorrow.

Please tell us about your upcoming projects?

At the moment, Katha- Ankahee is taking most of my time. Also TVCs are going on, as usual.  Recently I did a TVC of  Kia Car then I shot for Llyod  Washing Machine and both are quite prestigious ones and I feel fortunate again, to have got a chance to be in them. And talks are on for a Web Series. So, that’s about it.

You have got an over whelming response from fans for playing the role of Ehsan. People are loving you and your character so what do you have to say to your fans.?

My fans and my admirers who really like my work, thankyou so much! I feel it takes lot of effort to actually search someone on Instagram and then drop a message which is quite over whelming and thankyou so much guys for your time and all the love. I literally try and read every single DM and reply to it because it really means a lot.

Ideally people say that one should not look for validation outside, one should be content and validated within oneself. But trust me when you get validation from outside that too with so much of love, it really feels good yaar! I cherish it, am really enjoying it and grateful for it. Thankyou so much guys, whatever messages you send and whatever love you give it really inspires me every single day to entertain you and do my best. Thankyou so much!

05 June, 2023 I Richa Devesar I FilmyPeople

A young girl, who has loved watching Bollywood films since childhood, had this dream of becoming an actress one day, but then there were no Filmy contacts, no formal training, how was she going to do what she eventually did and that too on her own?  It was her positive and lively attitude, enthusiasm, love and respect for herself, her life and people around her that brought her where she is today. Success didn’t come her way dancing when she started off as lot of struggle and hard work was involved. It took her almost 20 years to get the kind of role she had been looking for, all these years though she has done a good number of serials. It has been one long journey but what one needs to appreciate in her is her perseverance, spirit of never giving up and always giving her best, no matter what!

Bidisha Ghosh Sharma needs no introduction today, as everyone knows her as Teji Aunty, Viaan’s mother in Katha..Ankahee but her journey which started as Komolika’s sister in Kasauti Zindagi Key Season 1 wasn’t easy but worth sharing. Inspite of having good looks, confidence, talent and above all enthusiasm for life, it has not been a cakewalk for her. Bidisha, who apart from being an actor, is a writer, a painter and a singer as well. How did she make it all possible without much of a formal training? Its her passion, her will power, her positive outlook and the child in her that keeps her young and energetic and enthusiastic all the time.

There is actually so much to write about her not because of her talents alone but for the person she is..warm, humble, friendly, down to earth, sweet and honest to the core. It was a pleasure talking to this multi-talented girl who just loves life and is more than just grateful for what all she has achieved so far. Let’s get to know her more.

 Katha Ankahee is doing extremely well and people are just loving the serial, the story and the starcast. The first thing I would like to know is How did Katha… Ankahee happen? It so happened that Ravi Bhushan Sir who was looking for someone who could play Ehsan’s mother had seen my work in Dil Sambhal Ja Zara, which coincidently was a Turkish series adapted in hindi. So, I was called for the audition, then look test happened and I was told that since my face cut and look resembles Viaan’s, instead of Ehsan, I would be playing Teji’s character. And here I am!

Were you ready to play the mother of a guy who, in real life is just a few years younger to you or there were apprehensions?

Not at all, Not at all! The thing is that I had already played the role of a Grandmother few years back on a DD Show called “Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan”. So that ways, I had no apprehension. Moreover, as an actor I like to do challenging roles. If everytime, its ‘me’ playing on the screen, there would be nothing new. So I found it challenging to get in to the character of an older woman who is not like ‘me’…No doubt …one has to prep for such a role… a lot but that’s what challenges me. And talking about Katha, it’s a very realistic serial and not one of those serials where a mother is given that typical look. Now if you see around, there are fit and younger-looking mothers everywhere…So, thankfully my character in the serial is quite contemporary.

Bidisha Ghosh Sharma in Katha.. Ankahee :

How are you finding the fame and the fan following ?

It is surreal! Everytime I go somewhere, people stop and talk to me, appreciate me, smile at me. I have been in this industry for quite sometime now and have done lot of work but the kind of recognition, popularity and response I am getting from Katha is phenomenal. And you know,  once in a while I do pinch myself and  say ’Okey, its good that people are appreciating but don’t get too excited, Bidisha.’ But honestly, I really love it when people genuinely praise our efforts and work.

Moreover, what happens is that when your whole work environment is positive, every one is working hard, you end up encouraging each other and the best version comes out. I feel Adnan is a fabulous person, too disciplined, too sincere and I get to learn so much from him. Then Samar, he is like… fabulous, so natural, so impromptu. With Priyamvada, its lot of fun, we laugh like kids and crack jokes and she is a brilliant actor and pushes me to be brilliant as well. Then there’s Aditi, although I haven’t had too many scenes with her but she’s also a fantastic actor..so warm, down to earth and humble. The writers are fabulous. I think, main jitna bolun utna kam hai about our cast and crew. And then, our director, the captain of the ship…. We toh blindly trust him because he knows how to get the work out of an actor. You know as an actor, sometimes when we give a shot we’re not sure but when we see our scenes on screen how they have turned out, our trust in our Director goes up like vo haan boley to haan.

You always wanted to be an actor or it just happened? 

As a child, I was crazy about movies. Like, Exam hai kal lekin mujhe Mr. India dekhni hai and you know when my parents would lock me up in the room during my exams main kaan lagaa ke sunti thi ke kaun sa scene chal raha hai. That time only I had decided that I want to be an actor. But it didn’t happen very soon because I had no connection in the entertainment industry. People say na when you really want something from your heart, poori kaaynaat ek saath ho jaati hai. The same thing happened with me. It so happened that when I was doing my Hotel Management Degree in Manipal, Govinda and Urmila had stayed in the hotel where our training was going on. They were shooting for Hum Tumpe Marte Hain. So, that was the first time, I got connected with a filmy crew..the assistant directors and the director. They would invite us to see the shooting and even when I came back to Mumbai, we remained in touch.

So, you faced the camera for the first scene for which serial and how it all happened? In those days, when I had just started out, what used to happen, we would drop our portfolios at the Production Houses. So, I had also dropped one at Balaji..and one fine day, I got a call and that was my first experience. I played Komolika’s sister’s role and it was kind of a cameo. But the journey had begun..like this I kept on playing small characters and trust me it hasn’t been an easy journey..it took me 20 years to reach where I am today. But yes, these small roles only made way for bigger ones and the first major serial that I got was Doordarshan’s Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan, then Ye Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai , also Sufiyana Pyaar Mera , Kahaani Hamaari - DIl Dosti Deewaanepan Ki, and few more till Dil Sambhal Ja Zaraa came my way..but unfortunately Corona came and nothing more happened. But yes….things changed with Katha….Ankahee.

Bidisha Ghosh Sharma in Kasauti Zindagi Key Season 1 as Komolika’s sister: (Check 4:32 and 8:02)

Bidisha in Dil Sambhal Ja Zaraa :

Bidisha in Sufiyana Pyar Mera :

Have you had any formal training in acting?

Initially not! But yes just few years ago, I did an Acting workshop with Saurabh Sachdev’ which really helped me as an actor. And before that it was like whatever I knew of acting, all was learnt on the sets. It takes me back to my early days, one day when I was shooting for a serial, I just wasn’t able to give the right shot. At that time, a senior actor came up to me and gave me few tips and I incorporated that and again gave the shot and trust me it came out perfect and everyone there appreciated me. That was it! There has been no looking back since then. I started getting lot of offers as I discussed earlier serials like Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan and all and one thing I would like to mention that I actually learnt a lot while doing this serial.

Bidisha in Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan :

Bidisha, you are not just an actor. You are a writer, a singer, a painter and a reasonably good cook too? You sing so well, are you a trained singer, did you have any formal training?

Honestly no formal training as such except few days here there, its just that I’ve been singing since childhood and when I entered college there also I used to participate in competitions and my friends and seniors always used to encourage me like they would always insist on singing Asha Bhonsle songs. Infact, when I had not started acting, I participated in Channel V Popstar Hunt and Indian Idol  too and somehow managed to reach semi final round but then…I wasn’t selected So, I kind of gave up. This was the time when I had not started acting and just like that I thought of giving it a try. 

Bidisha singing Nainon Mein Badra…

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpwczIJqTOW/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

Now I would like to know about writer Bidisha? Please elaborate on that. When did you start writing? Also that unfinished book, you told me about?

As far as writing is concerned, I started writing poetry first, during my college days. Then there was a big gap. Then I wrote few short stories and during Covid time, I wrote screenplays. Very recently I have again started writing poetry and I post it regularly on Instagram. What happens is when you are writing a poem, you have to put yourself in other person’s shoes…unke emotions unki feelings..something you might not have experienced yourself but you listen to something and it touches you and you get in to that thinking mode…basically that’s the thing.

And as far as that unfinished book is concerned, that’s still unfinished. Somehow, I have not been able to complete that.

Bidisha’s poetry :

Now painting, I have seen some of your paintings and they are beautiful? Since when have you been painting? Actually, from my school days only, I was reasonably good in drawing, making sketches. But I was scared of brushes and paint and had no idea how to paint on the canvas. One fine day, I told myself that I must learn to paint. So, I learnt to make one canvas painting from a painter and then started practicing it myself with the help of YouTube. I first started with oil paint but what happens is that you have to wait for the oil paint to dry in order to paint another layer…and that wait was a difficult thing for me. Then I started with acrylic and then…made lot of paintings and even held few exhibitions.

Bidish'as painting :

And now something about cooking?

I love to eat and cook. Although I don’t cook on regular basis but I do like to experiment a lot especially with salads, gluten free cookies, bread, pancakes, muffins and burgers. Basically it was during Covid time that I got to experiment a lot. I cooked for over months day in and day out and that gave me so much more confidence in experimenting new dishes.

Which is your favourite bengali dish?

It’s really difficult to pinpoint one Bengali dish..because Bengali food is really very tasty and flavours are really amazing. Now I’m not saying it because I am a Bengali, but genuinely. You know the thing is that Bengali food takes lot of time to cook…its very time consuming and that’s the reason it’s not easily available in Restaurants also. My Mom is an expert she exactly knows which masala to put in which thing, how much roasting to be done etc etc. So, I just relish all Bengali food, basically.

I read in one of your interviews where you said that at heart, you are just 21 and trust me it reflects in your personality so what keeps you going?

Absolutely! What keeps me going is that I never let the child in me die. People grow up thinking they have to be serious about life. But I feel, one doesn’t have to be. You need to love, appreciate and be grateful for everything you have. I love nature and I’m always excited about life, like a child. A child is always excited about every new thing. So when we grow up what stops us from being excited about things? Actually, in day today life, people forget to appreciate, they tend to reject normal things saying ye to hai hi. But what I feel is we must thank the Universe, and be happy and honestly, happiness is what keeps me going and I love people, I’m a people’s person, love interacting with different kinds of people.

12. Tell me something about your husband. How does he take all this, your acting career?

Oh! He’s very supportive. He drops me and picks me up from my shoot everyday and supports me in whatever I do. He even takes me to auditions. So, I feel lucky to have him by my side.

13. Anything you would like to say..

I really want to spread this word, I want the world to respect each other and every individual should understand the differences in one another and just love one and all unconditionally. We shouldn’t  differentiate people for who they are, what they do, what religion they are from. Infact, we should understand that we are one species and that’s it. I believe one should always be honest, sincere with yourself and others and Stay humble!

This Vadi Bro has come a long way !!

03 May, 2023 I Richa Devesar I FilmyPeople

If you have passion for something and keep on working towards that, you are surely going to get it, one day! Now its up to you whether you  call it Destiny or your Dedication…Swiggy Uncle has proved it both ways! How? Lets rewind his journey as an actor and get to know how he did it all?

Naresh Gosain, a mechanical Engineer by profession was passionate about acting since childhood. He started acting on stage when he was just six years old. It took him 50 years to reach where he is today. Hours, days, months and years’ of work could not give him what a 20 Sec Silent TVC did. It was not just a matter of chance that even after doing dozens of serials, hundreds of Street plays, and so many appearances in Big Budget Bollywood movies, he could not get the appreciation he had been looking for but he feels ‘God has been kind to have given me all this at this age because if he had given all this earlier, who knows I might have got vanished from the scene by now.’ Now, that is what we call positive attitude!

Before getting to know the Gulab Jamun Waale Uncle’s journey (as he’s fondly known), let me share few things which I remember of him as a child. In those days, he was acting in Doordarshan Serials Dil Dariya, Doosra Kewal and Phir Wohi Talaash. We felt really proud of the fact that my Maasi’s son is coming on Television. Unlike today, those were the Doordarshan days when everyone was watching the same thing at the same time, unlike today when the audience is segregated.

We are basically a very filmy family and I give all the credit to my Daddy and Mummy for this. Music, movies all this has been part of our lives since the time, I was not even born. So when Babbu Bhaiya (as we call him) got in to acting , we would look forward to hear all Filmy Stories from him. Infact, I got to know about Shahid Kapoor’s existence as a 10 year old when bhaiya was working in the serial  Phir Wohi Talaash (way back in 1990) with actress Neelima Azeem who had this very happy-go-lucky , jovial type youthful, college going girl’s character. He told us that she is a 28 year old woman and has a 10 year old son which was unbelievable.  We just could not believe that! And yes I do remember his dialogue in one of the episodes which was  ‘Kaad diya…..unko kaad diya’ (they have been thrown out).

And now…everyday we are seeing him in new TVCs be it Bisleri, Dr. Fixit, Netmeds, Goldie Masaale and so on. Success did come to him but after giving 50 dedicated years of his life. Does he have grudges or he is smiling the way he smiles while eating Gulab Jamun in Swiggy TVC? Before we ask him about his journey, how about having a look at some of his best TVCs!

Lets rewind and talk to him from where it all  started!

When did you first realize that you wanted to act?

It was not that I realized or something. Initially, it just happened, as my father was a theatre actor and a writer too, I would often accompany him during his rehearsals and one fine day he asked me to act..and with that began my acting journey. I acted in a lot of plays as a child artist. And this I’m talking about 1968 when I was hardly six years old and now that I’m talking of my childhood days, I can recall that I got my first award in 1972 in a theatre festival in Delhi which was quite motivating for me in that young age, although I didn’t understand the seriousness of acting that time.

In 70s and 80s, Doordarshan was the only channel we had and coming on Television was not a small thing. What memories do you have of your initial days?

In those days, actors got much more popularity because Doordarshan had the monopoly. If I talk about myself, I was working regularly with DD for various types of shows and family and friends used to appreciate that because it was a big thing back then. It reminds me of an incident, Doordarshan would telecast one Special New Year Show every year which used to have audience just the way we have now in reality shows. So whenever I got a chance to be there in that new year show, as an audience my friends would get very excited..Arrey tujhe dekha tha! And afterwards when I started acting in serials, though in small roles, I always got a positive response from family and friends.

And how and when did acting in Doordarshan happen?

Doordarshan was the only Channel we had back in 70s and 80s and I was lucky enough to have bagged my first Telefilm in the year 1981. In those days, it wasn’t easy to get a break but I got a chance to show my talent when Doordarshan started Morning Transmission somewhere in mid 80s and I did, mostly comedy serials like Hamaare manager, Popat lal Jasoos, Jeena Yahaan Marna Yahaan and few more. Then  I happen to meet Director Lekh Tandon who after directing some very big movies like Agar Tum Na Hote, Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaae, Professor, Aamrapali, Jhuk Gaya Aasmaan and so many more, came to Delhi to make serials for  Doordarshan.  I met him during that time only when he was directing Dil Dariya and Doosra Kewal for Doordarshan.

If I remember it correctly Dil Dariya was Shah Rukh Khan’s debut serial although the one that got aired on TV was Fauji, Right? How was the experience? Any incident of those days you can recall?

Absolutely right! Although I got to play a small role in that serial but as I was involved in production too, I was there on the sets everyday.  And you just asked about any incident. So I have an interesting thing to tell…I remember we were shooting for Doosra Kewal. We had to shoot a song and were looking for a particular location so I asked Lekh Tandon ji to shoot the same at my terrace. As soon as we finished the shoot, Shah Rukh said that his serial Circus is going to be telecast just now and he wanted to see it. We all came downstairs and he watched that episode of Circus with my whole family and that too sitting on the floor. He was already a big TV star by then and so humble was he…I offered him chair…but he said ‘No..I am Okey here.’ And we were all very friendly with each other be it Shah Rukh or other actors  like Arun Baliji, Vinita Malikji and Alka Amin (who was seen in Kedarnath as Sushant Singh Rajput’s mother) and I also remember that Arun Bali ji and Vinita Malik ji were the highest paid actors of this serial.

So, the shooting of all these serials was being done in Delhi only and did you continue with theatre also while doing DD serials?

While I was working in DD serials, I was also doing Public Awareness Campaigns because in those days, we used to have lots of such Govt campaigns running on Doordarshan. I continued doing theatre too but this time it was Ramleela and starting from year 1993, I continued playing Kumbhkaran for over 25 years at the Ramleela of Model Town 2, New Delhi. Then in the year 2000, I started doing Street Plays for private as well as Govt Sector and these kept me busy for years.

When did you first come to Mumbai for an acting assignment? What was that about? And which directors you worked with, initially?

I went to Mumbai for the first time in 1989. It was for the shooting of a TV serial called Sadbhaavna again for Doordarshan which was directed by Raj Tilakji who had already directed films like Mukti starring Shashi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar and Vidya Sinha and 36 Ghante starring Raj Kumar, Sunil Dutt and Mala Sinha and many more. After doing Sadbhavna,  I started coming to Mumbai frequently. Although it was one scene or two and the first movie I did was Manorama Six Feet Under.  Then I got a chance to work with Subhash Ghai ji in Kanchi.

Rajat Kapoor was another director, I got a chance to work with in the movie Aankhon Dekhi.  Then Dibaakar Banerjee..with whom I worked in Oye Lucky Lucky Oye, then Vicky Donor happened with Shoojit Sarkar. Infact, I was in all 3 projects of Mirzapur Director Gurmmeet Singh - What The Fish, (in which I had a good role but unfortunately the film didn’t do well at the box office)Warning and Sharaafat Gai Tel Lene and years later I got a chance to work with him in Mirzapur too.  Roles were small but good thing was that I was getting work.

What made you decide to permanently move to Mumbai? Did you get family support?

When I was doing serials Chidiya Ghar and Laapata Ganj that time, I seriously thought of moving to Mumbai. It was around 2012 that I started getting regular work…all the films that I just mentioned. But yes, permanently I decided to shift my base here was after Swiggy TVC happened, that has been the biggest turning point in my career. And yes, when I decided to move to Mumbai permanently, my family did support me. And moreover,  I could afford to be away from home and give it a shot as my kids were grown up and busy in their own lives and I had my mother and wife Meenu’s full support to go ahead with my decision of giving it a shot.

How did you get Swiggy TVC? Did you have any idea that it would be the biggest turning point of your career? Any big complements you received from your industry friends?

I still remember I was in Delhi doing my awareness campaigns and in between that, I got a call for audition of this Swiggy Ad. I recorded my audition video there only on my mobile and sent it. Although I wanted to get selected but wasn’t sure. But I was selected and there I was shooting for that Ad which changed my life and there has been no looking back since then.

I got lot of popularity because of the Swiggy campaign. The thing is that nowadays the audience is divided..in a way that some people watch only movies, some…crime thrillers, some like to watch family shows, some…news but Ad is one thing which everyone watches and it comes on every platform and this Swiggy TVC came during IPL season and that’s the reason it got even more visibility. The Ad campaign really helped Swiggy and their sales increased by 45%.

My friends Vinay Pathak and Saurabh Shukla gave me complements. They said the way you hold your expressions and smile, is amazing. Kya kamaal ki ad ki hai tuney. I have been doing like this for so many years now but the only thing is that when God’s blessings come, things just change and the same thing happened with me.

How easy was it shifting to TVCs? How do you look at the whole thing?

Doing TVCs was not a planned move, first of all. It just happened. The thing is that when you are doing theatre, reaction is instant. One story is told in 2 hours in a film, in a series it takes 10-12 episodes but when it comes to an ad, you have to tell the story in just 15-20 secs which is not an easy thing. I got to learn so much while doing TVCs. On other hand all my experience came in handy when I started doing ads. I have not had any formal training in Acting, but I have hands-on experience of 55 years. Everyday, I am doing something new which is challenging and satisfying at the same time.

You have worked in some Short Films also, how was that experience?

So far working in short films has been one of the best experiences and I enjoyed working in The Honeymooners and Shagun. I am emotionally attached to The Honeymooners, actually. There is whole variety of roles that I am doing now and it is very surprising that at this age I’m doing things that I never thought, I would ever do, especially after crossing 60. Bojh was another short film that I did. Also I did few bigger Ads which had a storyline especially the ones done for Valentine’s Day and Father’s Day.

You have worked in some Web Series also. Tell us about that experience? And your upcoming projects also?

Yes I have done few Web Series like Mirzapur, Inside Edge, Illegal and few more to come. Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper is the next Web Series I’m waiting for then there’s one more Jhaansi ka Rajkumar. Plus TVCs are going on. One with Ranbir has just started coming and Vadilal campaign also started recently and after Swiggy Uncle they’ve shown me as Vadi Bro…it has that youthful touch with lots of colours. I’m loving every bit of it.

Your experience of working with actors like Akshay Kumar, Virat Kohli , Anushka, Alia and Ranbir Kapoor?

The experience has been great. They’ve all been very nice. Ranbir Kapoor is one humble actor I have worked with. I had a great time shooting with Virat and Anushka too. One of the ads we did together was about eating  and they brought Rajma Chaawal from their home. Since he is also from Delhi I told him it has this typical DIlli-wala taste and we ll enjoyed shooting as well as eating.

Do you have any grudges that all this success and fame came your way very late or you are enjoying it?

I am grateful to God. I feel that if I had got success some 20-30 years ago, I might not have been in the industry today. God has really been kind and I have no grudges at all.

How does it feel living your childhood dream?

Although I have been acting for so many years now and I have always given my 100 % whether it was  serials or movies or street plays but the kind of stuff I got to do after my Swiggy TVC is something I am really enjoying. I never imagined that I would get such amazing roles to play and trust me God has really been kind and there’s much more to come. Its all God’s grace. I have been working consistently for last 50 years but got showered with all the name and fame now and its all God’s blessing.

I would personally recommend you all to watch these two Festival Spl TVCs and you will have an idea how good Swiggy Uncle is with his facial expressions.

18th April, 2023 I Richa Devesar I FilmyPeople

A young boy who was always bullied by his peers for his looks and dark complexion back in school had his eyes filled with dream of becoming, not just an actor, but, HERO. All these odds never discouraged him to follow his dream so after completing his schooling, he straightaway landed in Mumbai to chase the passion he always had. Having started as a Spot Boy on the sets of hugely popular comedy serial of 90s, Dekh Bhai Dekh, he accepted whatever came his way, which included doing crowd scenes with no  dialogues and then getting few dialogues but with limited money and no contacts at all, it was only his passion that was keeping him motivated to achieve more in life.

He kept on doing serials like Just Mohabbat, HipHip Hurrey, CID and few more with a thought that a day will come when people who are just passing by without noticing him, will stop and recognize him and this happened when he was signed by Ekta Kapoor for the serial Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki and since then there has been no looking for this hard working, multi talented actor, Manish Goel, who even after being in this industry for over 28 years has his feet firmly grounded. With no starry air, he proudly says that 'being an actor is my profession and it is because of this profession that people know me, love me, so I cannot even think of taking all this name and fame for granted and be in my own world ignoring my fans and well-wishers.' 

All this is just an iota of his personality, lets explore more about him.

Mujhe Pehchaano, Main Hun Kaun..?

His Nick Names are Money, Manya and Mannu.

He was born in Delhi.

His Schooling is from Father Agnel, New Delhi.

He is married to actress Poonam Narula (2002)

His Popular TV Serials include Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kasauti Zindagi Ki, Bhabhi, Sara Akash, Bhagyalaxmi, Nimki Vidhaayak, Hamaari waali Good News to name a few.

Reality Shows he’s done so far include Say Shawa Shawa, Zaraa Nach Ke Dikha, Maha Yatra, Welcome Baazi mehmaan nawaazi, Nach Baliye.

Pehla Nasha Pehla Khumaar..!

His First Job was as a Spot boy for TV Serial Dekh bhai Dekh.

His First TV Appearance was as a Crowd Actor.  

His First Video Album   was Dil Laigi Kudi by Jasbir Jassi –

You will be surprised to know that Manish was the guy in this so popular Punjabi song of 90s. Have a look!

His First TV Serial was Just Mohabbat - Couldn’t get the clipping of this serial but have a look at young Manish, in the popular serial Hip Hip Hurray which was aired around the same time.

His First Reality Show was Nach Baliye Season 1 - Manish Goel and his actress wife Poonam Narula were declared first runner up in the first season of this reality show. How about having a look at their performances?

His First Web Series was Love Bytes 2

His First Movie as a lead is going to be Hanak.

These are a few of my favourite thingzz..!

Favourite Actor      Shah Rukh Khan and Christian Bale

Favourite Serial      Dekh Bhai Dekh

Favourite colour     White and Blue

Favourite hobby     Journal writing and poetry

All time Fav Movie   Retro Classics

Fav Holiday Spot     Anywhere in India

His Real life Favourite role is that of a Son.

I, Me aur Main!

His Philosophy of Life is ‘Be a good human first, rest follows!’

His favourite characters are Anupam in Kasauti Zindagi Ki, Tilak in Bhabhi, Captain Saurav in Sara Akash, Prithvi in Tantra and Raj in Devi. He further says that ‘Every episodic show I did is my favourite, I played a different role everytime, which was extremely challenging and fun and I continue to do that.’

His Favourite Reality Show is Nach Baliye.

A Multi-faceted Personality

A motivational speaker – Manish himself is a self-motivated person so when he was asked what actually motivated him to be a motivational speaker, his quick reply was, ‘people felt I motivate them and it kind of developed in to this title. Feels good to make difference in other people’s lives and makes me happy too. Lets have a look at Motivator Manish.

A poet – He has always been in habit of writing journals and this habit transformed in to poetry and very soon his poetry book is going to get published. Till then how about enjoying this beautiful poem dedicated to his father.

A Guinness World Record Holder- Yes, Manish Goel is a Guinness World Record Holder and still retains the title. Have a look!

An entrepreneur – Manish Goel, alongwith his wife Poonam Narula is running an entertainment based company DreamBigMakeBig Entertainment which is involved in Talent management, digital ads 360 degree, wedding planner, concerts, brand tvc, ground production.

We Are Family!

Parents - As Manish Goel hails from Delhi, his parents are settled there and are running a 45-year old Salon by the name of Meghna, in South Delhi.  

Sister – He has a sister named Meghna.

Wife - Manish Goel is married to actress and entrepreneur Poonam Narula and he feels that ‘We are best friends’ and we have this video which says it all.

Kids- Manish and Poonam have two kids a son, who is in college and daughter who is in school.