Pankaj Berry, who plays Tathacharya in Tenali Rama, speaks with Shalini Saksena about fictionalising his role and what makes him laugh  

Why did you say yes to the role of TathacharyaIJ

There are a few reasons. First, it is a powerful role. Second, there are lots of dimensions to the role; I play a negative and a positive role at the same time. I am doing comedy and portraying number of emotions. This gives me a lot of satisfaction.

Why does this character comes across as comicalIJ

I spoke with the makers and the writers about this aspect. The thing is that history has information about the King Krishnadevaraya and Tenali Ram but with Tathacharya, there is not much information. Also, the USP of the channel is that of showcasing comedy, Tathacharya’s role is the only one where one can introduce comedy. This is the only character where the writers can play around with and because of this, the children are loving it. Yes, even with the other characters, a little liberty has been taken. Had the show been for another channel, the treatment would have been totally different.

Does this mean there is a lot of fictionalisationIJ

Not everything that has been shown is fictional. It is true only for Tathacharya.

 You have been working for over three decades. What has changedIJ

I started working from the time when you had shows like Gul, Gulshan, Gulfam and Bharat Ek Khoj. I have these were shows that people still remember; that was an era of quality. I have seen the industry change many times over. Today, it is all about quantity. Then came saas-bahu sagas. Know, we are back to showing serials that are entertaining and have a message to deliver as well. I have changed with the changing times. Probably this is the reason why I am still around.

How correct is it to fictionalise historical charactersIJ

like I said, mine is the only character where the writers have taken the liberty. One can’t play with Tenali Rama or the king. If you have read the books, it mentions these two people and at best the Mahamantri Timmarusu. There is mention of rajguru acharya Tathacharya but that is all. Fictionalising this character to entertain and make people laugh is being done with good intent.

What are the changes in theatreIJ

I have been part of the best theatre whether it is Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi or even Sanskrit classic. You name any of the classics and I have been part of it.  I have not done theatre for many years now. If you do movies and TV, it leaves little time for theatre. What has changed is that theatre has become commercial, there is money nowhere too. A lot of comedy plays are being done and some are touring as well. This was not so back then. If theatre had given me money, I would have never done films.

How would you define comedyIJ

It is very subjective and depends on the scene that is being shot. It is all about how you are feeling at that particular point of time and how you are improving the shot with the intent of making the audience laugh. Anything that makes people laugh is comedy for me.

What makes you laughIJ

There are times when I laugh at my own antics in the show and any lighter moments that come my way.

Why are you doing only one showIJ

To be honest, the show is doing good. Also, I shoot for 24 days and that leaves little time for any other thing.

Is there a dream role that you want to doIJ

I have played several characters in my long career. The aim has been to give each my best in a manner that it becomes my dream role.