Ali Asgar talks to SHAlINI SAKSENA about his new show Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle on SAB TV from tomorrow
What made you say yes to the show and the character you play of NathuIJ
For me, what is important is whether the character that I’ll be playing will entertain the audience — make them laugh — or whether is a role that is on a more serious note. Whatever role that I play must click with me and the viewers should be able to appreciate it. In a career spanning almost 30 years, I’ve essayed many roles. I’m looking at projects where I don’t repeat myself.
You’ve played dadi for so long. Do you think people will be able to see you as Ali Asgar playing a different characterIJ
I’ve not really given this much thought. One must not dwell on things that are yet to unfold. The stint and journey with Comedy Nights with Kapil has been wonderful. But there comes a time when there is need to move on. The show had a great fan following and people loved my character. But like they say ‘all good things must come to an end sometime’. I need to move ahead from dadi and do something that people have not seen.
Why is it that wit and fun element in reality show is higher as compared to serials where it is OTTIJ
I would disagree there. In fact, in serials, one needs to be understated. Just imagine, if dadi with her strange voice and dress sense would prance around from Monday to FridayIJ People would get tired of seeing her in the avatar. In a reality show that comes once a week, one has to be a little loud because it is a five minute appearance and one has to leave a mark in the minds of the viewers — ‘Oh is she not funny’.
How was it working for Comedy Nights with Kapil and this new showIJ
First, the former is a reality show and the latter a serial; the mounting of the two are totally different. The sets and the grandeur is different too as is the cost of production and the people involved. CNWK had been running for three years and there was a comfort level; one knew everyone and the character I played was loved by all. Even with SAB TV I feel like it is home. I have worked with them on earlier occassion as well —Jeannie and Jujju (2012-14) and FIR (2009-11). This is the third show I am doing with them. So I know the channel head and other people.
What about filmsIJ
The problem is that there is very little scope for character artists in Bollywood. I have worked with some of the biggest actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Sanjay Dutt, etc. So it is not as if I feel that I have to do a film —been there done that. Also, if one is doing a TV serial, your 20 days are booked. This clashes with film dates because it depends on the dates the leads give and also outdoor shooting days. It becomes difficult to manage the two. It is like having an extra-marital affair.
Do you think you have become typecastIJ
Not at all. I began my career doing serials like Ek Do Teen Char and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki which ran for eight years. I was given Best Actor-Supporting Role for this serial. Comedy as a genre came much later with Comedy Circus. But I took a break from doing TV when my son asked me if all I did was dress up in woman clothing to do my acts. Apparently his friends used to tease him. Playing dadi was very different.
You had said in an interview that you are unable to market yourself. Are you unhappy how your career has panned out so farIJ
Not at all. What I was asked is why despite my being such a popular name and face, I have got my due. That is when I said ‘maybe I am unable to market myself. I am not the kind of person who likes to Tweet about personal things. I only what people to know me by my work. And viewers have been kind thus far. So, I am extremely happy the way my career has turned out to be. People recognise me, that is good enough for me.
Any other projects in handIJ
For now, I have my plate full. I have this show; plus I am working for a play which has shows three or four times a month.