Neil Bhatt, who became popular after shows like 12/24 Karol Bagh and Diya Aur Baati Hum, now plays Bhushan in Tumhi Ho Bandhu, Sakha Tumhi. He talks to Srishti Dutta about his rapport with his co-stars and says that he hopes to get back to films and foray into directing in the near future
Your character in Tumhi Ho Bandhu, Sakha Tumhi is one amongst seven siblings. Tell us about itIJ
I really like the way the team has written and presented the character and the story. It’s a very different kind of treatment that they are giving to the show. Even the shooting is not typical. We have long one-shots. This requires a realistic treatment.
How demanding would you say your character isIJ
I am quite comfortable with the character. I have slipped into it well.
How well do you bond with your co-starsIJ
It is fabulous because I feel I have found co-stars who are virtually like family. We keep pulling pranks on each other, especially Vineet Raina (who plays Amar Pethawala) and I, we get on like a house on fire.
In what way do you think this show will impact the audienceIJ
The intention of this serial is to show the positives of a joint family. It gives audiences an opportunity to look into situations which they might have already been in or they will be in. For instance, Bhushan, while on his honeymoon, hears about his sister’s roka ceremony back home. In such a situation what does he doIJ Does he come back or should he stay onIJ What we are trying to show are such situations which occur in everyone’s lives.
This is your second show with Shashi-Sumeet Mittal Production. How has it been working with themIJ
They are fantastic people and very approachable which is quite rare among producers. I have a comfort level of understanding with them now, having worked with them in Diyaa aur Baati Hum.
You have won dance competitions like Boogie Woogie. Do you think we should have more dance-based reality showsIJ
Absolutely. I think dance should be promoted even more. Dance is my life and that’s where I find myself. I feel dance as an arena should be utilised more.
Have you finally settled down and carved out a niche for yourself in this industryIJ
I wouldn’t really be the right person to answer that. My endeavour will always be to make a place for myself because the moment I stop doing that, some new competition will be just round the corner. Having said that, I would like to believe that I have reached a certain place in my career and want to maintain that. For that I need to keep working hard.
You had once mentioned in an interview that you prefer working for episodics over daily soap. What kind of Western shows can be adapted for Indian TVIJ
The Western format is totally different. Even if we try doing something like them, it will not work here. What we can do is try out a six-month daily show, and see if that works out.
You had acted in Fast Forward, then did some television. Would you like to go back to moviesIJ
I would love to be a part of films. That is, in fact, one of my dreams.
Do you have anything in your wishlistIJ
Direction is one thing which I have on my wishlist and I have already started looking into it. Sometimes, I direct my own scenes in the show. For instance, the fight sequences. I am able to do that because I am a trained martial artist.