KRISHNA BHARDWAJ talks to AKANKSHA SONI about making a comeback after four years as Tenali Rama which is going on air from July 11 at 8 pm on Sony SAB
Was it a conscious decision to go bald for Tenali RamaIJ
Yes, it was. For an actor, it is quite a bold decision to go bald for an infinite serial as we actors love ourselves and are a little narcissistic about looks. The producers had put the condition that whoever gets selected would have to go bald. To do something like this for a serial is different from movies as shooting for the latter goes on only for three to four months. But you have no idea how long a serial will go on.
How much do you relate to the characterIJ
In real life, I am very different from Tenali Rama. I am a loner type of a person. I don’t party and have only a few friends. Tenali Rama is fun loving and mischievous. He is philosophical too and that’s how I connect with him. I love reading philosophical books and thinking about other things.
How did you get into the shoes of the characterIJ
I didn’t have to do much because the writing team has made my work easier by writing the scenes well. If the script is written well, acting automatically comes naturally. It didn’t require me to do research work. Honestly, I was not a great actor before this but now things are turning in my favour and I am surprising myself in every scene.
What was the most difficult thing for you to doIJ
To be happy and energetic all the time. When we do comedy, it’s very important to be in a happy mode. Moreover as Tenali, I would be jumping all around and doing something mischievous. This requires me to be on my toes.
What kind of comedy do we get to see in the showIJ
All kinds. The characterisation is funny. Tenali Rama’s character has not been played the way it has been written for this show. For me, Tenali Rama is like lord Krishna who was naughty and mischievous yet philosophical and would help people out of difficult situations. Tenali is the same. So the old Tenali Rama was funny but this one is way funnier.
This is the first time you are working in a historical show...
The sets and the costumes are different but the situations and characterisations are similar to what we get to see in comedy serials. Earlier, while working with Hats Off Production in Pia Basanti Re, RK laxman Ki Duniya, Sukh By Chance and Jasuben Jayantilal Ki Joint Family, they would emphasise on detailed characterisation. This makes it easier for me to play this character because Tenali is not an out-an-out hero. He is a character who comes out of every situation as a hero.
How is your relationship with co-starsIJ
It is a fun atmosphere with everyone from Manav Gohil (plays King Krishnadevrai) to Pankaj Berry (Tathacharya). Pankaj and I improvise a lot. Our relationship is like Tom and Jerry. Irrespective of shooting 13-14 hours a day, miles away from home, we have a good time with each other.
You are making a comeback after four years. What kept you busyIJ
I was not getting work. Even after giving back-to-back auditions and meeting people, nothing was falling my way. Finally, I got this show and I am really happy. I was busy writing a Gujarati film which I shot and played the main lead in.
Are TV stars taken for granted because they are scared of running out of workIJ
That’s true! You don’t need actors in TV, you just need good looking confident people who can memorise and deliver lines on-screen. This is a bad scenario, especially when it comes to male actors. They don’t have anything to do on TV.
How progressive are shows these daysIJ
I don’t think shows are getting progressive. They pick up a regressive subject or issue and say they will break the mould with a progressive outlook. But somewhere in the name of TRPs, the makers twist the story and show so much suffering that it doesn’t bode well. It is very confusing. They are actually not progressive. People watch TV to see people suffer more than they do.