Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; May 28, 2014)

Sumeet Raghavan, who returns to fiction space with the upcoming show Badi Doooor Se Aaye Hai will also be seen playing Akshay Kumar’s friend in Holiday. Sumeet plays a cop in the film. “It’s a substantial role and I have maximum scenes with Akshay, who plays a soldier,” says Sumeet, bowled over by Akshay’s discipline and dedication. “Off the sets he does all kinds of mad things including playing cricket on the roads. But when the camera is on, he is completely different. Being a superstar he can afford to take things easy, but he doesn’t — he is constantly on his toes,” elaborates Sumeet.

Talking about his return to soaps, the actor last seen in Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo says, “I am a temperamental actor and after working for two years in Sajan Re... I needed a break. It’s not a joke to do a daily comedy.” But when he got a call from producer JD Majethia’s office for Bade Doooor... Sumeet immediately said yes. “I have been associated with JD since Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai. Also, the fact that Badi Doooor Se Aaye Hai is written and directed by Aatish Kapadia makes it a treat to work,” quips the actor who will be shown as a part of an alien family that sets out to search a kid lost on earth. “Since we are aliens and don’t know how humans look, we take on different forms. We talk in gibberish tones, walk like penguins, etc. It’s only when we see the humans we try and become like them and that’s where the fun begins,” informs Sumeet.

Besides TV, Sumeet will also be returning to theatre with Lekure Udand Jhali after a gap of 15 years. “I started doing Marathi plays in 1987 and after a decade shifted to TV. But I always wanted to get back to theatre, which is close to my heart. My wife Chinmayee and me are reviving a old classic, a musical and will start staging it from June,” smiles Sumeet who also makes his Marathi film debut with Sandook.