Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 29, 2018)

After ace comedian Sunil Grover, the makers of Ali Abbas Zafar’s Salman Khan-starrer Bharat have roped in Aasif Sheikh, popularly known as Vibhuti Narayan Mishra from the TV show Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai for a pivotal role. Aasif has earlier worked with Salman in Karan Arjun, Bandhan, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa, Auzaar and Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar.

“I have only three friends, and Atul (Agnihotri, Bharat producer) is one of them, so I was more than happy to be a part of this film. Also, I really like Ali Abbas Zafar as a director and I can’t wait to collaborate with Salman again. I am playing his sister’s husband in the film who always delivers these one-liners and there is a big time span that we cover together. I have known Salman since his Maine Pyar Kiya days. He is a very special person,” says Aasif, adding that he has been discussing his character with Ali to make it more interesting. “I will not disappoint you,” he promises.

Aasif was last seen in Kader Kashmiri’s 2016 film Aman Ke Farishtey. Prod him on why he hasn’t been taking up more films and he says, “I have been getting offers, but something should interest me, and my focus presently is on my TV show. It caters to people from ages 4 to 80. In fact, just a few days ago, while I was waiting in my car for the signal to turn green, a young boy of about four from the car next to mine called out to me by my character’s name — Vibhu. The show has given me fame, name and money too and I don’t want to lose out on it for just anything. However, Bharat is special, and I can’t wait to start work on it,” smiles Aasif, sharing one of the memorable incidents while working with Salman on a previous film.

“Whenever I shoot with him, I invariably end up in his vanity van for a chat. I remember one day, a big star had come to meet Salman, so I told him I’ll go out, but he insisted that I stay put as I am his friend too. He is a great human being and hasn’t changed at all over the years,” says Aasif.