Showing posts with label Jay Bhanushali interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jay Bhanushali interview. Show all posts
I have no regrets that I haven’t done films after 2015 because it was my choice-Jay Bhanushali
8:11 AM
Returning to fiction shows after 11 years with Hum Rahein Na Rahein Hum, Jay Bhanushali on why his Bollywood career didn’t take off
Letty Mariam (MID-DAY; April 11, 2023)
Between 2005 and 2012, Jay Bhanushali was a permanent fixture on popular daily shows, including Kayamath, Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil, Geet — Hui Sabse Parayi, and Kairi — Rishta Khatta Meetha, before turning towards anchoring completely. Now, the actor is ready to end his 11-year break from fiction shows with Hum Rahein Na Rahein Hum, in which he plays Shivendra Barot, the eldest prince of Ranakgadh. As he returns to acting in television shows, Bhanushali reflects on his career, his stab at Bollywood, and how his kids are his biggest motivation.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
What made you return to fiction after 11 years?
When I saw the Turkish show [Istanbullu Gelin], I told Mahhi [Vij, wife] that this is what I was looking for, and I have waited for a long time to do such a show. In the second week of the [Turkish show], I received a call [from the producers of HRNRH] asking me to be part of the show. I felt the same excitement that I did when I had received my first project call from a producer.
How did Hum Rahein Na Rahein Hum push you as an actor?
I am playing a serious role in the show. I wanted to do something in contrast to what I do on reality TV. The audience has seen my [comic timing] on reality shows. So, this time, I was looking for something serious because I want to be known for my [versatility] in acting
In a career spanning 18 years, how have you grown as an actor during the journey?
The best way of giving your best in acting is having the [hunger] of performing. Since I had an 11-year gap, I was eagerly waiting for [a suitable project]. In between, I was offered several fiction shows, but I felt that I wouldn’t be utilized [fully] on them. Because I was hungry, I strived hard to improve myself.
Do you think your Bollywood career didn’t take off because people were prejudiced against your TV background?
I don’t think so. Between 2014 and now, if I wanted to, I could have featured in 40 films. But if I get an inclination that something is not going to work, I can’t do it even if the [producers] are offering me big [money]. I want to be known as an actor who delivers quality projects. I don’t want to do [a movie] for the sake of doing a Bollywood film. I am very secure in whatever I am doing; I get my happiness through anchoring. I have no regrets that I haven’t done films after 2015 because it was my choice.
Have you ever felt insecure as an actor?
[Maybe I did] at the start, since I hadn’t carved a niche for myself. But once I realized that I have shown my talent in fiction and non-fiction, I knew nothing could stop me if I worked hard. Healthy competition is always good. During my struggling days, I had created a chain of 50 people wherein I would forward news of an audition call event when we didn’t have WhatsApp. That way, we would never miss an audition call. We believed that whoever was destined to get the role, would get it eventually. Now, I am secure in whatever I am doing.
Do you pick up roles keeping in mind that your children will see it some day?
I want to make my children proud of whatever I am doing. There is a reason why I have travelled all the way to Gujarat to shoot this show. My kids are my motivation. I am trying to build a good life for them, and want to work hard every day for them.
Have you considered branching out in other areas of filmmaking?
You will see me [producing] content for television or OTT platforms soon. I have been focusing on that for a long time. When the time is right, everything will fall in place.
I have no intimate scenes with Sunny Leone-Jay Bhanushali
4:34 AM
Though Ek Paheli Leela was promoted as an erotic film, his character in the film skips on the sex, says Jay Bhanushali
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; April 9, 2015)
He made his debut on TV as an actor with Dhoom Machao
Dhoom, but it was with Kayamath that Jay Bhanushali gained fame. He
became a household name as the host of Dance India Dance, which he
anchored for several seasons. Last year, the actor made his film debut
with the erotic thriller Hate Story 2, which was a hit. His next Desi
Kattey didn’t click, but Jay chalks it as a learning experience and is
looking forward to his upcoming film Ek Paheli Leela. And no, he has no
issues with it being promoted as a Sunny Leone film. “Promotions are
different, but if you see the film you will know I have a prominent
screen space, with the story beginning and ending with me,” smiles Jay.
Excerpts...
What are your thoughts right now as your film is on the verge of releasing?
Scared! I have given my best to the film, but still there is some anxiety when the film is on the verge of release.
First Hate Story 2 and now Ek Paheli Leela, aren’t you apprehensive of being typecast in the erotic genre?
It’s a pure coincidence that these films came my way. In any case, Ek Paheli Leela is not exactly an erotic film, it’s a musical thriller. Yes, Hate Story 2 fits into the erotic genre but in this film, my character has no erotic scenes. I am playing a lover boy, but I don’t have any intimate scenes with Sunny (Leone). The reason I did this film is because I got to play a role that I have never done before, even on TV. I play a musician, a singer from Mumbai who is happy-go-lucky. He gets disturbing dreams from his past life that involves a girl Leela and this confuses him. I can’t tell you too, except that it was a big challenge to play this role and I am glad I got the opportunity.
Are you happy or disappointed that you have no intimate scenes with Sunny?
I am happy because I can emote better with facial expressions than my lips!
You didn’t have any apprehensions about doing a film with an adult star like Sunny?
Not at all, why should I? On the one hand, you talk about women empowerment and equal rights. Yes, Sunny has a past, but I have no problem with that. It doesn’t affect me or matter to me. I am an actor and my job is to act. I listened to the story first and then they told me Sunny was in the film. But I had already said yes and didn’t think twice about it because I liked my character. As for Sunny, she is a very hard-working girl and sincere. She is eager to learn from every actor, which is very rare.
You seem to be doing films that are heroine-oriented...
(Cuts in) Like I told you earlier, I can’t tell you much about my role, but the story starts with me and ends with me. Once you see the film, you’ll understand what I am saying. I have prominent screen space and it is Sunny and I, who have a lot to do in the film.
Your film Desi Kattey, which did not have a female lead did not do well...
Yes, but I look at it positively. It postponed my success and I learnt a lot from the film, and how the whole industry functions. Now, I will be selective and choosy about my next outings.
Will you continue to do TV?
Yes, I never left TV. In fact, I am proud to be a TV actor. You’ll see me anchoring at least one show a year. Several big film stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan are taking time out for TV because it gives a different kind of connection with the audience — it is almost one-to-one.
What next?
I have been offered a few shows and film scripts. But only after Ek Paheli Leela is out, will I be able to take a call on what I will be doing next.
Aren’t you and Mahii doing Nach Baliye 7 as challengers?
No, we shot for the promo because they wanted us to as we are last year’s winners. But we are not participating in it.
Rapid fire with Jay Bhanushali
What is your take on kissing on screen?
I don’t mind kissing, but I don’t want to be a serial-kisser!
What does love mean to you?
It’s a beautiful feeling — having someone you can love. One has to experience it and not explain because it can get complicated.
Complete the sentence. Sex is...
It’s very nice.
What is the best thing about being a guy?
Guys get ready fast because they are naturally handsome!
What is the worst thing about being a guy?
Girls get all the advantage. They have special seats in buses and even special trains.
Which is the dumbest/weirdest pick up line used on you?
‘Do you have a band-aid because I just scraped my knee falling for you.’ A girl tried it on me when I was at a party.
If you were to spend a night with a celebrity who would it be?
Jennifer Lopez, she’s very hot!
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