Was initially sceptical about playing a negative role: Bhavya Gandhi

Bhavya Gandhi, who played Tapu for nine years in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, is back on television in a negative role. The actor, who will be playing an antagonist in Pushpa Impossible, shares, “I got a text from JD (Majethia) sir that there is an interesting development in the show. I was initially scared and sceptical about playing a negative role, fearing that I would be typecast from here on. But I realised that if someone didn’t typecast me after playing a character (Tapu) for almost a decade, why would anyone typecast me for this character?”

He adds, “I don’t want to break my image as Tapu, as it has given me a lot. But I want people to see me playing other characters too as there is more that I can offer. I feel the viewers will like me in this role.”

‘Didn’t feel any pressure while joining an already popular show’
Asked about whether he felt any pressure of expectations while joining an already popular show like Pushpa Impossible, he says, “Not at all. As an artiste, I believe in giving it my all. The makers and technicians are taking care of every small detail to make my character interesting. The cast and crew of the show are very friendly and welcoming. Within two days of my shoot, I felt at home on the set.”

He adds, “Shooting for a TV show after a break of five years (he did Shaadi Ke Siyape in 2019) and playing such an important character is a satisfying experience.”


‘I want to do films that focus on different subjects’
Bhavya, who shot for three films this year, is in a happy space. He shares, “I shot for two Gujarati films and one Hindi film. For now, I am looking forward to the release of Ajab Raat Ni Gajab Vaat, as people loved the teaser. I am optimistic that this film will bring the youngsters back to the theatres. I will have to balance my TV shoot and movie promotions.”

He adds, “With such varied content being explored in our industry (D-Town), I look forward to doing a Gujarati art film. We have great films being made now, but all these are commercial films with an element of humour. I want to do films that focus on different subjects.”

‘Dilip Joshi taught me how to get out of the character’
Bhavya, who is playing a psychotic and destructive character in his current show, says that he has been “talking to myself about what my character will do in a particular situation.” However, he adds, “Dilip Joshi sir has taught me how to get out of the character once the shoot is over. He had told me, ‘As soon as the shoot begins, wear your costumes and become the character. And jaise hi cut suno, you leave it behind and be yourself.’”

Having stayed away from television for so long, has Bhavya adjusted with the shift times ? The actor says, "I am happy to get back to the fast-paced world of shooting for a TV show, where I am shooting eight scenes a day. However, I am still getting used to reaching the set every morning and working for 12 hours again (laughs)'"

On coming to Ahmedabad for Navratri, Bhavya says, "While I will be busy shooting, I will visit Ahmedabad for a day or two during Navratri. My friends have been insisting that I must come. The zest and energy of the festival always bring me to the city."