D even Bhojani's been in the television industry for around two decades. He has acted in several serials and has directed the popular series Sarabai Vs Sarabai. Currently he plays the mentally , challenged Gattu in Baa Bahoo Aur Baby (Star Plus), a serial of which he is the creative director. What makes Baa Bahoo and Baby a success? I think it's because of our quality of humour. We try to portray com- mon human emotions and situa- tions which ordinary families face in their day-to-day living. There is no emphasis on grandiose sets and varied camera angles like other shows..such antics, I feel, are forced upon the viewers. Comment on your character Gattu? In my opinion, Gattu is an impor- tant character. We get constant feedback from the audience, demanding a better deal for Gattu. If you've fol- lowed the show, his personality has undergone a major change. You are acting in Ghost Bana Dost? Yes, I am. It's actually a special episode of Ghost.. in which Gattu somehow lands up in the show. The twist in the tale is that Gat- tu can see the ghost, who was till now only visible to Daboo. How do you balance the two roles of an actor and a director? See, I take great pains during the pre-production phase. Before my shot, I give instructions to the direc- tor about what I want. Similarly, I advice my co-stars on what suits the scene and what doesn't. Once the shooting begins, I focus on my charcater. How did you prepare for Gattu's role? Well, I went to institutes that treat mentally challenged people. I studied their mannerism, their responses. I also observed my six- year-old daughter because Gat- tu's mental age is the same as her's. All these details, I guess, have helped make Gattu popular. Do you think Sarabhai vs Sarabhai will return with a second season? I sincerely hope so. It was a pop- ular show. Unfortunately, mone- tary issues between Star and the production house (Hats Off Pro- duction) have stalled the second season. Negotiations are on. Let's hope that the matter is sorted out. What was the USP of Sarabhai? It has to be Aatish Kapadia's writing. Our industry suffers from a severe shortage of good writers. We were lucky to get such a good script. As a director, how much creative inter- ference do you have to face from the channel? I have been lucky on that front. Star has offered suggestions. Sometimes we have accepted them, sometimes we haven't. Which are your favourite roles? I prefer serious emotional roles like the ones in Ek Mahal Ho Sap- no Ka and Baa Bahoo. Your career began in films with Aamir Khan in Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar. Yeah, it was a short and sweet role. After Jo Jeeta, I got insignif- icant roles in films. So, I opted for television instead. Your take on the reality shows. You either hate them or love them, but can't ignore them. Per- sonally, I have not watched enough reality shows to judge them..but of what I have heard, they are mostly fixed. Is Deven Bhojani funny in real life? I am a very serious person in real life. I don't joke around. I am seri- ous about my work and whatever free time I get, I prefer to spend it with my family. What bugs me is when strangers come, pat me on the back andcall me Gattu. They should know that Gattu is just a character..not me.
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