Bhaskar will start a new chapter in my life, says Krishna Bharadwaj from Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama

1.How has your journey as Pandit Rama Krishna been so far on Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama?
My journey as Pandit Ramakrishna aka Rama has been extraordinary in these last 2 years. It has been a benchmark of my career and has changed my life as an individual and as an actor. In an era where male actors had more or less just supporting roles on TV, I got a character which gave me an opportunity to really express myself well. I have grown as an actor while portraying the character of Pandit Rama. This character gave me a chance to show my talent to an optimum level. I feel the characters and the storylines are really creative and created keeping the intelligence quotient of this legendary character in mind. As an artist it was very satisfactory for me to be a part of it. I am fortunate and happy to be playing Rama because I’ve learnt so much from him. This show and my character has given me a chance to showcase all the ‘Navarasas’ we learn in acting and I feel that is a great achievement for any artist.
2. The show is gearing towards a leap. What are your thoughts on that?
I am really excited for the 25 years leap. The show, Tenali Rama has received immense love and support from the audiences and this time leap will bring a new chapter of the story in their lives as well. Personally, I am thrilled about this change as being a theatre artist, I often get bored playing the same character over a period of time. As much as I loved playing Rama, I am looking forward to portray the role of Bhaskar and get to know more about the character. All the preparations have started and the entire look and feel of the show is about to witness a transformation and I’m excited to see how our viewers react to this.
3. What does the leap bring forward for you as an actor?
I have received immense love from our viewers for playing the role of Pandit Ramakrishna. The audiences have enjoyed Rama’s banter, wit and humour. After 2 years, I understand the character in and out and I am fortunate to be playing such a complex role that has taught me something every day, making it a great learning experience of my life. Bhaskar will start a new chapter of my career and life at the same time. Also, I’m really enjoying the character’s look as I will finally have a hairstyle! I’m eager to wear Bhaskar’s hat and do justice to this new ‘adhyaay’.
4. What can the viewers expect from the leap?
The viewers will see Krishna Bharadwaj in a completely new avatar. The new look is intense and completely different from Rama. Our viewers are going to love the transformation as the leap brings a fun filled and a more dramatic storyline. The show will be packed with humour and will bring a lot of surprises.
5. How different would your character be post leap?
The leap is called Tenali Rama – Bhaskar Adhyaay and as Bhaskar is Rama’s son, he will possess similar qualities but at the same time the father-son duo are fairly different from each other as well. The look has changed including the outfit, makeup and jewelry. The entire setting of the story in which Bhaskar will be placed is completely different than what Rama has been subjected to.
6. You will also be playing the role of Bhaskar, Rama’s son. How do you feel about that?
I am eagerly looking forward to play Bhaskar now as it has given me a chance to play something really different and complex than what I’ve been essaying so far. I don’t know how I will pull it off but I’ve started my preparations and I’m up for a challenge. I hope the viewers like it!
7. Tell us something about Bhaskar.
Bhaskar is a young man from the new era. Being Rama’s son, people would expect him to be God-like but he is very human who is prone to making mistakes and learning from them in life. Pandit Ramakrishna’s character is like Lord Rama in some ways- wiser and more intelligent while Bhaskar is similar to Lord Krishna, naughty yet righteous. Bhaskar unlike Rama will think of himself and his family before anything else. The leap will bring out more characteristics of Bhaskar and we will know his purpose in Vijayanagar.
8. Who do you relate the most with – Rama or Bhaskar
I have played Rama for the last two years and the character is ingrained deep inside of me now. Whatever Rama does comes out from within and as an actor I’ve lived Rama for a long time. I am certainly more like Rama as I’ve known him the longest, lived his life and his feelings. I am still learning about Bhaskar but whatever I’ve known so far, I don’t think as an individual I relate with him with the equal depth as Rama. But who knows, I feel as an artist, when you play a character for a long time you adapt and take away the qualities of your character as well. It’s a matter of ‘just wait and watch’, to see which qualities of Bhaskar will I inherit as time passes. The characteristics I couldn’t portray being Rama, I will portray them being Bhaskar.
9. How different is it shooting with the new cast? How has the experience been so far?
An immensely talented star cast has been put together for the leap and I’m excited to work with them. With every new artist there is something new that I can learn from. So I am looking forward to be part of and give life to this legendary tale along with the new cast and diverse roles.