“If viewers say they hate this character it means I have succeeded,” says Bhavya Gandhi about his role in Sony SAB’s Pushpa Impossible

Mumbai, September 13, 2024: Sony SAB's popular show 'Pushpa Impossible' continues to captivate audiences with the inspiring journey of Pushpa (Karuna Pandey), a resilient woman who faces challenges with unwavering determination and optimism. A new threat enters Pushpa and her family’s life with the entry of Bhavya Gandhi who is also known for playing the iconic role of ‘Tappu’ in Sony SAB’s Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma. His character, Prabhaas, is a psychotic antagonist who is set to seek revenge, and this marks a significant departure from his previous innocent and mischievous role as Tappu.

In a candid conversation, Bhavya Gandhi talks about playing Prabhaas and how he understood the human psyche while playing this intense character.

Tell us about your role in Pushpa Impossible and what motivated you to take up this role?
It was the antagonist's character that drew me to this role. I was motivated by the challenge—the challenge of playing a character opposite to what I’ve done so far. Why stick to stereotypes when I can experiment? I have films lined up and will take on roles as they come, but something out of the box like this truly excites me. So, when JD Majethia sir reached out, I immediately said yes!

You're playing a negative role in the show. Do you think the audience will accept you in this role?
I’m certain the audience will hate me, and for someone playing a negative character, that's the ultimate compliment. If viewers watch my performance and genuinely say, "I hate this character," it means I've successfully brought the antagonist to life. Nothing would make me happier than evoking those strong emotions because it shows I’ve done justice to my role. As an actor, my goal is to make the character believable, and if the audience feels that intensity, it’s a sign that I’ve succeeded in my portrayal.

Can you share a specific challenge you faced while portraying a character with a darker side compared to your previous roles, and how you overcame it?
The dark side of this character is quite nuanced. It has a grey shade, which makes it both unique and challenging for me to portray. Playing a character with such complexity isn’t easy, but that’s exactly what drew me to it. However, I’m fortunate to have a fantastic creative and direction team supporting me every step of the way. Their guidance has been invaluable, helping me understand the character's motivations and making my vision for the role much clearer. With their help, I'm able to delve deeper into the character’s psyche and bring out the subtleties that make it so intriguing.

What aspects of Pushpa Impossible are you most excited about, both in terms of the character and the story arc?
The way my character's journey comes to an end is quite interesting. How things unfold for him, what he goes through, and especially the way he confronts Pushpa (Karuna Pandey), are key moments in the story. It’s not just about what happens to him, but also how he reacts and deals with the situation. I can’t reveal much but fans should wait for his face-off with Pushpa as it is crucial to the storyline and brings out the intensity of the character.

How do you feel returning to Sony SAB after many years?
It feels like I’m coming back home. I’ve come a long way and worked on many projects outside, but returning to this feels special—like a homecoming. No matter how much I’ve grown or how many different roles I’ve taken on, something is comforting and familiar about being back here. It’s where I started, and it holds a lot of memories for me. Stepping back into this space feels like reconnecting with my roots, and that makes this experience even more meaningful.

How do you handle the pressure of audience expectations, especially when stepping into a new and different role?
I don't take too much pressure about audience expectations. For me, the key is to enjoy the process and give my best in every role, no matter how different it is. I always keep in mind that if my family enjoys my performance, chances are the audience will too, because they are my first and most honest critics. Their feedback helps me gauge how well a character is resonating. Even if I’m playing a negative role and people react strongly or don’t like my character, I see it as a positive sign. It means I’ve portrayed the role convincingly, and that’s my ultimate goal—to do justice to the character and evoke the right emotions. So, instead of feeling pressured, I focus on staying true to the role and delivering a performance that feels real and impactful.

Any message you'd like to share with the audience?
This role is unlike anything I’ve done before, and it's the kind of character any actor would love to explore. But one thing I can promise the audience is that, even though this is a different and challenging role, I’ll still entertain them. I’m fully committed to giving my 100% to this performance and all I ask from them is to tune in and watch my episodes in Pushpa Impossible. Their support means everything, and I’m excited for them to experience this new journey with me.