INTERVIEW: Akshay Kelkar as Abhishek in Sony SAB's Bhakharwadi

“This show is currently very challenging for me as this is my first Hindi serial as a protagonist”, says Akshay Kelkar as Abhishek in Bhakharwadi. · What is the concept of the show? Bhakharwadi is a show that has everything - from laughter to drama. Its show that makes you cry and laugh as you go along. There is also romance in the show; it’s the first time that I am going to get two heroines so there’s a lot for me. And most importantly, this show is being written and produced by veterans like Aatish and JD Majethia; plus the show is coming on such a lovely channel ‘Sony SAB’. · Something about your character - Abhishek Abhishek is a very sweet, decent and a romantic boy. Although being a modern guy, he is someone who obeys Anna’s rules and principles. He respects Anna for having done so much in his life, including a long running business of Bhakharwadi. He agrees that Anna’s old principles and way of life are correct and can make something of a person, but also believes that there is always a need to update yourself and the way you live life. · How challenging is it to work with such experienced actors from the industry? Honestly, this show is currently very challenging for me as this is my first Hindi serial as a protagonist. I have started speaking in Hindi on-screen only from 2nd January, 2019, i.e. the first day of the shoot, and never spoke in Hindi before that ever for any of my previous shows. My Hindi is not good but I’m learning it. I have previously done some Marathi films and serials, including some with senior and experienced artists of the industry. I believe that my luck is good in terms that whenever I get to work with such senior artists, they always teach me good things; not in a preachy way though. So, I don’t feel scared or don’t take it as a challenge to work with senior artists because they end up giving me a comfort zone before I even ask for it. · How has the experience been so far, shooting on the set of Bhakharwadi? Superb experience! It’s just started but that’s when you realise how it is going to go further. It’s been a month and everyone has been really kind to me. There are a lot of words for which I never knew their Hindi alternatives. So, everyone is adjusting and accepting me because they like me and I like them too. · What made you take up this role? There are many reasons. First reason is to be working with a production like HatsOff and for a channel like Sony SAB. This show not only has comedy but a whole range of emotions. There are so many artistes associated with this show, and they are all amazingly talented; and so it was hard to resist. These are some of the main reasons that attracted me towards this role. Also, I was in a comfort zone doing Marathi films and television, reaching to a point where I believed that I could do anything. However, here, it is very challenging for me as I know that I can’t do it easily and hence work harder for it. · What are your expectations from the show? What will the audience like? Audience is going to love the show and they are going to want to watch it for at least 10 more years. · You have already worked for some Marathi films and shows. How excited are you to make your debut as a protagonist in Hindi television? I am extremely excited. I don’t know how am I going to look in this show because I haven’t done something of this depth before. I have now become a director’s actor – you tell me and I will do it. · What are your thoughts on getting married in real life? I don’t really have any plans as of now. I have never thought of it but it will take at least 5 more years. · Are there any similarities between your character on the show and you in real life? If I think about it, I love painting and Abhishek loves playing the guitar; both are art forms. Secondly, he is very kind with everyone, just like I am. But there’s also a difference between us because Abhishek keeps things to himself and is not satirical, which I am. · Do you watch Sony SAB? I have been watching Sony SAB since childhood and Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah is something I love and I think everyone does. In my opinion, there was a perception about Sony SAB being only ‘comedy channel’, which has now been changing to wholesome entertainment.