TOI Interview of Gutto(Deven Bhojani)

Deven Bhojani could have been a successful film actor too, but chose to go small. And that worked wonders!

Deven's heartwinning performances in Dekh Bhai Dekh, Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, Office Office and Sarabhai Vs. Sarabhai , he also dons the hat of the Director for the latter (which won him many awards) and creative director of Baa, Bahu, aur Baby (besides of course doing the role of the now iconic Gattu in the latter).

So what's his inspiration? What is it that makes him laugh? "My younger daughter. She is innocent, cute and lovable. I feel happy each time I see her talk. I would observe her gestures, emotions, feelings and that has helped a lot," says Deven with a hearty laugh.

Tickling the funny bone isn't easy. How does he manage to get his comic timing right? "Simple. I do a lot of research on the context, spend time with the idea, improvise and observe. Also Aatish Kapadia with whom I work a lot, is a huge, huge help," confesses Deven.

In real life, work is the only anecdote to cure Deven's nervous energy. "I get mad when I don't have work. If I'm reading a newspaper for more than 10 minutes I feel I am committing a crime. I have two faces. One Deven lives in a well called Swati Studio and wants to be there all the time and the other Deven thinks about the world outside the well. "Invariably I am wearing the first face all the time, as a creative director I am involved right from the story ideation to channel delivery. I am particular about the details and involved with each person on the set. It is tedious and time-consuming but I like it," grins Deven. He draws a lot of traits from his sun-sign. "I am a typical Virgo, a perfectionist. Sometimes I get on people's nerves," he feels.

Even though Deven's been officially small screen's funny face for a long time, he admits he's not aware of what's happening on the channel. "I haven't really seen any other comedy shows on TV. I was offered a stand-up comedian's role in one of the reality shows but I couldn't do it. I feel uncomfortable doing stand-up," adds Deven.

Along with being meticulous at work, he is the same at home. "I am giving my daughters training in drama, drawing, music (instrument and vocal), computer, chess and martial arts. They can then decide what they want to do."

Would he ever do a saas-bahu show? Deven diplomatically says that he'd not like to comment on that but the fact remains that, "saas-bahu soaps are successful. Good for who watch it." Deven's also making "Instant Khichdi into a film and work has already started," So get set to be tickled pink, some more.