Article on Sadhil & Rushiraj

Gourmand Ganesh and kind Kartikeya go binging

Ever wondered if one got the chance to see Lord Ganesha how would he look? You don't have to go far as we have Sadhil Kapoor, the child actor who essays the role of Ganesh in Devon Ke Dev'Mahadev and his elder brother Kartikeya played by Rushiraj Pawar, on our eating out session at the Banquets in Trident Hotel, Nariman Point.

One is in the tenth standard and the other in first; they make an awesome on-screen sibling pair and off screen pals who get along like a house on fire. I saw the younger one, Sadhil pulling Rushiraj's legs and they were fooling with each other throughout the evening.

No sooner did I invite them to have hi-tea with me than they made a beeline to the buffet counter and filled their plates with spinach quiche, samosas, spring rolls, mini pizzas and more delicious items. My connect happens to be more with Rushiraj ' Murugan, a God worshipped in the south of India and also my family deity. How did he land this role after playing young Chandragupta and he enthuses, "We are worshippers of Lord Shiva and when the serial went on air, my folk told me I would fit the role of Kartikeya. That's when it struck me and I called up the production house. Fortunately I got selected in the auditions and people at home are very happy."

When Rushiraj revealed, "I am in the tenth and preparing to appear for his board exams," I was shocked as to how could a child on the verge of a milestone in his scholastic life attend school, classes and act on television, as each is a very demanding and time-consuming activity in itself. He informs, "I am studying through correspondence."

Ask a question to one and the other answers for him. Like how Ganesha loves modaks, is rolly-polly Sadhil fond of delicious food and Rushiraj is quick to say, "Oh! Sadhil loves to eat."

As for seven-year-old Sadhil, he has modeled and acted in Bhai, Bhaiya aur Brother and is as mischievous as the elephant God, in real life too. Talking about his studies, his father says the shoots are in accordance with the child's morning shift in school. He gets enough time to do his homework and study. And for those who think all that Ganesha has to do is just shake his head and trunk as you cannot see him mouth his dialogues, his father enlightens, "His voice may be recorded but he has to give the right expression." They like both their screen parents ' Mohit Raina and Sonarika Bhadoria but when it comes to having fun, they enjoy each other's company and do a lot of masti on the sets.

After posing for pictures like veterans in front of the camera, Rushiraj felt like a page 3 celebrity and Sadhil just concentrated on relishing the yummy brownies and gulab jamuns. That's Kartikeya and Ganesha for you in the present-day avatar!