| Basking in the success of Balaji's late night saga, Kayamath is actor Jay Bhanushali who plays the charming and romantic Neev in the show. His debut vehicle has made him popular not only with the fairer sex falling in all age brackets but also amongst young tots. And this 22 year old dude is no different from his on screen character. He's a naughty zealot who is bubbling with enthusiasm to carve a niche for himself in this industry.
In an exclusive Q n A with Prashant Golecha, Jay gets vocal about his mega launch pad, working with seasoned stars, the much welcome fame and above his dream girl!
What kind of response have you received for portraying Neev?
It's amazing. Kids come forward to meet me whenever they spot me and address me as Neev. I am surprised that they are awake to watch my show (it's a 11pm show). How much of you is there in Neev?
Jay is very much like Neev. The role is like a mirror reflection of me. I relate with it absolutely!
And who is the real Jay?
I am down-to-earth, garrulous and a prankster. How did you land up in Balaji?
My real sister Hetal suggested that I try modeling, though I was had my reservations to embark the entertainment world. However, I gave it a shot. Initially I didn't get any ads but soon things started rolling. I have featured in commercials for Motorola, Pepsi and rediffmail.com. Ekta Kapoor noticed me in the last mentioned ad and called me for a screen test and a mock shoot. And within two hours I was finalized to play the lead! What was your first reaction?
I was aghast as I never thought I would get a break like this so easily. I was not that good an actor. I was like a boy next door and didn't even have a great physique. What's your opinion on your Big Boss, Ekta Kapoor?
I haven't seen a lady like her. She is a millionaire and yet so down-to-earth with actors. I have met her a couple of times and she is very different from what people perceive her to be. She is a genuine human being. I have been to Ekta's house many a times to discuss my show. You have worked with established actors like Mohnish Behl and now Ronit Roy. How has the experience been?
With Mohnish it was very nice. He was the first person who initially told me that though I am not a very good actor, I have the potential to be a star. He taught me the craft of acting. He is approachable and friendly. His wife Ekta and daughter are a big fan of mine, in fact they even came on the sets and Mohnish requested me to come to his vanity van to meet them. Talking about Ronit, when I first saw him I presumed he would be a serious man. But on the first day itself I realized that he was so fun loving. He oozes a lot of positive energy in spite of working on four shows simultaneously. His dedication is vibrant and infectious. What's the equation with your co-star Panchi Bohra?
It's fun to have her as a co-star. The on-screen chemistry is quite visible. We share a fair understanding and respect towards each other. She often tells me that a lot of fans keep asking her about me. The kind of masti we do on-screen is carried forward off-screen too. It's been five months since we are working together and we didn't indulged in a single fight, that's what makes our pairing click. What about your personal love life? Are you dating anyone?
I am very much single. I am just 22 and rocking. Describe your dream girl.
She should be down-to-earth, sweet and beautiful. Their eyes attract me the most and that's what I look into first. I don't like girls with attitude
Any aspirations for motion pictures?
Which actor doesn't want to act in films? One good role, one good opportunity can change your future.
What are your immediate future plans?
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Anupamaa
