No smoking for Ronit- article

The young charmer who danced in a sailor uniform to Yeh akkha India jaanta hain hum tum pe marta hain 16 years ago in Jaan Tere Naam, is all set to play the grandest role in the grandest epic. He talks to t2 about being Bheeshma even as he rehearses hard for the finals of Yeh Hai Jalwa on 9X this Sunday.

You are playing the big daddy in an epic — Bheeshma pitamaha. How does it feel?

There is a whole gamut of emotions. There is joy at having got the opportunity to play an iconic character. On the other, there is a fear of not being accepted. Though shooting has started, we are still grappling with the correct note of the character — the look, the voice, the movement, the body language….

How have you prepared for the role?

I have read the transliteration of Mahabharat. The scary part is doing my own construction of the character. It is impossible for me to feel like Bheeshma. His righteousness, the kind of life he led, his sacrifice.... But I plan to give up smoking.

Where do you smoke?

In the loo or in the car. But the car doesn't have tinted glasses, so I shouldn't be smoking there too as that gives a wrong impression to people.

How is Ekta's Mahaabhaarat turning out?

The characters will not be over the top. It will be pretty much a today's adaptation. But it is difficult to pin down things as we have not reached the Kauravas and the Pandavas yet.

Are you happy with the role she has given you?

I had asked for Bheeshma. The role grows with the story — son, brother, father, grandfather, ruler. The crown of the Kurus was his for the taking.

The men in Mahaabhaarat are usually bare bodied. Are you working out?

Yes, I am undergoing training. Why can't Bheeshma have a six pack? But do not expect cultured abs like Shah Rukh's. Bheeshma was not a body builder.

You have also made it to the final of Yeh Hai Jalwa. Are you tense or would Sunday be just another day at work?

For me, it's the completion stage of an assignment. We have managed to entertain a large cross-section of viewers.

What has the journey been like with Bindass Bosses, your team of white collar workers?

I have been a mentor to them. When they came, they were like bathroom singers…

Bathroom dancers?

Umm…bedroom dancers. The biggest task was to make them aware that they were on national television. They could all move a little, but they are not professionals.

Who among your colleagues impressed you most?

My brother Rohit. In the short run he had on the show, he put up a fine act. Never did he try to prove that he is the world's best.

Does Rakhi Sawant have an edge by leading a group of children?

These children have danced before. Still they are children and can be difficult to work with. But then, they are easy to mould too.

Is Hussain enjoying an advantage as his team members are industry wannabes?

It is true that what they are doing are in line with their business. One girl, Bhavna, is a great dancer. But the three strongest teams have made it to the finals. So it should go down to the wire.

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