It's not just Jay Bhanushali's smile that makes him a heartthrob of the teen set. It's also this actor's (Kayamath, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa) ability to express his angst, fearlessly; a quality rarely seen among TV actors. The lanky Jay has now set his mind on winning a ticket to the big screen through Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket (9X).
Is getting a ticket to Bollywood the sole reason behind your doing the TV reality show Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket?
Very frankly, there were two reasons — the movie and money (laughs).
How much money?
Are you from the income tax? Then why are you asking me? Well, they are paying me a lot. Afternoon ke liye vada-pav and raat ke liye pav-bhaji — I'm being paid that well!
What is this movie that the KJBKT contestants are all competing for?
The Ekta Kapoor-produced film is called Generation Next. It is a typical Apoorva Lakhia movie but don't let the title mislead you, it's not a film about the youth. The film will have an amalgam of action, stunts, drama. I can promise you one thing; whoever works in this movie will become a big star.
Since you are already an actor, don't you think your chances of winning this contest are good?
It will not be easy because every contestant is fighting for a ticket. I cannot take things so easily. When I see myself in the mirror, I do not think I belong to an Apoorva Lakhia movie (he's made Ek Ajnabee, Shootout at Lokhandwala, Mission Istaanbul) because I do not have bulging muscles but I am keen to be a part of this film.
Don't you feel awkward taking criticism from the judges in your stride considering you are already an established TV actor?
The judges are merely doing their work by pointing out our mistakes. It is a learning process which I will be able to put to use in my future work. They are just making us strong so that we don't fumble when it comes to the real take. For the first two times, I don't react to views that I don't concur with; but if somebody does it for the third time, I speak my mind.
Earlier too there were two shows with the same talent hunt motive. However, no one has even heard of the winners thereafter.
It is not so easy to get into movies because the chances of rejection are very high. Even after bagging a movie, you are anxious about its box-office viability. However, when Balaji Telefilms and Popcorn Entertainment are involved, you are assured of good exposure. After Shabbir Ahluwalia worked in Shootout…, he is ruling.
I have noticed that Popcorn films prefer working with newcomers rather than established actors. Therefore, they should take on television actors because they already have experience in acting. A lot of television actors today are doing a better job than Bollywood actors.
If you had a choice, with which director would you like to make your debut?
I love comedies. Nikhil Advani, Apoorva Lakhia or Priyadarshan would be ideal directors for me.
What about a co-star?
I would love to work with Vidya Balan and my latest crush is Genelia D'Souza, the heroine of Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. She is very cute.
Hindi TV Shows
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Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Jodha Akbar
