Neil Bhatt's promotional visit

Says Neil Bhatt, who plays an IPS officer in the popular show Diya Aur Baati Hum, during his promotional visit to the city

N eil Bhatt started off as a dancer on television slowing moved towards acting with stint in shows like Arslaan, 12/24 Karol Bagh, Gulaal. He carried on with some reality shows after which he signed the popular series Diya Aur Baati Hum where he plays the role of an IPS officer named Zakir. Though, Neil started with a cameo but now his character has become an integral part of the script. Neil visited Indore on Friday for the promotions of his show where HT City interacted with the artiste. Excerpts:

You have been part of a show which has run quite long in comparison to the present scenario. There is a common notion now that shows don't run for long on television as the case used to be some ten years back.

These days, may be the story of the shows has become crisp and short. That is the reason you don't see them taking leaps or carrying on for long. But that doesn't mean that a show is not a success. If the show gained TRPs during its span of a year or two and did not end prematurely, that means it was a hit among the audiences. Usually stories are judged by the duration it ran and not the story line. They do sometimes stop due to channels intervention. But it's like a business module. You put your money in a certain project and expect it to run for amount of time.

But do you think television shows are stretched for no reason?

I know it happens. But it's unfortunate. Sometimes if the show is gaining popularity they are stretched even if there is hardly any story left.

You have said there are few shows which are able to portray a message to the audience?

Yes. There is dearth of shows which can give out a message. We are dealing with shows which indulge in kitchen politics or saasbahu dramas. Our show (Diya Aur Baati Hum) is setting an example about how a house wife aspiring to become an IPS officer. We have been admired by police officers for raising an issue which is prevailing in our country. It is true that because of the social restraints women are not able to pursue their dream but I am sure through this show we would be able to bring a small change.

You started off as a dancer and then moved to acting. How was the shift?

I feel dancing is a God gift to me. Dancing is my passion and from there acting as evolved in me. Both involve expression and while doing dance shows I thought of up taking up acting as a profession. By education, I am a lawyer and everyone in my family is. But my parents supported me to become an actor. I continue dancing and wouldn't mind taking up a reality dance show if it comes my way.

What are you working on apart from this show?

There are few other shows lined up but I cannot take them due to lack of time. I am also writing scripts for television shows. Let's see when they get materialised.

You have certain innocence in

your personality which might not suit in a negative character.

Yes, I have been pointed about that before also but I love doing negative roles and have been appreciated in such roles as well. My role in the second season of the show Gumrah was completely negative. The channel still runs the repeat telecast of that show and we get good TRPs till now. But I don't think I am negative in my show Diya Aur Baati Hum. Right now the audience might feel that it has grey shades but later on they will realise that I wasn't negative.