tete -a -tete with benji

19 year Abhishek Sharma better known as Benji is the youngest actor in Miley Jab Hum Tum and takes full advantage of it. He likes to be pampered by all (especially by his female co stars) and makes no bones about it. He is also a big time masti khor in real life as in the show. Indya.com had a fun talk with this born bred Mumbaikar, listen in....

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What is the current scene with MJHT?

It's going great, MJHT is always known for twists and turns. After the baby track (where the boys had a found a baby and the girl suspected that one of the them was the father. Ultimately it was revealed that Tanaaz and Bhakityaar were the parents) we are now focusing on the inter-school track. College fun and masti is back in full gear. I guess it is this youthful colour and light hearted entertainment which makes this STAR One show rock. I have nothing against family drama's but our content transcends all generations of viewers, forget youngsters, many aunties come forward and praise our work.

What is new with the joker of the pack, Benji?

Believe it or not Benji is in love with Diya. I always wanted to go just beyond making everybody laugh and had requested the creative team to introduce some romantic angle which they have done.

But Lavina is elder to you, so how difficult is to essay those romantic moments?

Yes, but I like challenges. It's more fun to romance older women right! Ha Ha. On a more serious note, initially I was a bit awkward but Lavina told me it's only her and then I relaxed. Actually I would like to ask her out, but she always tells me to grow up child... I flirt with her by saying you are the most beautiful girl around, but to no avail (laughs).

You began your acting career as child artist with Hritik Roshan and Sunny Deol in Kaho Na Pyaar Hai and Champion respectively.

Yes, it was fun working with them infact, I got the former because of the latter. When Rakesh uncle (Rakesh Roshan) was scouting for a kid for KNPH, the producer of Champion, Sujit Kumar said I have someone with me and hence he did not need to look all over the place. We are not in touch any more, but I would love to work with them again.

When you returned as a grown up guy why did you choose television rather than films?

Films take time. Since I always wanted to act, I said why waste time and took the plunge and television is no longer regarded a second fiddle.

How did MJHT happen?

After auditions, I had landed with Endomol and Sun Shine productions' Waris, which sadly never saw the light of day. During that time, the producers were also toying with the idea of a college based daily and offered me Benji's role, which I grabbed it with both hands.

You were a bit over weight when you first joined the show?

Yes, I really had to lose weight and everybody especially Jas Karan Singh (Uday of MJHT) helped me on my way. I hit the gym with gutso and the results are there for all to see.

Is it difficult to essay comedy?

Nahi, for me it was quite easy, I can make anybody laugh at the drop of a hat. Even at home, I keep my mom and sis in splits. Over the time, I have managed to bring a lot of my personality into Benji. Sometimes I think I am not acting, because Benji is so much like me, we both are always cracking jokes and having a blast. And like Benji who stands thick and thin behind his childhood friend Samrat (Mohit Sehgal), I am always there for my close buddies a well. Whenever I get time, I make it a point to hang out with them. I also party a lot with my MJHT gang.

The fact that you are not the main lead, does it wrankle?

No, the story will run only if the support caste is good... Right! e.g. When Samrat and Mayanak give a glare, you need me and Uday to receive it well. I am quite content with my position and have my fair share of fans following who scream Benji, whenever they see me on the road.

Which college do you attend? What kind of student were you in college?

National College, Mumbai but after MJHT happened, I opted out of regular college, and joined a correspondence course . Currently, I am doing my second year Bachelor of Arts. I have always been an above average student. I got around 67 per cent in my class 12 exams.

I was an outstanding student, but whenever I did attend lectures, I would pass comments on my professors. Once our Eco (Economics) Sir made me stand in front of the class saying that he would like to see the face behind those wise quips. Working in MJHT, I don't think I am missing college life at all.

What are your hobbies?

Cricket! Sachin Tendulkar is my favourite. I also love to play video games on my PSP. Actually, Jas Karan is a bigger gamming addict than me; between shots we are always challenging each others scores. Once I just joked that I lost my console and he was really depressed wondering how we will pass our time now.

Do you dig books?

Although I was never a book lover, Lavina has introduced me to the art of reading. I am now reading Lost Symbol. She is a real voracious reader. She has to bring her books and crossword puzzles to the set. Apart from books, I love to listen to any kind of music (Pinky Floyd, Back Street Boys). I keep downloading latest Hindi and English numbers. Ditto with movies, I want to check out Clash of the Titans, when we get some time off I tell Jass let's check it out and he says, dude I have to go back to my wife.

How is your equation with your other co stars?

Rati Pandey aka Nupur is my screen mother. She keeps telling me to do this or that, but I always end up doing my own thing. We share a common make up room, so whenever she leaves for shoot after dabbing some scent on, she has to spray some on my face, Bully! Laughs. Sanaya Irani (Gunjan) is one more riot. I will tell you of a funny experience with her, which happened of late, some fans had dropped in to meet us and exactly at that moment madam comes out screaming from her makeup room because she saw a rat. I rushed from the sets hearing the commotion and asked kya hua? Then I escorted her back to her room, I really wonder what the fans made of all that. But they were so sweet they did not utter a word.

Any future projects?

There is something in the pipeline, but I can't talk about it.

Any message for your fans?

Thanks a millions guys. It is only because of love that we are here. Please continue to keep the praise and brick bats coming. We learn a lot from it. God bless.

Miley Jab Hum Tum airs from Monday to Friday at 9:00 PM on STAR One.