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N eil Bhatt studied law but was always passionate about acting. Working in Tellywood for the last four years, Neil has done many shows, and is best known for Arsalaan, 12/24 Karol Bagh and Gulaal.
Having essayed a variety of roles, Neil's now all set to play Laxman in Ramayan. Neil appears excited and happy that he's bagged the coveted role. In a chatathon, Neil reveals about his character, waxes eloquent about reality television and and reveals why Gujarat is special to him.
Excerpts from the interview:
Living A Dream
We have all grown up listening to stories from Ramayan. In my growing up years the '87 version of Ramayan show was very much a part of our lives. But when I agreed to play Laxman, I started reading Ramcharit Manas. That in turn has really helped me gain an in-depth insight into the epic. Audiences loved me as Abhi in 12/24 Karol Baug and as Kesar in Gulaal. I'm sure they'll love me as Laxman too. I always make it a point to do a variety of roles. I don't want to get stereotyped as an actor.
Telly Tattle
As an actor, if you've not been through hard times or struggled for work, you cannot connect to the common man. And let's face it, TV shows are all talking about the common man and his family problems. But somewhere I feel, small screen has a whole lot of regressive shows. Most of the shows (on GECs) are only about sob stories, scheming in-laws and surprisingly, the audience likes watching such shows. They don't seem ready for mature content. But production houses and scriptwriters can bring in the change we want to see in shows — there's a lot that can be explored. Show makers often underestimate the intelligence of the viewer and takes him/her for granted. If a significant chunk of a show's budget is used to get stronger scripts, so much can be changed on small screen.
Reality Rules
I'm a trained dancer, so I'm really looking forward to being part of a dance-based reality show. I don't understand why I've never been approached for a dance reality show yet!
Multitasking's fun!
I enjoy working out, dancing, watching movies and checking out new gadgets. After Gulaal, I tried writing scripts for some TV shows, which are different from the regular run-of-the-mill shows. My latest cell phone also gives me an opportunity to check out this new application software that helps me compose background scores. In fact, composing music is a new hobby that I have discovered. I will wait to see if I can explore this professionally in the future.
Don't wanna mingle...
I'm single and feel am too young to get into a relationship. I have to focus on my career at this point.
Gujarat Connect
I was born in Vadodara. Many of my relatives stay there and in Ahmedabad. I have spent many summer vacations in Gujarat and feel at home here. I came to Halol near Vadodara to shoot for my debut TV show Arsalaan and am in Vadodara for Ramayan. This again reinforces my connect with Gujarat.
Having essayed a variety of roles, Neil's now all set to play Laxman in Ramayan. Neil appears excited and happy that he's bagged the coveted role. In a chatathon, Neil reveals about his character, waxes eloquent about reality television and and reveals why Gujarat is special to him.
Excerpts from the interview:
Living A Dream
We have all grown up listening to stories from Ramayan. In my growing up years the '87 version of Ramayan show was very much a part of our lives. But when I agreed to play Laxman, I started reading Ramcharit Manas. That in turn has really helped me gain an in-depth insight into the epic. Audiences loved me as Abhi in 12/24 Karol Baug and as Kesar in Gulaal. I'm sure they'll love me as Laxman too. I always make it a point to do a variety of roles. I don't want to get stereotyped as an actor.
Telly Tattle
As an actor, if you've not been through hard times or struggled for work, you cannot connect to the common man. And let's face it, TV shows are all talking about the common man and his family problems. But somewhere I feel, small screen has a whole lot of regressive shows. Most of the shows (on GECs) are only about sob stories, scheming in-laws and surprisingly, the audience likes watching such shows. They don't seem ready for mature content. But production houses and scriptwriters can bring in the change we want to see in shows — there's a lot that can be explored. Show makers often underestimate the intelligence of the viewer and takes him/her for granted. If a significant chunk of a show's budget is used to get stronger scripts, so much can be changed on small screen.
Reality Rules
I'm a trained dancer, so I'm really looking forward to being part of a dance-based reality show. I don't understand why I've never been approached for a dance reality show yet!
Multitasking's fun!
I enjoy working out, dancing, watching movies and checking out new gadgets. After Gulaal, I tried writing scripts for some TV shows, which are different from the regular run-of-the-mill shows. My latest cell phone also gives me an opportunity to check out this new application software that helps me compose background scores. In fact, composing music is a new hobby that I have discovered. I will wait to see if I can explore this professionally in the future.
Don't wanna mingle...
I'm single and feel am too young to get into a relationship. I have to focus on my career at this point.
Gujarat Connect
I was born in Vadodara. Many of my relatives stay there and in Ahmedabad. I have spent many summer vacations in Gujarat and feel at home here. I came to Halol near Vadodara to shoot for my debut TV show Arsalaan and am in Vadodara for Ramayan. This again reinforces my connect with Gujarat.
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