Ashish Sharma gets candid

Ashish Sharma is popularly known as Bhaiyaji of 'Gunahon Ka Devta'. People already know much about his tough character in the show. But is the real life Ashish same as Bhaiyaji in reel life? Let's find it out.

Tellybuzz chats with this upcoming star about his new show 'Gunahon Ki Devta' in Imagine TV. He also tells us how he was apprehensive about this show being male centric.

How did you bag the show?
After watching LSD the Imagine team approached me for this show.

How is it different working for a film and a daily soap?
There is not much difference as I am acting in both the fields.  But in the television industry there is a matter of deadline that makes the work a little hectic.

After LSD, have you been approached by the industry?
Yes I have two films: Dil Logical by Anup Dutta and Uthopia by Nitesh

What do you think is better; Films or Television?
For me films are more convenient as it gives you more time to prepare yourself. But in television you have less time as there are deadlines to be met. Also the show might run for years and everyday there is a routine that sometimes tends to make the work monotonous. But this show 'Gunaho Ki Devta' has a lot of action and the backdrop the story is crime and it will remain the same.

What is the USP of the show?
The love story of a criminal, the journey of a criminal through various emotions. It is about a criminal that has not yet seen the other side of life which is of love and emotion. All his life he has been exposed to guns and violence. But behind his criminal face there is a young heart that is looking for love that can bring a sensitive touch to his life.

Your show has been doing well since it has been aired. How was the audience response?
Oh! The audience was very very welcoming. The response was overwhelming. We were a bit doubtful in the beginning as 'Gunaho Ki Devta' is a male centric show whereas the Indian audience has always seen female centric shows. Also majority of the Indian television audience is mainly women. Hence, it is really important to get connected with the female audience. This was a risk that was taken by the channel and I think it paid off. We have got a splendid response from the audience, especially from female gender.

The dialect in which the character speaks is different. Was it a challenge? Did you undergo any training for this?
It was a not challenge but certainly difficult for me because my mother-tongue is not Eastern UP language. But I am thorough with my Hindi and I have a good command over the language. Hence, it was not difficult for me to change the accent.

Yes, we had to undergo 20 days training to get a hold over the language and for this we had a tutor from Varanasi.   

Is there a Bhaiyaji in you?
I don't think I can beat up ten people at a time. But I would definitely stand against for something that's against my principles.

In the show you are supposed to be a handsome guy for whom the girl is falling for in the first meet. Do you think it as an added advantage?
(Laughs) That you will have to ask my parents. I am thankful to them for my looks.

How was it working with Tanvi Bhatia and the other co-actors?
Tanvi and I had hardly got eight to nine shots together till now. But henceforth we will be shooting together. Till now it's been a great pleasure working with her as she is easy to work with and I feel very comfortable working with her. As a person Tanvi is very chilled out and always keen to learn as she is also in the stage of learning. We also chill out sometimes.

As for the other co-stars, they are great people to work with. Like in the show, we have also become a gang of four members and we are always ready to help each other. We have a give and take relationship happening off camera.

What about your upbringing?
My father is an RAS officer. Hence, I have travelled a lot. But from my sixth standard onwards my father is based in Jaipur and I have completed my studies from there. I did my graduation in Fashion Designing.

How did acting happen to you?
When I was in school I was more into extracurricular activities and I used to write and act in plays. Acting has always been a constant part of my life and I have been doing theatre with Vijay Mathur, Dean of Dramatics at Rajasthan University, for four years. After my graduation I joined Anupam Kher€™s institute of acting.

Are you satisfied with your work?
I cannot say that right now as the audience has to say that. I was apprehensive about the audience reaction, but so far the audience has accepted the show and now we can take the show further. We have been successful in building up the curiosity among the people.

Is your family happy with what you are doing?
Absolutely!  They are very very supportive, especially Dad. He has always asked me to do what I like the most.

How is Ashish in real life and on camera?
Ashish in real life is very chilled out and relaxed and unlike Bhaiyaji Ashish doesn't like violence.  But there are certain similarities between Ashish and Bhaiyaji. Both don't speak much and take time to get familiar with people. And also both are shy talking to girls.

How was it working with Imagine Team?
It is great working with a team like Imagine. We have a great creative team of Abhishek and Shivani. They are very dedicated and supportive. They are always helpful regarding the briefs, the set-up and every minute aspect of the show. I feel very lucky to be a part of this team. 

Reporter and Author: Saranya Valsarajan