‘Aur Bhai Kya Chal Raha Hai?’ actor Pawan Singh says, ‘Any ro le that challenges the artist in me is a role I want to bag’!

#AurBhaiKyaChalRahaHai? &TV’s all-new light-hearted situational comedy show has brought in local artists for an authentically local show that portrays the vivid and deep-rootedculture of Lucknow. #PawanSingh, one of the many known faces, is seen portraying the character of #ZafarAliMirza. Joining him in this journey is Farhana Fatema as Shanti Mishra, Akansha Sharma as Sakina Mirza and AmbrishBobby as Ramesh Prasad Mishra. Through their hilarious performances all of them are making sure that the viewers are going to need a pillow to brace their ribs when they start to ache from laughter. The entertainment industry has seen Pawan Singh in his various avatars on television. Pawan is all set to etch another memory in the minds of the viewers. In a candid conversation, here is Pawan sharing more details on his role, the show plot and also answers some fun questions,

 

Tell us about the role and how did you get it?
I essay the role of Zafar Ali Mirza, who is a Lucknowi nawab. He stays in half a haveli, sharing it with his worst enemies and best friends. He owns a chai ki dukaan which is famous all over the city. Mirza is sturdy and a man of his words. He has an air about himself till his pyaari begum walks in. Then it is all about her and what she wants. To the world, Mirza is nothing less than a sher, but when his begum comes in the picture, Mirza bheegibilli bann jaata hai. He is not afraid of her but often gets manipulated by her and his unconditional love for her. Mirza kebhi rang badalte rehte hai. Securing this role was rather interesting since I initially auditioned for Mishra’s role. Mishra banne aaya tha, aur Mirza ka darza mil gaya. The makers of the show insisted that I would be better suited for the role of Mirza as, my look, build and beard all gelled effortlessly with the character. Surprises kept coming at me during the audition, first the change in character and then came the language. Being from Delhi, my accent and speech is starkly different from that of a Lucknowi. The element of delicacy and grace was something I had to work on. My mannerisms and behaviour had to be practiced day in and out to get the dialogue delivery right. But the hurdles didn’t stop there, the challenging bit was adding comedy to this refined language. After a lot of work and patience, I believe that I have finally mastered the art of speaking like a Nawab and cracking a joke like one too.

 

You own a Chai ki Dukaan in the show. So, do you like drinking chai in real as well?
Dilli ki chai mere rag rag mein behti hai. Of course, I enjoy drinking tea. Chai is like a perfect buddy to any dish. It is an adjustable partner, a lot like how Mirza is to Sakina. Chai is your dependable beverage that will never go wrong, the sweeter it is, the better it gets. Have you ever seen a person complaining with Chai? I bet not! Chilly weathers are my favourite time to sip on garma garam chai that fills you with warmth.

 

As you said, Mirza’s wife, Sakina, always has the upper hand. Is it also like your real life?Only a married man will know the answer to this. The reason why I can act like a Mirza is because I am one in real life. Mirza and I are a lot alike; we enjoy our freedom with whatever little we get, our wives are the centers of our universe and we both enjoy drinking tea. I resonate with his hilarious struggles. The way he cannot say no to his wife clicks with me instantly. During the lock-down, I remember washing utensils once and my wife made sure that it becomes my official duty. She claims she can see herself in the utensils washed by me. Either she is a sweet talker or I am a good dish washer.

 

Aur Bhai Kya Chal Raha Hai? – is a conversation starter. Likewise, do you have any funny incident related to it that you would like to share?
‘Aur Bhai Kya Chal Raha Hai?’ is indeed a commonly used conversation starter. But, the replies to this generic question are quirky and different. I remember when I asked a friend the same question, he was frustrated as is, and blurted “Bohot kuch chalraha hai, tumhe kya bataoon?” He went on to narrate the tales of his troubled life one after the other. This kept me thinking how and why I landed here.

 

Tea shops are infamous for gossips and in the show, you own one. Do you have any memorable instances?
A tea stall is the most happening when there is an Indian cricket match on-going. The gossipers will have you believe so much, that even Sachin Tendulkar would not know himself! They say walls have ears and the walls of this tea stall is plastered with gossip! Politics se jahan baat shuru hoti hai, biwi ke kartootonpar khatam hoti hai. The least talkative person will also submit to gossiping and it is fun to watch how. It is as if the person chatting away has all the knowledge in the world and the tea shop becomes his stage. I personally enjoy listening and observing the chattery. The characters that land up at the tea stall are all so unique and one will never be bored. One such memorable instance has to be the time when an old man came up to me asking for a spoonful of sugar after drinking the bitter tea.

 

What is your dream role?
Any role that challenges the artist in me is a role I want to bag! I prefer comical roles as they diminish the fine line between work and play. If the opportunity arises, I would be interested in playing a dark character in a negative light.

 

The men in the Haveli seem to have a male bonding outside the house. Is it true, or is it just to hide internal rivalry?
Pyar bhi hai aur takraar bhi. Mirza and Ramesh Prasad Mishra (Ambrish Bobby) quarrel and argue like brothers. In real life, Ambrish ji and I get along very well. We met on the sets for the first time and instantly clicked. He is from Lucknow and assists me whenever I need help. He is very thoughtful and like a big brother will prompt and allow me to perform my best. Both of us share a good rapport on and off screen. Portraying the harmless jealousy between the neighbouring wives, Shanti and Sakina, and their henpecked husbands – Ramesh Prasad Mishra and Zafar Ali Mirza, the show will take the viewers through an entertaining and engaging story revolving around these two families who are ‘Acche Waqt Ke Sabse Bade Dushman AurBure Waqt Ke Sabse Acche Dost.’