Krishna Bhardwaj “I was game to go bald for my role as Tenalirama”

Krishna Bhardwaj who hails from Ranchi and has done many radio programmes since the age of four, came to Mumbai, where he did a lot of work for JD Majethia’s Hats Off Productions and considers JD as his mentor. The actor, who has been seen in a string of shows like Jasuben Jayantilal Ki Joint Family, Sukh By Chance and R.K. Laxman Ki Duniya, is glad to have bagged a powerful role like that of Tenali Rama at this stage of his career. The actor tells SANDEEP HATTANGADI that he is happy to make his father proud as he too was into radio, television and the stage in Ranchi.

 

What is the show Tenalirama all about?
hat is the show Tenalirama all about?Indian culture is enriched with many ancient tales and fables. We have all enjoyed reading some of these legendary stories which have stood the test of time. Tenali Rama is one such epic tale, laden with memorable instances of the use of wit and humor by its central character, Tenali. The new show on Sab Sony TV Tenali Rama will take the audience back in time to the 15th Century and prove that intelligence and presence of mind can be used deftly to solve any problem or to deal with any demanding situation, as and when it arises in life.

Tell us something about the character of Tenali Rama.
Tenali Rama was a witty poet in the court of King Krishnadevaraya. With his acumen and humor, it did not take much time for him to become the King’s favorite. However, his popularity bred contempt in Tathacharya, the head priest of the darbaar, who worked relentlessly to dishonor Tenali. The way Tenali handles tricky situations created by Tathacharya will be a great treat for viewers to watch and they will also end up learning from it as well!

What is the premise of the show?
The premise of the show centers around Tenali Rama, who gets appointed as the poet and is one of the eight wise men in the court of King Krishnadevaraya, played by Manav Gohil. Tenali Rama always uses his shrewdness and unique methods to solve the craftiest and trickiest of all problems. As I said earlier, his swaggering success makes his rival Tathacharya played by Pankaj Berry, supremely jealous and wants to throw him out of the court.

I would love to be a part of films if I am offered good roles but right now I am more than happy with my television work.

Tell us something about the rest of the cast.
Some of the other important people in Tenali’s life are his mother, Laxmi played by Nimisha Vakharia  and his wife Sharda, played by Priyamvada Kant. Tenali is often stumped by the peculiarities of his mother and wife as his mother is a religious woman who has taken a wow of lifetime silence and his wife is the only one who understands her sign language and interprets it according to her own will, often adding a little spice and drama. Sonia Sharma plays Chinnadevi, Priyanka Singh plays Thirumalamba, Jiten Mukhi plays Mantri Timmarasu while Barkha Bisht Sengupta plays the goddess Kali.

How does the show proceed?
The show began with the 25-year-old Tenali Rama who is an ultimate procrastinator. Though he is too lazy to pursue his dreams, at the same time he wants to become rich and famous. An honored saint asks him to go to the village temple and recite a powerful mantra. Tenali does the same and manages to impress Goddess Kali.Goddess Kali appears in front of him with a bowl each of milk and curd and asks him to pick one but Tenali ends up gulping both which leaves Kali fuming.

How does Tenali Rama then win over the Goddess?
Tenali reasons by explaining that there is no use of one without the other. She gets impressed by his wit and blesses him saying that he will become a Vikatakavi, a jesting poet in Krishnadevaraya’s court. Later Tenali Rama leaves for Hampi with the desire to be a part of Krishnadevraya’s court.

Why did you accept the part?
How easy is it for you to portray this part?I have always been a fan of Tenali Rama stories right from my childhood as it was in our school syllabus.I gave my auditions for the part and was one among the many aspirants but when I was finally selected for the role, my happiness knew no bounds. I was shocked when the producers told me that I would have to go bald for the role and I had to literally lose my hair for this role but I am glad I got this lucky break. I am grateful to Neeraj Vyas of Sony Sab TV and Contiloe Pictures Chief Abhimanyu Singh for casting me in this pivotal role.

Why didn’t you use a wig instead of shaving your head off?
Never. I would never do that. It is better to accept yourself the way you are right now. Fakeness does not last long. It will somehow be caught on the screen for all to see. It was great especially to work with a veteran actor like Pankaj Berry. I got to learn a great deal from him and also Maanav Gohil is a senior actor but we are friendly with each other and exchange notes. I was happy to get acting tips from him.

How do you prepare for your role?
You might be surprised that I do not do any preparation for my role but when I get my scenes and dialogue sheets, I study them properly and listen to the director’s instructions and do my scenes impromptu. If you ask me how many episodes I am looking at, I’d say that it all depends on the viewers and the TRP’s that we get and ideally our show should have a long run. We all hope it runs for as many episodes as it can.

We haven’t see you much on television in the last couple of years. Why?
Yes, I was not doing much television in last 3-4 years. I would not say I was flooded with a lot of offers but declined them all. The reality is that I was not getting any offers. Every actor goes through the phase where he does not get work. But now I am back.

What kind of shows do you like to watch or be a part of?
It may seem strange but I only like to see the shows of J.D. Majethia and Hats Off Productions and the shows written by Aatish Kapadia, who is a very good friend of mine.Reality shows are not my cup of tea but I am a good dancer and would like to participate in dance based reality shows, as and when I am offered one.I would love to be a part of films if I am offered good roles but right now I am more than happy with my television work.

Who are your favorite actors?
I have so many but I am a huge fan of Ranbir Kapoor and consider him as my inspiration. He is very natural and damn good at his job. His eyes speak a lot. Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s struggle, too, inspires me. I mean, if a person can struggle for 20 long years and do odd jobs to fulfill his dreams, he can do just anything. What about turning director?I have directed many radio plays and was known as a radio artiste. I have also directed stage plays.In future if I get a good offer to direct a film, I will grab it too immediately.