On April Fool’s Day, &TV artists share hilarious pranks they face

Each year, on April Fool’s Day, people worldwide celebrate with a tradition of playful pranks. This day brings a delightful break from the usual routine, infusing it with laughter and mischief for many. However, many a time, such pranks backfire, and on this day &TV, actors recall their most hilarious pranks with their fellow co-stars and loved ones, creating lasting bonds through laughter and shared amusement. These include Vyom Thakkar (Young Atal, Atal), Aaryan Prajapati (Hritik, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Vyom Thakkar, essaying Young Atal in &TV’s show Atal, says, “I have a mischievous side that thoroughly enjoys playing pranks on my co-stars, not only on April Fool’s Day but otherwise too! One prank I categorically remember involves Neha Didi, who plays my on-screen mother, Krishna Devi. It was a regular day on the set of ‘Atal’ when I decided to use a rubber insect I had received as a gift from one of my cousins. I enlisted the help of the other children on set to drop the insect onto Neha Didi’s shoulder, and we all pretended that she had a real insect on her. She believed us and tried to brush it away, only to realise it was a harmless prop. Although our attempt failed, the real fun began when Neha Didi joined us to prank Ashutosh Dada, who plays my on-screen father, Krishan Bihari. His reaction was priceless as he, too, joined in our panicked screams without even knowing the reason behind our commotion.”

Aaryan Prajapati, essaying Hritik in &TV’s show Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, says, “One incident stands out vividly in my memory back when I used to work on film sets. We indulged in pranks almost daily, but this one was special. It was my birthday, and everyone eagerly asked, “Where’s the party?” So, I decided to surprise them with pastries. However, I couldn’t resist adding a twist by replacing the creamy filling of a chocolate pastry with dry red chilli powder. As people took a bite, they were met with a fiery surprise! Amidst the chaos of their reactions, some even playfully chased after me, clearly unamused. Later, my mom scolded me for wasting food, and I realised my prank had backfired on me (laughs).” Shubhangi Atre, essaying Angoori Bhabi in &TV’s Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, says, “As a playful trickster, I couldn’t resist pulling a prank on my daughter Ashi, who often misplaces her phone. One day, while she frantically searched for it, I quietly retrieved the phone and slipped it into her jacket pocket hanging by the door. For two hours, she searched the house in frustration. Unable to stand seeing her struggle any longer, I casually suggested, ‘Have you checked your jacket pocket? Sometimes things end up where we least expect them.’ However, she suggested we buy a new phone for her in the evening if we didn’t find one. Hearing this, I immediately retrieved the phone from her jacket and handed it to her. A mixture of disbelief and amusement crossed her face before she burst into laughter, realising that it wasn’t her, but me, who had ultimately fallen for my prank.”

Watch Atal at 8:00 pm, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV.