EXCLUSIVE

When comedian, actor and improv trainer Neville Bharucha first received a call to audition for Aryan Khan’s show The Ba***ds of Bollywood, he almost turned it down. At that time, he was working as a school teacher and wasn’t confident about doing a Hindi web series, but after some convincing, he agreed. And what followed was one of the best auditions he had done, eventually landing him the role of DJ Adam. Though he had a brief screen time, Neville’s performance left a lasting impact. Filmfare caught up with him for a candid chat where he reflected on his journey with the series, from his first encounter with Aryan Khan and working alongside veterans like Manoj Pahwa, to the surreal experience of meeting Shah Rukh Khan.

I remember getting the call while I was sitting at Bangalore Airport. I initially refused because I was a school teacher at the time, and my Hindi isn’t great, so a web series didn’t seem like the best idea. But the lady on the phone convinced me to go for the audition. I went, and it turned out to be one of the best auditions I’ve ever done. I remember walking out, calling my wife, and telling her, “I think I’m going to get this part.” And sure enough, a month later, I got a call from the same guy who took the audition, who, by the way, did a fantastic job, too.

The first feeling I had at the table read was, wow, this is probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever been a part of. That table read was truly fascinating. Watching everyone bring their characters to life was incredible. I remember looking down at my script, hearing the others read, and thinking, Oh my god, the talent these guys have. I honestly couldn’t wait to see how it would all translate on screen, and it turned out outstanding. It was such a wonderful feeling, something I’d never experienced before, and honestly, it was just next level.

All compliments are the best. There isn’t one that’s better than another; it’s just really lovely to have people reach out. Friends from school and college, a couple of teachers, even people I’ve only had fleeting interactions with, have messaged to congratulate me. The most annoyingly sweet part, though, is when people click on my Instagram ads for improv classes just to say, “Hey, I don’t want to take your class, just wanted to say congrats on the show.” It’s very kind, but I pay for every click! So essentially, I’m paying Meta for compliments. Appreciate the love but just DM me, ya! Or better yet, sign up for the class. It’s a fun one.

On-screen and off-screen, it was exactly the same fun, full of masti, and just pure chemistry. From day one, the relationship we’ve shared has had so many unspoken moments that come through beautifully on screen. I’ve had the best time shooting with him. He’s such a brilliant actor, there’s so much depth even in the things he doesn’t say. It was truly my absolute pleasure, and honestly, a privilege to work with a veteran like him.

The premiere night was surreal, the kind of thing people dream about. You hear about it, you see it, but when it actually happens to you, it’s a blur. Walking the carpet, meeting all the people you’ve shared the most wonderful times with, seeing your work on the big screen, going on stage, meeting everyone, it was something else entirely. Afterwards, everyone was so gracious and happy to be together; the whole gang was buzzing with joy. As much as it felt like a culmination, it was really just the beginning. The world hadn’t seen the show yet. In short, it was the perfect start to the rollercoaster of the past few weeks.

What I really enjoyed was the time on set when everyone was together, me, Lakshya, Raghav (Juyal), Manoj sir, and Anya (Singh). We’d all have lunch together, and it was such a nice hour to decompress, chat, and just hang out. Those moments, where we really got to know each other, are some of the nicest memories I’ve ever had.

Just a lot of improv teaching, tons of kids’ creative writing classes, improv classes, and doing improv shows. We have shows almost every week or every alternate week at The Habitat, which is always amazing because I love performing live and making people laugh. Those shows are a blast. On top of that, I teach weekend improv classes that I run, and just soaking in everything the work has to offer. That’s about it.

Also Read: Manoj Pahwa on The Ba***ds of Bollywood: Aryan Khan Could Have Sat on SRK’s Throne But… Exclusive