EXCLUSIVE: Raqesh Bapat on Assi Nabbe Poore Sau, challenges of playing first negative role and 20-year journey

Raqesh Bapat might have been on a sabbatical from TV for 2 years. But, he is back and all set to enthrall fans with another project. For the very first time, Raqesh Bapat will play a negative role onscreen with his web show, Assi Nabbe Poore Sau. Yes! Raqesh has come out of the comfort zone for Assi Nabbe Poore Sau and has taken up the challenge to shake things. He plays Junaid Alam, who put an end to the life of 100 children.

Assi Nabbe Poore Sau marks the digital debut for Raqesh Bapat. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Bubble, Raqesh opened up about the show, his character, the challenges he faced to skin into the character, and more. The actor also opened up about completing 20 years in the entertainment industry. Over to him:

1) What enticed you about the story of Assi Nabbe Poore Sau?

It is based on a true story that happened in Pakistan. So, there was actually a man who killed 100 children, how unassuming he was, how everything unfolded, and how the system went for a complete shock trying to find out who has done it. It is something gruesome, but it revolves around the psyche of the man, and what happened to him.

2) Why did you give a nod to the role and what were the challenges you faced while playing Junaid?

I was shocked when they decided to cast me. When they asked me to play Junaid’s role, my first reaction was No Way! I don’t believe in all these things, it was shocking when I saw the footage of whatever had happened. I was completely taken aback when I got to know the story and was wondering what had happened to his mentality. I run an NGO for children, and to do something completely the opposite of that was a huge challenge. It took a toll on me as I had to consult a psychologist, as I had to get out of the role and not take the negativity home.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Raqesh Bapat (@raqeshbapat)

3) How did you convince yourself to play Junaid and tell his dark story to the world?

I’m an actor, a storyteller. Some stories need to reach the audience, and something like this can also be told. People must know something like this happened, society should know that people with such psyche exist. As an actor, I wanted to present this story through me, and then I decided to play the role with complete earnestness.

I depended on the director for this role as he has visualized it. This being a grey-shade character, I could not have my own inputs. Once I was on the sets, I was completely into my character. I just wanted to know why did he do something like this, what made him do this and what was going in his mind.

Sometimes, I also sympathize with his character, maybe the upbringing that he had and the societal pressures, it wasn’t easy for him either. Some people can control themselves, but he went off the grade. It is also important to show the journey of a man with such a mind.

4) How did your family and friends react to you playing a dark character for the first time? What’s the best compliment you received?

They did not recognize me and said how the hell did you play this. I don’t know, I’m an actor, I don’t keep asking questions to myself. Being in the industry for 20 years, I look at things as they are, and not overthink about them and not get anxious. The amount of maturity that life has given me after so many years, has helped me.

So, they are pretty shocked that I’ve done a role like this, but they really liked it. My family is my biggest critique, they saw the promo and told me you’re looking pretty different. They said thoda theraav hai role me, and I was happy that they liked it.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Raqesh Bapat (@raqeshbapat)

5) From Tum Bin in 2001 to Assi Nabbe Poore Sau in 2021, you’ve completed 20 long years in the industry, how has the journey been?

It has been fantastic, there has been a lot of ups and downs. But, I guess those are teachings. Today, people are so prepared when they come onscreen. Previously that never used to happen, that time I was just pushed into it -doing dancing, acrobats, and other things all at once. I had no time to prepare, so I was only a director’s actor then. Some things did not work out, and several lows came into life. As an actor also, I was not evolved. I still cannot watch my past work, because I cringe at it. I feel I wish I could have been better, learnt better.

But now, after 20 years, the experiences have been a great teacher. Today, I’m calm as an actor. There is some kind of maturity that experience gives you. So, it has been a beautiful journey, I’ve learnt so much. I’m blessed to have those ups and downs.

Assi Nabbe Poore Sau releases today, March 9 on Ullu. 

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Raqesh Bapat on bond with ex wife Ridhi Dogra: Love has increased as we respect each other more now