EXCLUSIVE: Jay Bhanushali explains his 15 years break from TV: When you do a job successfully, people typecast you very easily

Jay Bhanushali became an instant rage and a star when he made his foray in Indian television in the 2000s. He did some of the biggest shows on Indian TV but then, eventually took a break from the fiction world. Now, after almost 15 years, Jay Bhanushali is returning to the fiction space opposite Tina Datta, in their new show Hum Rahe Na Rahe hum.

Jay Bhanushali on his early stardom

Recently, the actor got in an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Bubble and explained his absence from fiction TV. Talking about his career, Jay recalled his initial dreamy stardom and that leading him to bag Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa too. He said, “I did a lot of nonsense on that show. I was doing a lot of fun with all the celebrities. That’s where someone spotted that I have a slight anchoring capability. They called me and I was signed for Dance India Dance.”

And it was this opportunity that made him decide take a small break from daily soaps. He informed,
“The first two-three years I had this thing that I want be a little away from daily soaps right now. It was because two years back-to-back I had worked non-stop without sleeping. So, I said I deserve this break and after 2-3 years I might come back.”

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Jay on getting typecast

However, the 2-3 years break, eventually turned into quite a long one. He explained, “But when you do a job and when you do it successfully, people typecast you very easily. Even success has some drawbacks. When I started anchoring people did not see me more than that. I was surprised because I did a very successful show as an actor and then I shifted as an anchor.”

He added, “It’s not that people were not calling me, but I was not getting the right role. I was like I will wait. The after almost eight years, I felt ki ab aana hai to ek ache show ke saath aana hai.(I felt that if I come back, I’ll do it with an amazing show). Else I am okay not coming back to fiction show at all. Logon ne already typecast to kar hi diya hai that I’m an anchor. (People had alreadt typecast me as an anchor).”

The actor on bagging Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum

Jay’s new show Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum ticked all the boxes. He shared, “After 15 years, I got this offer. I still remember when the producers called me for narration. Maine puri story suni and main jaise hi office se baahar nikla na, I said I am Shivendra Barot and this is my show (As soon as I exited the office after hearing the story, I said I am Shivendra Barot and this is my show).”

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Jay Bhanushali even spoke about how he shared that excitement with wife Mahhi Vij. He revealed, “I told my wife that ye show koi aur nahi le sakta mere se (I told Mahhi no one can take this show away from me). I want this show. She knows it how much I waited for this because I really wanted to come back and showcase my acting talent also. I’m an actor first. When I struggled, I never wanted ki main anchoring karun (During my struggling days, I never wanted to become an anchor). My dream was that I do romantic scenes, I get all those girls fan following and I should be the chocolate hero of Television, which I achieved also.“

Jay on his acting break

Explaining the situation, the actor said, “Because I was anchoring, I could afford to be a little choosy and do selective work. Whatever work I have done till now, none of my shows have not worked or done very badly. As an actor, it’s your responsibility that if you feel on papers only if the show is not gonna work, let’s not take it because you spoil your name. I want to keep my name in such a way that if I’m coming and doing a show, people should say that ye zyada to aata nahi hai so is show mein kuch to baat hogi (I want to keep my name in a way that if I am coming with a show, people should say that since I don’t come often, the show should have something special).”

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The chocolate boy image of Jay

However, the chocolate boy image also hindered Jay’s growth. He explained, “I did a chocolate boy role then all the roles which I was offered were that same chocolate boy roles. But I won’t blame those people who were not offering me different roles because that time I was looking like a chocolate boy. Of course, I couldn’t play a matured role at that time. But I’m glad that I look a little bit more mature than what I used to look and I’m offered such a role. Now my aim for this show is that people should recognize me as an intense actor. I’ve proved as a chocolate hero, I have proved as an anchor but now I want that people should remember me after this show for being an intense actor.”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Jay Bhanushali recalls the time daughter Tara stole his limelight