It is a time to rejoice for the television audience as the original bad-man of Bollywood Gulshan Grover is all set to mark his television debut with Star Plus’ Arre Deewano Mujhe Pehchano. A show which will have celebrities perform gags on the common public. Gulshan who has always donned different looks throughout his career of over 400 movies has been lauded for his performances both nationally and internationally. Few know that he is the first and only Bollywood actor to be tapped by a Washington-based company to appear for its television commercials. He has worked in 5 foreign films, including the Tibetan film We’re No Monks and the Italian Les, Mystères de Sadjurah where he played the main villain as a rebel chief.

Gulshan decided to make his foray into television with Arre Deewano as it gives him yet another chance to don different looks. The veteran actor was flooded with TV offers but it is the unique concept of the show that prompted him to take up the show. Given the kind of talent he possesses one is sure to witness some outstanding gags on the show and the master of disguise in him. The actor doesn’t want to do much of TV as he finds the medium completely different from Bollywood.

The actor spoke to Tellychakkar on his experience` with the small screen. Exerpts:

Why propelled you to do Arre Deewano Mujhe Pehchano?

This is very cult show. The USP of the show is to be different and look different. Here we throw a challenge to the public if they can recognise us. In my entire career, I have portrayed various characters in different movies where I have tried to look different. The other reason was the constant calls and cajoling from my fellow participants on the show who told me that they will participate only if I agree to do it. This is a unique show which can’t be compared with anything that has been done on TV before, apart from sting operations where cameras are hidden. It is challenging as it can go in any direction but with the sole aim of generating genuine laughter and creating a situation which everyone enjoys including the person who has been trapped.

Is the show a strategy to help you change your bad-man image?

Not at all. I keep getting offers regularly and I always thought that I will do TV someday. This sounded the most interesting and the right kind of show to me. There is no plan to change any image as I have donned various looks and characters in movies as well.

Why didn’t you do a fiction show to mark your TV debut?

I have been flooded with all kind of offers including reality shows. I was offered to be a part of Bigg Boss and judge a reality show as well but I don’t think I fit the bill as it requires completely different talent. Also, I don’t want to do TV but this is a show the unique concept of this show attracted me.

Why do you say that you don’t want to do TV?

TV is a very difficult medium as one has to follow certain deadlines. I also feel that the technical support and reviewing isn’t adequate in the television industry as everything happens at a fast pace as the TV world is all about dailies. One has to reshoot if a particular sequence is not come out well. It requires different talent and I truly believe that there are very good artists on TV who are doing a tremendous job.

Do you follow shows on TV?

Unfortunately, I don’t follow much of TV which is not a very good thing. I think I should see more of TV now. I have been invited as a guest-judge on stand-up comedy shows where all the judge has to do is just sit and laugh.

Is there any show or role in particular that you would want to do on TV?

No.

Any experience on the show that you would want to share with us?

It’s been a learning experience. I am learning from my colleagues Mona Singh, Mandira Bedi, Rakhi Sawant, Divya Dutta, Shweta Keswani, Mahesh Manjerekar and Yash Tonk. I am senior to all of them but on the sets they are all my seniors. They have so much experience of TV and are creatively correct all the time. Initially I was taking it lightly as I thought I will just appear for 15 minutes and it wouldn’t matter even if I don’t meet up with the expectations at the end how many people would watch me. But my co-contestants told me that this show is going to be a hit due to its concept and the channel its airing on - Star Plus. It was then that I decided that I need to pull up my socks and do better. I simply rely on their words (co-contestants) and follow what they have to say.

Who according to you is your biggest competitor on the show?

Oh! All of them are equally good. I am not a very humble guy but I must admit that they are better than me. They have been working on TV and thus know the nitty-gritty and nuances of TV shows. They are very fluid and gutsy. They are not afraid of making mistakes and being caught.

Can you still take one name in particular?

All the girls! You know I am biased to the girls.

With such a show there are times that you end up hurting the sentiments of the general public?

During the discussion stage it was made clear that the pranks will not be pulled on the person who has not had much exposure, has lesser I.Q or is uneducated because that would mean that you are making fun of that person. You need to be gutsy enough to pull out pranks on an educated person who is well-exposed to TV, internet and who understands gags. I think we have succeeded at that as the people who become the victims to such pranks leave the stage with smiles on their faces. They also get to share the stage with the celebrity participants and thus showcase their talent.

Tell us about your son? Is he planning to follow your footsteps into the acting world?

My son Sanjay is currently doing Business of Entertainment in the U.S.A. I will let him choose whatever he wants to do on the career front.

Would you like to do TV again?

No, just once.

Even if this show gets an extension?

Then I will ask for more money. ‘Phir toh baat paise pe aa jayegi.’