Jay Bhanushali's Neev will be killed in the television show, Kayamat, very soon. But the actor is already moving on. He will be seen in a cameo in NDTV Imagine's Ek Packet Umeed tonight. He is also reportedly doing a reality show called Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket.
Jay talks to Rajul Hegde about his future plans.
What was Ekta Kapoor's reaction when you said you wanted to quit her show, Kayamat?
Ekta was fine with my decision. She knew my reason was genuine -- there was nothing left in my character. It was the perfect time to make an exit. My decision has been taken only after a mutual agreement.
Are you going to miss anyone on the show?
I will miss the entire unit, my co-stars Shabbir Ahluwalia, Panchi Bora and Sanjeeda Sheikh. I am attached to this show because it was my first.
Kayamat started with Neev and Prachi's love story and slowly shifted to Milind and Prachi's love story. Did you feel sidelined?
Not really. When I started the show, they had briefed me about my character and the story. I had a strong character then. But as the track progressed, there was not much left for me to do. And I do not want a role that I am not happy with. I want to experiment with new roles.
You were offered a role in Kahani Hamarey Mahabharat Ki?
I was offered a role of Sahadev, one of the Pandavas. But I cannot bring myself to mouth chaste Hindi and Sanskrit tongue-twisting dialogues and don ill-fitting period costumes and mukut (crown). Only a true actor can play such a role.
So how do you rate yourself, as an actor?
Two out of 10. If I am offered the same role after two years, I will accept it because I will have more experience as an actor.
How has your experience with Balaji Telefilms?
It's been fantastic. I have learnt a lot of things like time management, adjustments and to tackle things. I am always grateful to Balaji Telefilms since they gave me my first break. I would love to do more shows with Balaji in future.
Has Ekta offered you any other role?
Yes. But nothing is finalised.
You gained popularity after Jhalak Dikhla Jaa.
Seven out of 10 people knew me when I started with Kayamat. After Jhalak Dikhla Jaa, people started recognising me as Jay Bhanushali not as Neev.
Did you get offers for any other reality show after Jhalak Dikhla Jaa?
Yes, but I don't want to be seen on every reality show on television. After taking part in the best reality show, I don't want to compromise. I would like to take part in a different kind of reality show, which I have not done before.
Why a guest appearance on Ek Packeet Umeed on NDTV Imagine?
From the time I became an actor, I have wanted to work with Hats Off Productions. I loved their shows like Khichdi, Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai... When they came up with this particular role, I grabbed the opportunity. It is an interesting role because I play myself in this show. I had to shoot only for two days.
What is in the pipeline?
Right now, I am jobless. I am just taking my portfolios to the producers. Hopefully, I will be able talk about my new shows in a couple of weeks.
What about films?
Bollywood doesn't like to cast television stars.
Rajeev Khandelwal recently got rave reviews for his first feature film, Aamir?
He is Rajeev Kandelwal and I am Jay Bhanushali.
Watch Jay Bhanushali in Ek Packet Umeed at 8.30 pm on June 17 on NDTV Imagine.
