Sanjay and Binaiferr Kohli’s popular show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai and Happu Ki Ultan Paltan has talented actor Kishor Anand Bhanushali who is also a look-alike of the late superstar Dev Anand. Speaking about his experience of working in the shows, Kishor says, “It’s a very joyful ride. I’m enjoying it a lot. In the beginning, I went only for one episode where I played the role of Anita’s uncle in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai. After doing one episode, I got a call within a fortnight to return for shooting, So I thought I would be doing the same role of Anita’s uncle. They made me wear a big wig, and a big mustache. Actually, my face is so small that it was barely visible. They clicked my picture and sent it to the channel. They didn’t like the look. Then they put on one small moustache, and finally, the look was approved. That’s when I realized, I have to do the role of a commissioner. I was a bit shocked since my height is 5 feet 3 inches and in my knowledge, there are no short police commissioners in real life. In our films, Police Commissioners are like Vinod Khanna, Jackie Shroff – all tall, well built. How will I look like a commissioner? But after 4-5 episodes I build up my confidence and was comfortable with the role. Post that I was also cast in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan.”
Speaking about the producer duo Sanjay and Binaiferr Kohli, Bhanushali says,”They’re very good and wise people and have taken good care of us. When covid happened Binaiferr Ma’am came and took care of us she also made our health insurance.And they made sure that we take every necessary precaution for covid.” Bhanushali shares on set the atmosphere is very warm and he is someone who gels very well with all the actors and the technicians.
We all know your liking for the late legendary actor Dev Anand – how has he inspired you in your craft?
“A Long time ago when I was a kid I didn’t know who Dev Anand Saab was. At that time there was only the craze of Rajesh Khanna and I was a kid so I didn’t know other actors until then. My first film of Dev Saab which I saw is Yeh Gulistan Hamara and after that I saw Jewel Thief and then I gradually started thinking that yes I do look like Dev Saab. So I stood in front of the mirror and started acting like him and it’s been 50 years now that my name has been attached to his name.” He also adds,”I have met him many times, he’s a legend, we’re not even his shadow. When Dil movie released people started knowing me from there, So Dev saab called me to his office. He complimented me for my role. That meeting was only for 5 minutes. After that I met him many times and the last time when I met him was one month before his death. I remember I watched his films along with Dev Saab and with us, Jackie Shroff was also there who himself is a big fan of Dev Anand Saab.”How content are you with your career? I’m very satisfied but in our country there’s a problem with our audience – the fact that they built an image of you, if you do comedy once you get a tag of a comedian, you get only that kind of role. And I entered as a look-alike so I started getting that only. I have done theatre too and I can do every kind of role. But what happens is the roles which you want you don’t get. Because your image has been built in people’s minds. And the good part is a that the whole world knows me. And people give a lot of respect.”
We all know your liking for the late legendary actor Dev Anand – how has he inspired you in your craft?
“A Long time ago when I was a kid I didn’t know who Dev Anand Saab was. At that time there was only the craze of Rajesh Khanna and I was a kid so I didn’t know other actors until then. My first film of Dev Saab which I saw is Yeh Gulistan Hamara and after that I saw Jewel Thief and then I gradually started thinking that yes I do look like Dev Saab. So I stood in front of the mirror and started acting like him and it’s been 50 years now that my name has been attached to his name.” He also adds,”I have met him many times, he’s a legend, we’re not even his shadow. When Dil movie released people started knowing me from there, So Dev saab called me to his office. He complimented me for my role. That meeting was only for 5 minutes. After that I met him many times and the last time when I met him was one month before his death. I remember I watched his films along with Dev Saab and with us, Jackie Shroff was also there who himself is a big fan of Dev Anand Saab.”How content are you with your career? I’m very satisfied but in our country there’s a problem with our audience – the fact that they built an image of you, if you do comedy once you get a tag of a comedian, you get only that kind of role. And I entered as a look-alike so I started getting that only. I have done theatre too and I can do every kind of role. But what happens is the roles which you want you don’t get. Because your image has been built in people’s minds. And the good part is a that the whole world knows me. And people give a lot of respect.”
You are also into live musical shows. How did you develop that? “My elder brother used to sing Mukesh’s songs and he used to go to perform live so I used to accompany him. And I have been interested in music since childhood and I wanted to become a singer only. Later on I also started singling live.”
Speaking about his mentors in this craft Kishor says,” There are many mentors, Sanjeev Kumar ji, KK Menon, Boman Irani, Rajpal Yadav, Manoj Bajpayee, Anu Kapoor, Pankaj Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla these are the actors whom I have adored over the years.”
