Aasif Sheikh on Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain: I am proud of what I am doing at the age of 55

Aasif Sheikh, currently seen in the comedy show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain has done a variety of roles in the showbiz. The actor would do many character roles in the 90s films with some top superstars. However, it was through the television show Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain that the actor became a household name. He plays one of the pivotal leads of Vibhuti Narayan Mishra in the show. In an interview with BT, Aasif spoke about this new-earned stardom at the age of 55 and Shilpa Shinde quitting Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain. (By: Neha Maheshwari)

Speaking about Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain, Aasif Sheikh had said, "The show has given me a new lease of life. Usually, an actor my age makes peace with the fact that he would be reduced to playing just papa and chacha on screen. I was also losing hope and had in a way prepared myself to wear the usual kurta pyjama and stand behind an array of actors. However, I would still pray to God for that one opportunity where I had the scope to perform. A meaty role like Vibhuti’s (his character in 'Bhabiji...') is unthinkable." (Photo: Instagram)

The actor also spoke how his family is very supportive of him. He had stated, "My life revolves around this show. I reach home after the shoot, spend an hour with my family over dinner, hit the bed and go back to work the next day. But they all understand that it is worth the effort." (Photo: Instagram)

"My kids tell me to take it easy and slow down because I am 55 and yet running around. I tell them that I can’t. Jo kabhi zindagi mein nahi mila hai, woh ab mil raha hai. How can I slow down now? I have earned name, fame and money through this show. I will act till the time I can remember my lines," says Aasif. (Photo: Instagram)

Among other female characters, I have played Amrapali and a Chinese woman. After 1,200 episodes, there isn’t much left in the story to explore, so, we explore the characters. It’s always funny to see a man transform into a woman and I look good as a woman (laughs!). I have all shapes and sizes of clothes required to become a woman stored in my make-up room. (Photo: Instagram)

My wife inquired about the eight pairs of sandals in my room when she visited the set once and I told her that they belonged to me. She was scandalised. I can play the quintessential heroine for a few episodes on a daily soap (laughs!). It takes me around four hours to dress like a woman, as I am very particular about my look. I sit with the team to finalise the look of the character I am playing. (Photo: Instagram)

The actor featured as a hero in films like 'Rama O Rama' (1988) and 'Yaara Dildara' (1991) and then hit a low. But he has no regrets over the slow phase in his career. He shared, “I like to move on and not regret anything in life. I started as a hero and did a few films, but there was no work for a few years. I played negative characters and bagged a role in 'Karan Arjun' (1995), which changed my life for the better. Life is a journey and I like to enjoy it. Earlier, I was seen as a decent performer, but this show has put me on a pedestal. It’s an overwhelming feeling. I am proud of what I am doing at this age. Ab return mil raha hai saalon ke hard work ka.” (Photo: Instagram)

Aasif affirmed, "The idea to leave Bhabiji... has never crossed my mind. Finite or infinite, actors need to understand that they are playing characters on TV. It’s up to them to keep themselves amused and immersed in the character." (Photo: Instagram)

“I was the one who recommended Shilpa for that role. I had worked with her for a month on 'Chidiyaghar' and believed that she fit the bill. It was indeed a difficult time when she quit the show. But let me tell you, no one is indispensable on TV. The show will go on, maybe, the number of eyeballs will decrease. Things became alright after Shubhangi Atre joined as the new Angoori bhabhi. I feel the content makes a show and not just one character. Logon ke saath saath Shilpa ki bhi galat fehmi thi ki ek character show ko chalaata hai. She even told me, ‘I am the one who runs the show. Mere jaane ke baad show dekhna band ho jayega’. I told her that it was her biggest mistake to think like that. I am assuming she was being misguided by people. Of course, she was the most popular character on the show and her exit hit us. It took us around four months to recover," concluded the actor. (Photo: Instagram)