Bhabi Ji actor Kishore Bhanushali: Lost many acting opportunities because of being Dev Anand’s look-alike

Kishore Bhanushali, who plays Commissioner Resham Pal Singh in the popular shows Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai and Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, has a career spanning three decades and performed a variety of comical roles. The actor is well-known for his resemblance with the legendary actor Dev Anand. With his stand-up comedies, he has consistently given flawless performances and won the hearts of audiences in front of the camera and on the stage. The actor describes the ups and downs of his journey in a candid interview with us...

Taking a walk down memory lane, the senior artists says, "I never planned to make a career in acting. I believe, I was designed from birth to run a small family company. But I recollect one boy telling me that I did look like Dev Anand. I was quite young then. I had no idea who he was because we only knew Rajesh Khanna Ji as a big star at the time. Then, out of pure interest, I saw one of his movies, Yeh Gulistan Hamara, then saw Dev Anand for the first time. I saw that movie during my school holiday, and then I saw Jewel Thief, and I slowly realized that, yes, I do resemble him. Then I started imitating him in front of the mirror, and now it's been 50 years that my name has been connected to his name, and people know me as Dev Anand’s doppelganger."

"No, I had to work hard to find work. Many individuals will not believe it, but I had to turn down many acting opportunities due to my resemblance to Dev Sahab. But I never lost hope. Where there is a will, there is a way, I have always believed. So I never stalled, and things started turning out in my favor," he shares.

"I was very young when I first met Dev Anand Sir and told him about my interest in acting, and he advised me to first complete my studies before I entered this world. My love for him and my passion for acting kept me going. Today, I perform a three-hour stand-up comedy show called "Kishore ki Awaaz Dev ka Andaaz," in which, along with doing comedy, I also sing. I have been in show business for over three decades now, and, thanks to Dev Ji, I managed to make a name for myself," he says.

Kishore has featured in a number of movies. He says, "My experience in Bollywood has been full of ups and downs. I did many dance clips impersonating Dev Anand in the 1980s, earning respectively one and two rupees per day. My family, on the other hand, was opposed to my film career, so they decided to marry me and forced me to manage our family's small business. I devoted nearly two to three years to my family business, but I was dissatisfied. One day, actor Mohan Joshi Sir reached me and asked me to perform in a show as Dev Anand. After that, I was offered a role in Pagalkhana, and while filming, Raza Murad Ji observed me and recommended that he expand my screen appearance, and thus my journey started."

"Adi Irani recommended me to his brother Indra Irani Ji, who was working on the film 'Dil' with Amir Khan and Madhuri. He invited me to meet him at the Parsi house, now known as the famous Mannat (Shah Rukh Khan house). I was cast in a crowd sequence on the first day, but I was happy that after years of struggle, I had the opportunity to work in a film. I did something very amusing inside the crowd while giving a shot, which impressed Indra sir, and the next day, he allowed me to share the screen with Anupam Kher Ji, which I did in a single shot, making Amir Khan and others impressed. Indra sir cast me as a supporting actor throughout the film, for which I received an award from BR Chopra sir. I have been acting, singing, and doing stand-up comedy since that day, and I intend to keep doing it," shares the actor.

Kishore also opened up about being a part of very popular TV Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai. "My journey with Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai started because of Aasif Sheikh, whom I have known for many years and a dear friend. He introduced me to Shashank Bali, the show's director, for various roles in the show. Shashank Ji immediately offered me to play Anita Bhabi's uncle for one day, and then I got a call to play Commissioner, Resham Pal Singh's role, in the show. Post that, I also got cast in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan in 2019. And now I am doing two shows playing a similar character, and I am grateful," says the actor.

Kishore is much-loved for playing Commissioner Resham Pal Singh's character. "I wasn't convinced when I was asked to play commissioner's role. But they invited me to come in for a look test, and when I arrived, the creative team gave me a full makeover, along with a fake beard and wig. They sent my photos to the channel, but they were also not convinced by my appearance. However, they asked for changes because they thought it was not funny. The creative team made the changes, and the channel loved my final look. Interestingly, as time passed, I grew to like my character and received positive feedback from my fans. And, yes, it is extremely rare for any actor to play the same character in two shows. I find myself extremely lucky," he says.

Work is never too tiring for Kishore. When asked how the ace actor keeps himself entertained, he says, "Whenever I get time, I spend it with Aasif Ji, Rohitashv, and Yogesh, chit-chatting about our shows and theatre days. While practicing the scenes, we often make jokes about our past experiences. I am a singer too, so whenever I get a chance, I create a Mahol and entertain everybody by singing in Kishore Da’s, Mohammed Rafi’s, and RD Burman’s voices."

Speaking about his dream job, the actor adds, "One of my life’s biggest dreams is to work with renowned directors like Priyadarshini, Mani Ratnam, and Ram Gopal Verma one day."