Do you think Gutthi’s exit from Comedy Nights With Kapil has helped Palak bloom?
Yes, with Gutthi gone, Palak came into her own. People are definitely talking about her and she is being appreciated. I always felt that Palak was an independent girl, comfortable and unapologetic about her appearance. Though she is fat, she dresses up in figure-hugging clothes. It’s jarring but visually funny. She is happy within herself and that’s exactly what I tried to bring out. After Guthi’s exit I did my own thing and took Palak’s character forward. It’s worked and I am proud of it.
Which were the episodes that got you a good response after Gutthi quit?
The Kareena Kapoor episode where I acted as Poo of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham got me a tremendous feedback. Even Kareena was thrilled with the way I brought out the attitude in that character. Another memorable episode is the one with Deepika (Padukone) and Ranveer Singh. I appeared as Laccha and had a dance competition with Ranveer. It was great fun and in any case I am fond of Deepika.
Were you apprehensive when Gutthi quit?
It was quite scary initially. Gutthi and Palak were like an inseparable pair. I missed Sunil (Grover) because apart from being a good friend, he is a very good actor. We used to act and react to each other. If Gutthi would sing a song, Palak would do a jig or give a dancing pose. I was not comfortable without him.
What happened with Dulari? Why do you think she didn’t work?
Dulari was like a replacement to Gutthi. Like Gutthi, she and Palak went everywhere together. But Gutthi became iconic because of Sunil — his persona, body language and style, which cannot be replaced. Gaurav Gera, who played Dulari, is a very good actor but he was brought in too quickly. Comparisions were drawn and he was attacked. It was kind of harsh on him. However, I think if his character would have been introduced now, it would have worked.
Having met so many actors and directors on the show, has anyone offered you a film?
Yes, I am doing a small role in Farah Khan’s Happy New Year. She offered me the role when she had come on the show. In the film too, I am playing a woman, but she is not like Palak.
Your journey on Nach Baliye 6 comes to an end today...
Yes, but I was quite prepared for the eviction. Both my wife Priyanka and me thought we will last only for four or five episodes but now we are in the 12th week, and the next one is the finale. We scored full marks several times and the one where we did a robotic dance on Gaandi baat (R...Rajkumar) was special and unusual for me. My zone is the Govinda type of dance but I pulled this off!
What next? Any plans of having your own show?
No, I am not that ambitious. I am okay with the way things are going!
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