TV's popular sitcom, Dekh Bhai Dekh is being re-telecast and it has become one of the most watched shows during the lockdown. We spoke to Natasha Singh, who played Kirti Diwan in the show. The actress revealed to us how she bagged the role, her real life connection with on-screen brother Vishal, Holi parties at Bachchan house and more.
Excerpts from our conversation:
How did you come to know that Dekh Bhai Dekh is being re-telecast?
I don't watch much news and I am also not on Twitter. So, I had no clue that my first show is being telecast in this lockdown. When its comeback was announced and started trending on Twitter, many of my Instagram followers shared the grabs of the post and sent it to me. I was extremely happy because back then, there was no social media or any sort of media from whom we could to know how much people are loving and appreciating our work. It was a different feeling.
How close is this show to you?
Dekh Bhai Dekh is one of the most special things in my life. I was in school at that time and everyone on the set was so loving and caring. It was my very first project and I didn't even know how to face the camera. They actually trained me how to act while shooting for the show.
Tell us about bagging the role of Kirti, how did it happen?
So, the music of the show has been composed by my father, Ajit Singh. One day, Anand Mahendroo uncle (director of the show) had come for a music sitting with my dad and I remember at that moment I was engrosed doign my homework, seated at the dining table, with chashmah and ponytail. I don't know what happened to him. He just looked at me and said, 'You are my Kirti.' And at that time I was not interested in acting at all. I used to be very active in studies and volleyball.
So you were convinced immediately?
I wasn't convinced as I didn't know how to act. But he told me beta if you don't like it I will show Kirti's character to go boarding school. So, he was ready with a plan B basically if I don't get comfortable. Still, I wasn't ready completely but then when I was told it's Saraswati audio visual production which is run by Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. I immediately said yes. I am a big fan of Amitabh sir.
Go on....
You can say I was born as an Amitabh Bachchan fan. He was the real reason I did that show frankly. Someday, I really want to tell him that I got into acting just because of you.
Have you ever got a chance to meet him?
Jaya ji used to come on the sets a lot of times to be part of all the celebrations. I also have those pictures with me. We used to always tell her please bring Sir on the set . Abhishek used to come along with her. But I have met Amitabh sir 2-3 times during their Holi party, but the moment I used to see Sir my hand and feet started shaking, I have never been able to ask him for a photo.
This was during Dekh Bhai Dekh?
No, it was after the show went off air. I remember when Jaya Ji called me to invite for the first time, I dismissed it thinking it is a crank call! She started laughing and said don't be stupid Natasha , it's me and I have called you to celebrate Holi with us. I am not in touch with her now but she was really very sweet. But you know I still don't have a single picture with Bachchan Ji and that is on my bucket list.
A lot of big names were your co-actors, ever felt awkward shooting with them?
Not for a moment. The first day I landed on the sets, don't know how but we bonded automatically. And that has continued till now. We have a WhatsApp group named, 'Dekh Bhai Dekh' and we keep chatting there. It was created 5-6 years back.
What was your first scene and how difficult or easy was it to shoot?
My first scene of the show was with Chachu (Shekhar Suman) where he had to say Agre ka petha on the steps and he said it so fast that I was literally trembling at that point. His energy blowed me completely. He was so amazing. His speed of dialogue delivery and the way he used to say them, was remarkable. We used to feel like what the hell how are we going to do the scene with him. But he used to make us so comfortable. Not only him, but Farida Jalal mam to Sushma ji- not one person made me feel that they are stars.
Who were you closest to on the sets?
The chhota Vishal (Arhhan Singh) in the show is my real brother. He was closest to me as we use to travel and stay together. But other than him, I was friendly with Vishal Singh (Sanju), Shekhar Suman (Chachu), Bhavna Balsavar (Chachi). There were times when Shekhar ji picked us up from my Nani's house in Bandra to bring us to the sets which was in Chembur (R.K.Studios) and after pack up, drop us back.
So your brother also got cast with you by Anand Mahendroo?
No, he was cast before me because he was already a very famous child model. From the age of 2 years, he had done some very big ads. Maybe that gave an idea to Anand Mahendroo uncle, that even I can act.
Did you get a chance to work with anyone of them later?
Yes, I did a show with Bhavna titled Oh Daddy. It was Karan Shah's show who is now her husband. I played his daughter. So, I stayed in touch with her for maximum time.
Image Source:- alchetron, deccanerald, daily.social, instagram /nattashasingh
Image Source:- alchetron, deccanerald, daily.social, instagram /nattashasingh