Annup Upadhyay has become a household name for his portrayal of David Mishra, Vibhuti Narayan Mishra’s (Aasif Shaikh) UK-return dubiously rich in &TV’s Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai. We recently caught up with him for an interesting chat on his journey in the industry and how he bagged the role in this cult-comedy show.
- How did your acting career begin?
My journey as an actor has been a roller coaster ride. I come from a very small town called Ganj Dundwara in Aligarh. After graduation, I moved to Delhi to pursue acting. I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to work with Late Habib Tanvir Sahab, one of India’s most popular Urdu, Hindi playwrights, a theatre director, poet, and actor, which opened a window of opportunities for me in theatre. I went on to do several plays internationally. However, it was not easy to get a good break in the television industry. I happen to meet Manoj Santoshi, at a time when he too was working towards establishing himself in the industry. Our association has been quite long. Similarly, I happen to meet Shashank Bali Ji who offered me a cameo in one of his shows and that’s how my journey began in the television industry. Around that time, I got a call from Ashwni Dhir Ji to play Mama Ji, which became an instant hit. Soon I was offered the role of David Mishra in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai which too became quite popular and made me a household name. I will always be grateful to each of these people for being part of my journey and offering me exciting characters. - What according to you makes David Mishra’s character popular with the audience?
David Mishra is a UK-return, dubiously rich chacha of Vibhuti Mishra and Anita Mishra. He is the one who keeps making false promises to give all his property to his unemployed nephew Vibhuti which creates a lot of fun and misunderstandings between them. David Mishra is also a father-like figure to Vibhuti and Anita and always stands beside them in all their problems but, at time he himself is cause of the problem (laughs). I am grateful that people appreciate my work, love my character, and show such heart-warming support for our show. - Tell us about the story behind bagging David’s role?
You will be surprised to know that initially I was chosen to essay another prominent, supporting character in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai. However, somehow things could not work out due to my prior commitments. As for David’s role, Shashank Bali Ji felt it was tailor-made for me and gave me the opportunity to become a part of the cult-comedy show. After the character was narrated to me, everything just fell into place perfectly and I immediately got into the skin of the character. - Tell is about the response you have received for playing David Mishra in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai?
The response has been phenomenal. Viewers love and enjoy watching David on screen. Everyone seems to be asking the pertinent question – how many properties David Chacha has in London? (Laughs) and my response to it is ‘Keep Guessing!’. There is so much mystery and curiosity around his property that people have started making memes and posts about it, which are hilarious. David Mishra’s dubious property claims have become a social media craze. I thoroughly enjoy the countless hilarious memes that have been created on David Mishra’s property. I feel happy and grateful that the audience thoroughly enjoy my character and recalls its dialogues and scenes. This is what motivates us artists to continue giving our best and keep our audience entertained. - Was comedy your first love? Or are there any other genres that you wanted to explore?
Honestly, I had never considered a particular genre before taking up any project. All I want to essay is a well-sketched character. The character must make an impact. It does not matter to me if its the lead or supporting role. The role that was offered to me was lighthearted and instantly connected with the audience. ‘Comedy Karne ka ek alag maza hai’. Making the audience laugh is one of the most difficult tasks for any performer and our team Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai is doing it for the last seven years now. I am glad and blessed to be a part of such a show that provides the much-needed dose of laughter to audience. - Who are you closest on the sets?
We are a close-knit family and spend considerable time together. Although I get along with everyone, I am quite close to Manoj Santoshi, Shashank Bali, Rohitashv Ji, and Aasif Shaikh Ji. Our break time are always fun, where we crack jokes and have a hearty laugh. We also pull each other’s legs during rehearsals. I think the bond everyone shares makes the vibe quite fun and easy. I can easily say that there is never a dull moment on Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai’s sets.
Watch Anup Upadhyay as David Chacha in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!
