TV industry has evolved technically but deteriorated creatively: Ali Asgar

Good things come in small packages. Turns out that this phrase is synonymous with Ali Asgar aka Dadi of Comedy Nights with Kapil. 

He is now seen on SABTV’s recently launched rom-com Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle (Optimystix). We met the funny man at the press meet of the show, where he spoke about  his new show, character, comedy and more…take a look:

To begin with, tell us a little bit about your new show Woh teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle…

Woh Teri Bhabhi Hai Pagle is a different show with varied characterization. I am playing the role of Nathu, who is a tapori with a golden heart. He is also emotional and madly in love with Dr Diya.

What type of comedy are you comfortable doing onscreen?

Comedy is of two types, one is a clean comedy and other is below the belt one, which may offend people. I don’t like doing cheap comedy. It is easy to cry onscreen but very difficult to make people laugh.

Which show is close to your heart?

Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii is very precious to me. The show lasted for eight years and it was the only time when people took my acting seriously. At that time, comedy was not a valuable job. People thought that anybody could make audiences laugh.

What type of role do you wish to play on TV?

I would like to play roles like Appu Raja, a mentally retarded person, and a Kuwara Baap type of character. But who will give me chance to play this type of roles on TV? So I pick up the best from whatever I am offered.

Do you think the TV industry has evolved over the years?

Technically we have advanced, but creatively? We have deteriorated. There was a time when we used to shoot for four shows at a time but now it is difficult to concentrate even on a single show. Earlier people used to work on scripts but now only things we hear on the set is ‘bank nahi hai, TRPs are dropping,’ it’s not working.

Do you enjoy playing woman roles on TV?

Frankly speaking, I am bored of playing woman roles on TV. My kids used to get frustrated seeing me playing those roles. In fact, I was getting offers to play only female characters in serials and award shows. I never thought that I would play Dadi’s character for almost three years!

Good luck, Ali!