"It is tough to pinpoint one single moment; the entire journey has been quite remarkable", says Neha Joshi

MUMBAI: As Bhimabai's role comes to its natural end, Neha Joshi who portrays Bhimabai in &TV's Ek Mahanayak Dr B. R. Ambedkar talks about her character learnings and journey on the show.

Bhimabai had a significant impact on Babasaheb during his growing up years. Can you tell us more about the mother-son relationship and its representation in the show? 

Throughout Babasaheb's life, Bhimabai was his biggest inspiration. She was instrumental in inculcating the right values and teachings in him. These learnings and teachings shaped his future, making him the greatest leaders of our times. Bhimabai stood as a strong pillar to Babasaheb and motivated him to study hard and use his education to transform his life, serve his country and emancipate people from his community. She always taught him to stand up for what is right, no matter what.

You have had a very close and unique bond with Aayudh, both on-screen and off-screen. Tell us more about it. Will you continue to be in touch with Aayudh after your role ends? 

Despite being so young, Aayudh Bhanushali never fails to surprise us with his acting talent. He is an extremely dedicated and hardworking co-star. He is so warm and welcoming that I remember the first time I met him during our shoot in Kolhapur, we instantly clicked and formed a close bond. We share an incredible bond, he is the apple of my eye, and I will surely miss working with him.

Bhimabai has been the pillar of strength in Ramji's life throughout the difficulties. Can you share more details on it and how will the storyline pan out in the coming episodes? 

Bhimabai and Ramji's relationship in that era was ahead of its time. They stood by each other through the most difficult and challenging times, and through thick and thin. I have worked with Jagannath Ji before, and he is a great actor. We have always shared tremendous respect for each other.

Ek Mahanayak Dr B.R Ambedkar has been your first Hindi television show; how did you bag this role and how has been your journey? 

I was shortlisted after multiple rounds of auditions. I was ecstatic to work on a show of such stature. &TV's Ek Mahanayak Dr B.R. Ambedkar is a never-told-before life story in the Hindi GEC space, of an extraordinary personality and his immense contribution to the Indian society.

Bhimabai's character eventually died in the show, why did you still take it on with an open heart and mind. What according to you, is the core of Bhimabai's character? 

Playing a character that already holds a reference and is known to many people is challenging, but it also brings many learnings. The real challenge is to ensure that you do justice to such a significant role.  The character of Bhimabai is like a responsibility that I intended to take up and give my best. In my opinion, Bhimabai's strength was her 'family', which kept her going for so many years. She is an exceptional mother, a devoted wife, and a doting sister-in-law.   

You have been associated with the show for over a year, and recently the show completed 200 episodes. Can you mention some of your most memorable moments from the shoot with the cast and even off-screen? 

It is tough to pinpoint one single moment; the entire journey has been quite remarkable. We are like one big family. A lot of people on sets call me 'Aai' off-screen as well. The entire cast and crew have always been supportive. These are bonds that we have created are for life, and they are incredibly close to me.

So, tell us about your first scene, and your last scene shot on the show? Any special farewell planned on your last day of the shoot? 

The first scene that we shot in Kolhapur was Babasaheb's birth, and it was a very emotional scene to enact. I had a myriad of emotions while shooting that particular scene, and it came out beautifully. The last scene we shot was of Bhimbai's death, and yet again it was a very emotional moment, that left everyone teary-eyed. I did say my goodbyes to everyone after the pack-up with a promise to stay in touch.

Before you started with EMBRA, you had a limited understanding of Babasaheb's life and times. How did this show help you know more about him and one learning you will always cherish? 

As students, we have always read about Babasaheb, but being a part of his journey through this show has been a great learning experience. There is not one but many facets of Babasaheb's life that I have learned through this show and will always cherish.

Who will you miss the most on the sets and why? 

I am going to miss my character Bhimabai a lot! It was not just about portraying a role, but, as the show progressed, she became an integral part of my life in many ways. What makes this role unique is the character's strength and her loving and caring persona. I will miss the cast and most importantly, Bhimrao (Aayudh Bhanushali), Ramji (Jagannath Nivangune), Meerabai (Falguni Dave), Bala (Saad Mansuri) and many others. Since day one, everyone on the sets has been extremely cordial, helpful, and supportive, and I am genuinely going to miss going to the set every day.

So, what is next in the pipeline for Neha Joshi? 

Well, I have not yet decided the next steps. But for now, I will be taking a short break and focus on myself for the time being. I am open to doing some good projects.