My life revolves around Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai, says Vibhuti aka Aasif Sheikh

Actor Aasif Sheikh, who currently plays the role of Vibhuti Ahuti Narayan Mishra in Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai, has now become a household name with his stint in the show. (Photo - Instagram)

Recalling his struggle days, when the actor had just begun his journey in the theatre industry, Aasif Sheikh shared, “My father had almost disowned me when I told him I would like to pursue a career in theatre. He was disappointed with my career choice and felt that theatre isn’t a career. Adding further about his struggle in adjusting with the city, the actor said, “The journey was filled with roadblocks as I wasn’t from an influential family. I had quite a tough time settling in this city as I had no money and no shelter to depend on. I had to sell off the only gold chain that I had with me to survive in the city. For the longest time I didn’t have money to buy food for survival and survived on noodles for weeks after weeks. Those days taught me a lot about life and reality.” (Photo: Instagram)

The 55-year-old actor said, “The show has given me a new lease of life. Usually, an actor my age makes peace with the fact that he would be reduced to playing just papa and chacha on screen. I was also losing hope and had in a way prepared myself to wear the usual kurta pajama and stand behind an array of actors. However, I would still pray to God for that one opportunity where I had the scope to perform. A meaty role like Vibhuti’s (his character in 'Bhabiji...') is unthinkable. My life revolves around this show. I reach home after the shoot, spend an hour with my family over dinner, hit the bed and go back to work the next day. But they all understand that it is worth the effort.” (Photo - Instagram)

The actor further adds, “My kids tell me to take it easy and slow down because I am 55 and still running around. I tell them that I can’t. Jo kabhi zindagi mein nahi mila hai, woh ab mil raha hai. How can I slow down now? I have earned name, fame and money through this show. I will act till the time I can remember my lines.” (Photo - Instagram)

Apart from essaying the role of Vibhuti in the show, the talented actor Aasif has played over 250 characters and around 20 variations of a woman on the show. “Among other female characters, I have played Amrapali and a Chinese woman. After 1,200 episodes, there isn’t much left in the story to explore, so, we explore the characters. It’s always funny to see a man transform into a woman and I look good as a woman (laughs). I have all shapes and sizes of clothes required to become a woman stored in my make-up room. In fact, my wife inquired about the eight pairs of sandals in my room when she visited the set once and I told her that they belonged to me. She was scandalized," he says. (Photo - Instagram)

Talking about playing a woman on-screen and said, "I can play the quintessential heroine for a few episodes on a daily soap (laughs). It takes me around four hours to dress like a woman, as I am very particular about my look. I sit with the team to finalize the look of the character I am playing.” (Photo - Instagram)

The actor featured as a hero in numerous films and has no regrets over the slow phase in his career. He shares, “I like to move on and not regret anything in life. I started as a hero and did a few films, but there was no work for a few years. I played negative characters and bagged a role in 'Karan Arjun' (1995), which changed my life for the better. Life is a journey and I like to enjoy it. Earlier, I was seen as a decent performer, but this show has put me on a pedestal. It’s an overwhelming feeling. I am proud of what I am doing at this age. Ab return mil raha hai saalon ke hard work ka.” (Photo - Instagram)

Aasif thanked the makers of the show for giving him an opportunity to play such characters. “The idea to leave Bhabiji... has never crossed my mind. Finite or infinite, actors need to understand that they are playing characters on TV. It’s up to them to keep themselves amused and immersed in the character. I have been doing that since four years,” states the actor. (Photo - Instagram)

The actor spoke about Shilpa Shinde's exit from the show. He said that the show suddenly hit a roadblock when she left. Actress Shilpa Shinde, who played the original Angoori bhabhi in the show, decided to quit the show three years ago. Aasif said, “I was the one who recommended Shilpa for that role. I had worked with her for a month on 'Chidiyaghar' and believed that she fit the bill. It was indeed a difficult time when she quit the show. But let me tell you, no one is indispensable on TV. The show will go on, maybe, the number of eyeballs will decrease." (Photo - Instagram)

He further adds, "Things became alright after Shubhangi Atre joined as the new Angoori bhabhi. I feel the content makes a show and not just one character. Logon ke saath saath Shilpa ki bhi galat fehmi thi ki ek character show ko chalaata hai. She even told me, ‘I am the one who runs the show. Mere jaane ke baad show dekhna band ho jayega’. I told her that it was her biggest mistake to think like that. I am assuming she was being misguided by people. Of course, she was the most popular character on the show and her exit hit us. It took us around four months to recover.” (Photo - Instagram)

The actor made his television debut with Hum Log and played the role of Prince Ajay Singh in the show. Later, he was part of several television shows including Chandrakanta, Yug, Tanha, Yes Boss, Muskaan, Hassi Woh Phassi, Dill Mill Gayye, Chidiya Ghar, and many more. The actor has a huge fan following on social media and is loved for his roles. (Photo - Instagram)