Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Bhasker Patel: Creating characters convincingly

The versatile performer spoke to Eastern Eye on the sets of his latest short film, Aajao, at a gurdwara in Leamington Spa

Bhasker Patel: Creating characters convincingly

A DISTINGUISHED career on stage, television and cinema has enabled Bhasker Patel to play a wide variety of roles. This has ranged from being a series regular in the iconic soap, Emmerdale, to working with big Hollywood names.

Despite achieving so much, including breaking ground for British Asian actors, the 67-year-old isn’t ready to rest on his laurels and continues to take on new challenges, including acting in short films directed by new talent.


Eastern Eye recently visited the versatile performer on the sets of his latest short film, Aajao, at a gurdwara in Leamington Spa. The acclaimed actor brightened up a cold day with his warm personality, as he spoke about his journey, short films, significant creative inspiration and the secret behind a great performance.

How do you reflect on your journey as an actor?

I think now, being in the business for many years, the parts are getting better. Interestingly, when I started out, the parts were mostly cameos and not so interesting. So, I think now I’m choosing the parts I would love to play. In that sense, the journey is getting even better.

You have played a wide variety of roles, but which has been closest to your heart?

I would say that film roles are sort of closer to my heart. In 1987, I did a film (Drachenfutter) in Germany and played the lead part. It was a black and white movie that went all over the world. Also, working with (the late) Robin Williams in a movie (Being Human) was great. Recently, I worked with Oliver Stone and played a very good part in a film. So, I think I find feature film roles more interesting.

How does acting in film and TV compare to performing on stage?

For film and TV, the characterisation is very concise, very short. On stage, you can elaborate your character – I think that’s how I can best put it. Film and TV characters may have a limitation, but they are challenging and very interesting to play. But having done theatre, I must admit that it really helps you to play those characters in films and on TV, however complex.

Lead inset Lead Bhasker Patel and Mita Mistry 8486 Patel with Mita Mistry

What did you like about this short film, Aajao, that you are working on?

Short films are very interesting. Once you read the script, it grabs you and this one grabbed me because it’s about loss.

The son lost his father and didn’t attend his funeral. And now, a year down the line, he wants to revisit what he lost.

Tell us about your character in this short film?

I play Gurjit, a very devotional Sikh man. He lost touch with his son and then he left the world. Now, his son is trying to find the father, who he never got to say goodbye to. The film and characters are very relatable.

How do you approach a character such as this?

Usually, when you read a script, there is something from your past, maybe your childhood, that informs you. Something from your own self actually comes to light. I always try to imagine how I, or me as a person playing that part, would react. So, you have to dig deep and find the truth.

What do you like most about acting in short films?

Short films actually test a writer, director, actor and the entire creative team involved. If you haven’t mastered your craft, then short films become difficult and challenging. I think then you have to really work hard at it. They are a good place to learn also. Short films are brilliant to do, but if you can’t tell a story that way, then forget about being in the business.

Lead inset Bhasker shooting for short film Aajao 5090 Patel shooting for the short film 'Aajao'

What, according to you, is the secret of a great performance?

You have to find a truth in your character and the script. Then you have to go and play it in a simple way. The simpler, the better, because then it can carry the weight [of the character]. So, yes, I think finding the truth in your character and in the situation you play is really the key.

Do you have a dream role you would love to play?

Now that I’m 67, I would like to play the kind of lead parts playing myself, rather than somebody else. And also, someone from my ethnicity and background – from an Asian background, whether that person is Hindu, Muslim or Sikh. I don’t think we see such roles or lead parts being played by a lot of Asian actors.

What inspires you as an actor?

I love my profession because it’s always different. You work with different people and tell diverse tales. It’s never the same and I think that really inspires me.

It’s a tough job being in the media and the arts, as we all know, whether you are an actor, writer or creative. With acting, I just love it because not a day is the same as the previous one.

More For You

The TV show that impressed Christopher Nolan: “Unlike anything I’ve ever seen”

Fielder’s work often revolves around themes of performance in everyday life

YouTube/ Far Out

The TV show that impressed Christopher Nolan: “Unlike anything I’ve ever seen”

Canadian comedian and writer Nathan Fielder has long been known for his unconventional television work. Gaining recognition through Nathan for You, Fielder built a reputation for creating boundary-pushing, satirical content that blurred the lines between reality and performance. One of the most talked-about episodes involved a frozen yoghurt flavour that deliberately tasted unpleasant, while The Rehearsal, another of his projects, explored the complexities of human behaviour by meticulously recreating real-life scenarios to prepare people for difficult conversations or events.

Fielder’s work often revolves around themes of performance in everyday life, the blending of public and private personas, and the anxiety surrounding authenticity. His limited media presence and rare interviews add to the intrigue, leaving audiences unsure whether he is playing a version of himself or deliberately maintaining a fictional persona.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Raja Saab

Prabhas brings back romance and humour in The Raja Saab teaser

Instagram/rajasaabmovie

Prabhas channels Shah Rukh Khan in 'The Raja Saab' teaser as fans turn theatres into celebration zones

After years of playing intense and brooding characters, Prabhas seems to be in his element again with The Raja Saab, a horror comedy directed by Maruthi. The teaser, released on 16 June, gives fans a refreshing look at the actor in a light-hearted, funny role, a rare shift from his recent string of larger-than-life action heroes. With visuals full of humour, horror, and romance, the teaser is already gaining attention not just for the plot but also for its theatrical rollout and unexpected nod to Shah Rukh Khan.

- YouTubeyoutu.be

Keep ReadingShow less
Top 10 Films That Shaped Shivam Khajuria’s Journey

Shivam Khajuria

Top 10 films that shaped Shivam Khajuria

Popular actor Shivam Khajuria has showcased his impressive talent in top TV serials such as Molkki, Mann Sundar and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.

He is currently displaying that range in the hugely popular drama Anupamaa, earning wide acclaim. Away from the small screen, the television star is also a passionate cinema lover. He shared his all-time favourite films with Eastern Eye.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jungkook

Jungkook under fire for wearing Make Tokyo Great Again cap at BTS concert rehearsal

Twitter/ Pannchoa/ Getty Images

Jungkook apologises after backlash for wearing ‘Make Tokyo Great Again’ cap at BTS rehearsal

BTS star Jungkook has issued a public apology after sparking backlash for wearing a cap with the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again” during a rehearsal for J-Hope’s concert. The phrase, seen as politically loaded, upset many fans in South Korea, with some calling it offensive and thoughtless.

The singer, who recently completed his mandatory military service, said he was unaware of the slogan’s sensitive background and admitted that he should have been more cautious.

Keep ReadingShow less
Aisha Khan Revives Vintage Soul at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

Aisha Khan

Aisha Khan brings vintage soul to Ronnie Scott’s with jazz and rhythm and blues revival

With a voice that echoes both the glamour and grit of a bygone era, British singer Aisha Khan is set to take centre stage at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club on June 29.

Performing with her acclaimed band The Rajahs, Khan will present a rich cocktail of 1940s and 1950s American roots music, jazz and rhythm and blues – blending timeless classics with her own original songs. Known for her evocative vocals, magnetic stage presence and deep reverence for the great female vocalists of the past, Khan promises a night filled with toe-tapping rhythm and heartfelt emotion.

Keep ReadingShow less