Exclusive! Sanjay Bhatia: I don't blame Bollywood directors for chopping off scenes

Sanjay Bhatia, who has been working in Bollywood since a long time now, recently made his debut in a Gujarati web series with 110. The actor was a part of Salman Khan's Radhe in a very brief role but has no grudges towards the filmmakers for chopping off scenes.

Talking to OTTplay, the actor revealed that while he wanted to work in the Gujarati industry since a long time and did not find a good role before 110, Bollywood is a struggle too. He accidentally spilled about being a part of Radhe but his scenes getting chopped off to a blink-and-miss appearance in the film.

Excerpts from the interview...

You are essentially a Bollywood actor. So what made you pick a Gujarati web series after a long time, in 110?

I started my career as a Gujarati theatre actor, so I wanted to do something good in Gujarati films and web series. I was not getting the kind of work that I was looking for. I got a call from Anish for a Gujarati web series for Oho. I was excited since it was working with Abhishek Jain. I was super excited on hearing that Kavin played my son.

Both Anish and Abhishek came on board as directors. Who did you experience working with, as a director?

When I came on board, Anish was directing the project. Then I left for Haridwar for another shoot. By the time I came back, Abhishek came on board. It was fun working with both of them.

Now that you have done 110, does it mean that we will see you in more Gujarati projects too?

For me, it doesn't matter where I perform. I also worked in Gujarati serials. Actors always look forward to performing better characters and that is the same for me. The role should be meaty so I can contribute towards the story.

Things have been looking up for you since 2020, with back-to-back hits in Choked, Scam and now, Indori Ishq. You were also a part of Radhe and Mumbai Saga during this time. What would you like to say?

You noticed me in Radhe? I was a part of the movie but my role was chopped down to very small bits, to the extent that nobody could recognize me.

Is this the first time that your role was edited or did it happen to you previously too?

I don't blame the creative people or the directors. There are certain creative decisions that need to be taken. The editing bit comes down to those characters or actors who are not very significant. If I'm a director and need to chop down the length of the film, then I'll do the same, right? If I'm not getting a better character, that isn't their problem. I look forward to doing better roles. I started with 2 States where I had just one scene but that scene is so memorable that people talk about it even today. Same with Drishyam. It was fun working with Tabu and the entire team.

You were a part of the original Pavitra Rishta but didn't appear in season 2. Weren't you approached for the web series or things didn't work out?

I came towards the end, right? I played Archana's son's father-in-law. That character also mattered to the entire series. I liked to play that character. He was a down-to-earth character belonging to the Maharashtrian family. Since the character wasn't carrying the series forward, probably that is why they didn't approach me.

Your upcoming projects?

I have Apharan season 2 and another unnamed web series. I don't even know which platform will it come out on. I play a cop in both of them. Since nobody offered me a father's role previously, I was excited to play that in 110, especially because he is a comical character.