Difficult times won’t last forever’, says Nirbhay Wadhwa who essays the role of Bedi Walle Hanuman in Sony’s Vighnaharta Ganesh

The on-going track of Sony Entertainment Television’s Vighnaharta Ganesh highlights the fascinating tales about the famous Jagannath Puri Temple and how the existence of Bedi Walle Hanuman came into being. Essaying the role of the mighty Lord Hanuman is none other than Nirbhay Wadhwa who is known to play a number of memorable mythological roles. In a candid conversation, here is the popular actor talking in detail about the show and his role:

You were previously seen playing Lord Hanuman in one of Sony’s shows. How does it feel coming back?
It is indeed a very nice feeling! Many years ago, I had portrayed the role of Lord Hanuman in one of Sony’s show and, getting a chance to play the mighty Lord once again on the same channel for a show like Vighnaharta Ganesh is a wonderful feeling. I hope the viewers enjoy my portrayal of Bedi Walle Hanuman and learn the significance of his existence.
What is the relevance of the Jagannath Puri track in today’s time?
It is important to believe in yourself and the strength that you hold. There will be difficult times, but they will not last forever. Know that nothing is permanent and there is solution to every problem. Similarly, in the ongoing track, viewers will see how Lord Hanuman saved the temple of Jagannath Puri from an adverse storm and ended up being chained there. While we all know about the revered temple of Jagannath Puri, this interesting fact will enlighten people on why the Lord Hanuman’s statue is at the entrance of the temple.

How has your experience been so far shooting?
The shooting experience so far has been great. Most of the cast and crew members know me well and some of us have even worked on previous projects. So, it did not take a lot of time for me to develop a bond. Most of the artists are new to the concept of chroma and VFX while shooting so they observe and learn from me and in return, I too learn from them. Also, while I am aware of my role and the gravity it comes with, playing the part has been an inspiring experience. There is so much to learn about his deeds that it enlightens my knowledge about Lord Hanuman even more.

Was it difficult to portray certain scenes while shooting?
The most difficult scenes were the ones where I had to fly. While all the safety precautions were taken into consideration, delivering dialogues mid-air did get challenging sometimes. But with practice and patience, I had managed to overcome this part of shooting.

How many hours does it take for you to get into the role?
It takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes for me to get into the get-up. Previously when I used to play Lord Hanuman, it used to take about 3 to 4 hours for me to get ready. But with time and practice, my hair and make-up team are very well aware of the specific make-up required. Right from the tika, to the setting of the denture, jewelry and costume, everything is done impeccably. They are seasoned artists now and do a brilliant job of making me look like right for my part.

How many times have you played Lord Hanuman?
When it comes to television, I have played Lord Hanuman around three to four times. Apart from this, I have also been a part of many well-known on-ground events depicting the stories of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram.

Are you a Hanuman Bhakt?
Absolutely, since childhood, I have reciting Hanuman Chalisa. I bow down to him daily. I am a believer and I believe in all deities. Even the workout that I do, it begins with his blessings. I am greatly inspired by him.

How do you maintain your health? Any tips you would like to share with your fans?
The pandemic has been paralyzing for many and keeping up with daily routine and maintaining optimum health can be an issue. But, as such I haven’t fallen sick and health is good by God’s grace. But gyms are shut and actors are facing challenges with working out at home. Even travelling to and fro from the sets takes up a lot of time. So I am not able to exercise a lot, but only as much as I can maintain. But I have started training for the show and the results will show for itself.

Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life?
My mother is my biggest inspiration. Me and my younger brother stay in Mumbai whereas my mother and father stay in my hometown. My mother is the kind who will suffer in peace as long as her kids are happy. There can be no bigger inspiration for me than her.

Please tell us a little about your upcoming projects.
While I do have some exciting things lined-up, I will only talk about it once I sing the dotted line.