Difficult times aren’t going to persist forever,’ says Nirbhay Wadhwa, who plays Bedi Walle Hanuman in Sony’s Vighnaharta Ganesh

The ongoing Vighnaharta Ganesh series on Sony Entertainment Television explores the interesting stories surrounding the famed Jagannath Puri Temple and how Bedi Walle Hanuman came to be. Nirbhay Wadhwa, who has appeared in a number of renowned mythological roles, takes on the role of the great Lord Hanuman. Here’s the popular actor talking about the show and his job in a candid conversation:

• You already appeared in one of Sony’s shows as Lord Hanuman. What does it feel like to be back?
>It is, in fact, a wonderful sensation! I played Lord Hanuman in one of Sony’s shows many years ago, and getting the chance to play the big Lord again on the same channel for a show like Vighnaharta Ganesh is a fantastic sensation. I hope the audience enjoys my rendition of Bedi Walle Hanuman and learns about his significance.

•What is the current significance of the Jagannath Puri track?
>It is critical to have faith in yourself and your abilities. There will be hard times, but they will not last indefinitely. Recognize that nothing is permanent and that every situation has a solution. Similarly, viewers will watch how Lord Hanuman saved the shrine of Jagannath Puri from a bad storm and ended up being imprisoned there in the ongoing track. While we are all familiar with Jagannath Puri’s famed temple, this fascinating fact will explain why Lord Hanuman’s statue is at the temple’s entrance.

•How has your shooting experience been thus far?
>So far, the shooting experience has been fantastic. The majority of the cast and crew are familiar with me, and several of us have even collaborated on previous projects. As a result, it didn’t take long for me to form a bond with her. While shooting, most of the artists are unfamiliar with the concepts of chroma and VFX, so they watch and learn from me, and I, in turn, learn from them. In addition, while I am conscious of the seriousness of my position, playing it has been an energising experience. There is so much to learn about his deeds that it expands my understanding of Lord Hanuman.

•Was it challenging to depict certain parts during filming?
>The scenes in which I had to fly were the most difficult. While all safety procedures were taken, delivering dialogues in mid-air proved to be difficult at times. But, with effort and patience, I was able to master this aspect of the shot.

•How long does it take you to become used to the role?
>It takes me about 30 to 45 minutes to change into the proper attire. It used to take me around 3 to 4 hours to prepare for Lord Hanuman when I used to play him. My hair and make-up team, on the other hand, have become quite familiar with the specialised make-up necessary as a result of time and practise. Everything is done perfectly, from the tika to the denture setting, jewellery, and costume. They’re seasoned artists now, and they do a fantastic job of making me appear the part.

•How many times have you taken on the role of Lord Hanuman?
>I’ve played Lord Hanuman three or four times on television. Aside from that, I’ve been a member of a number of well-known on-ground events representing Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram’s legends.

•Are you a devotee of Hanuman?
>I’ve been reciting Hanuman Chalisa since I was a toddler. Every day, I bow down to him. I am a devout follower who believes in all gods. Even the workout I do is preceded by his blessings. He has a profound influence on me.

•How do you keep your health in check? Do you have any advice you’d want to share with your followers?
>For many, the pandemic has rendered them immobile, making it difficult to keep up with daily routines and preserve optimal health. But, by God’s grace, I haven’t gotten sick and my health is good. However, gyms are closed, and actors are having difficulty working out at home. Traveling to and from the sets consumes a significant amount of time. As a result, I am only able to exercise as much as I am able to keep. But I’ve begun my preparations for the concert, and the results will speak for themselves.

•Who has been your greatest source of inspiration throughout your life?
>My mother is my greatest source of motivation. My mother and father live in my hometown, while my younger brother and I live in Mumbai. My mother is the type who will put up with anything as long as her children are happy. There is no greater source of motivation for me than she.

•Please share some information about your forthcoming initiatives with us.
>While I have some exciting plans in the works, I will not reveal them until I sign the dotted line.