Click to play videoMumbai: They're two of the funniest men in Britain, and over the years they've made a name for themselves stereotyping British Asians both on television and on the big screen.
Sanjeev Bhaskar, star of such BBC shows as Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No 42 is in Mumbai currently filming a pilot for the British TV series Mumbai Calling along with Nitin Ganatra, the funnyman who played Aishwarya Rai's suitor in Bride & Prejudice.
Mumbai Calling, created by British TV thespian Alan McKewon, is a comedy focused around the call-centre industry in India, and will feature a mixed cast of British and Indian actors.
“There's never been a comedy on British TV that's shot in India. I don’t think there's probably been even a drama series. So it's like breaking new ground,” says Bhaskar.
Ganatra speaks about the character he plays. “I am playing Dev. He is incredibly fashionable, has got great taste and if I were to take this shirt off, I will look like Brad Pitt!” he says, matter-of-factly.
For Bhaskar, who has amassed a faithful fan following over the years thanks to the popularity of his shows, meeting with some of his Bollywood idols was an eye-opening experience.
“I've been lucky to meet here as well as in London with Shah Rukh Khan. If Shah Rukh comes up to you and say I like your show, you go 'am I dreaming?' I have also met Prem Chopra in thi strip. He is a legend,” says Bhaskar.
Only recently, Bhaskar filmed a walk-on part in the Abhishek Bachchan-Preity Zinta starrer Jhoom Barabar Jhoom
Although much of Ganatra's television and film work may not have reached audiences in India, he is familiar largely for his roles in Bride & Prejudice and The Mistress of Spices.
Bhaskar meanwhile, believes Goodness Gracious Me will always be his breakout show.
Mumbai Calling will be filmed in the months ahead across the city.
It' s expected to air both in the UK and in India. Clearly it's an opportunity for Indians now to fully enjoy the comic genius of these two men.
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