Deven Bhojani reveals directing secrets of the Pathak sisters; his insights shape his new Netflix role

Deven Bhojani, a veteran of Indian television who has been a familiar face for more than thirty years, is set to return to the small screen in a new Netflix comedy called Chumbak. In the series he plays a forgetful husband who can’t even remember his wife’s name, a role that will see him opposite Neena Gupta. The actor‑filmmaker revealed that his experience directing the famous Pathak sisters, Supriya and Ratna, helped him navigate the contrasting styles of his co‑star.

During a recent interview with the Hindustan Times, Bhojani reflected on his dual career as an actor and director. He first made his mark in supporting roles, notably in Malgudi Days and the long‑running sitcom Dekh Bhai Dekh, before earning a breakthrough with a recurring character in that show. A decade later he turned to direction, helming episodes of popular series such as Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Pukaar and Sumit Sambhal Lega, and even directing the action film Commando 2 starring Vidyut Jammwal.

Bhojani explained that directing was a “backup” for him. “If the acting car doesn’t run, I’ll learn to direct,” he said, citing his early work on Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar where he served as both actor and assistant director. He added that for years he kept both options open, but in recent years the momentum of his acting career has made him less inclined to direct again.

When asked about his approach to working with Neena Gupta on Chumbak, Bhojani drew a parallel to his earlier collaborations with the Pathak sisters. He recalled directing Supriya in the sitcom Khichdi and Ratna in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, noting that the sisters had distinct working systems. “They both have very different systems of working,” he said. “I found that Neena and I were different in the same way. She is very spontaneous, a type of ‘switch on, switch off’ actor. I cannot do that even if I try.” He added that this realization helped him find common ground with Gupta, allowing both of them to respect each other’s styles.

In the first few days of shooting, Bhojani observed a similar dynamic between himself, Neena Gupta, and Supriya Pathak. “I am similar to Ratna’s style, while Neena and Supriya are more spontaneous,” he explained. Over time, the trio found a rhythm that balanced their approaches, a lesson he attributes to his years behind the camera. With Chumbak now in production, audiences can expect a fresh blend of comedy and insight from an actor who has spent decades mastering both sides of the camera.