“Playing Tenali has taught me to approach challenges with a sense of calm and creativity,” says Krishna Bharadwaj portraying the titular role in Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama

MUMBAI: Sony SAB’s Tenali Rama showcases the remarkable journey of the legendary court genius, Tenali Rama and the rise of a fallen hero. Krishna Bharadwaj returns as the iconic Tenali Rama, bringing charm, wit, and a fresh wave of excitement to the storyline. The show currently showcases Tenali Rama navigating through Vijayanagar in disguise, determined to protect the kingdom he loves while grappling with the promises made to King Krishnadevaraya. His cleverness and loyalty are put to the ultimate test as he faces new challenges and adversaries.

In an exclusive conversation, Krishna Bharadwaj shares insights into Tenali’s journey, the thrill of reprising this legendary role, and what fans can look forward to in the days to come.
1. How do you feel about the love and appreciation you are receiving from fans for your portrayal of Tenali Rama? Any memorable fan encounters?

I played the role of Tenali for four years earlier, and now with the return of the show It’s humbling to see the love just keeps growing. One memorable encounter was when a young fan dressed as Tenali Rama came to meet me during the shoot. He even recited a witty dialogue from the show perfectly! Moments like these remind me why I do what I do. It’s heartwarming to know the character resonates with so many people.

2. Has playing Tenali Rama influenced your perspective or problem-solving approach in real life?

Absolutely! Playing Tenali has taught me to approach challenges with a sense of calm and creativity. I often find myself thinking, “What would Tenali do in this situation?” There was a moment on set when we had a production hiccup, and I instinctively came up with a quirky, quick solution. The team joked that I’ve started channeling Tenali in real life!

3. What do you think is the most important trait that people can learn from Tenali?

Tenali’s ability to stay calm under pressure is something everyone can and must learn. Tenali never let the complexity of a situation overwhelm him; instead, he used wit and empathy to find a solution. It’s a lesson in how intelligence and kindness together can work wonders.

4. What has been the most difficult part of portraying this iconic character?

Portraying Tenali Rama is a tremendous honor, but it does come with challenges. The most difficult part has been balancing his intelligence and humor while staying true to the historical essence. It’s a fine line between making him relatable to today’s audience and respecting the legacy of such an iconic figure. The challenge keeps me motivated to push my boundaries as an actor.

5. The humor in Tenali Rama’s character is a significant aspect of the show. What techniques do you use to deliver both comic timing and sincerity?

Comic timing is all about rhythm and understanding your co-actors’ cues. I try to keep it natural by imagining myself in Tenali’s shoes. At the same time, I work closely with the directors to ensure the humor aligns with the scene’s context. Sometimes, I rehearse punchlines in front of the crew to gauge their reaction—it’s my little litmus test!

6. What is your off-screen bond with Tathacharya like, and how does it influence your on-screen chemistry?

Off-screen, we share a fantastic camaraderie. There’s always laughter and good-natured banter between us. This bond makes it easier to bring out the love-hate dynamic of Tenali and Tathacharya on screen. Sometimes, we improvise lines during scenes, and those unscripted moments often turn out to be the audience’s favorites!

7. Who do you enjoy working with the most on set, and why?

It’s hard to pick just one person because the entire cast feels like family. But if I had to choose, I’d say Pankaj Berry. His energy on set is infectious, and we share a lot of laughs during breaks. It’s always refreshing to have someone who keeps the atmosphere light and fun, especially on long shoot days.

8. Can you give us a glimpse of what’s next for your character and what audiences can look forward to in the upcoming episodes?

Without giving away too much, let’s just say Rama’s wit will be tested like never before. The stakes are higher, and the challenges more personal. Audiences can look forward to some heartwarming moments, clever solutions, and even a few unexpected twists. It’s an exciting phase for the character and the story.

Tune in to watch Tenali Rama Monday to Saturday at 8 PM on Sony SAB