When Tired of Taunts, Deven Bhojani Decided to Quit Comedy and Break Stereotypes

Veteran television and film actor Deven Bhojani, celebrated widely for his remarkable comic timing, recently made some eye-opening revelations about his four-decade-long career. Having been a part of iconic shows like 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai', 'Baa Bahoo oo Baby', and 'Office Office', Deven won millions of hearts. However, behind the massive success and laughter, he had to endure frustrating comments about his appearance.

The Bizarre Connection Between Weight and Casting

During an interview, Deven shared that people often correlated his physical weight with his professional casting, assuming he only secured roles because of how he looked. Recounting his experience, he said, 'People used to tell me not to lose weight, or else I would stop getting roles. I told them, brother, people don't cast me because I am heavy, but because I am a good actor.'

It deeply troubled him that audiences and creators boxed him into a singular comic archetype, completely overlooking his versatility as a dramatic performer. To change this perception and prove his range, Deven took a bold step.

Stepping Away from Television

Six years ago, Deven deliberately stopped doing television to break his typecast image. He shifted his focus toward OTT platforms to explore diverse characters. Even though he loves his comedic legacy, he turned down several lucrative comedy offers to ensure filmmakers saw him in a new light. After staying away from comedy for five years, he was eventually offered critically acclaimed projects that showcased his dramatic depth.