I have no intimate scenes with Sunny Leone: Jay Bhanushali

He made his debut on TV as an actor with Dhoom Machao Dhoom, but it was with Kayamath that Jay Bhanushali gained fame. He became a household name as the host of Dance India Dance, which he anchored for several seasons. Last year, the actor made his film debut with the erotic thriller Hate Story 2, which was a hit. His next Desi Kattey didn't click, but Jay chalks it as a learning experience and is looking forward to his upcoming film Ek Paheli Leela. And no, he has no issues with it being promoted as a Sunny Leone film. "Promotions are different, but if you see the film you will know I have a prominent screen space, with the story beginning and ending with me," smiles Jay. Excerpts from an interview...

What are your thoughts right now as your film is on the verge of releasing?
Scared! I have given my best to the film, but still there is some anxiety when the film is on the verge of release.

First Hate Story 2 and now Ek Paheli Leela, aren't you apprehensive of being typecast in the erotic genre?
It's a pure coincidence that these films came my way. In any case, Ek Paheli Leela is not exactly an erotic film, it's a musical thriller. Yes, Hate Story 2 fits into the erotic genre but in this film, my character has no erotic scenes. I am playing a lover boy, but I don't have any intimate scenes with Sunny (Leone). The reason I did this film is because I got to play a role that I have never done before, even on TV. I play a musician, a singer from Mumbai who is happy-go-lucky. He starts gets disturbing dreams from his past life that involves a girl Leela and this confuses him. I can't tell you too more except that it was a big challenge to play this role and I am glad I got the opportunity.

Are you happy or disappointed that you have no intimate scenes with Sunny?
I am happy because I can emote better with facial expressions than my lips!

You didn't have any apprehensions about doing a film with an adult star like Sunny?
Not at all, why should I? On the one hand, you talk about women empowerment and equal rights. Yes, Sunny has a past, but I have no problem with that. It doesn't affect me or matter to me. I am an actor and my job is to act. I listened to the story first and then they told me Sunny was in the film. But I had already told yes and didn't think twice about it because I liked my character. As for Sunny, she is a very hardworking girl and sincere. She is eager to learn from every actor, which is very rare.

You seem to be doing films that are heroine-oriented...
(Cuts in) Like I told you earlier I can't tell you much about my role, but the story starts with me and ends with me. Once you see the film, you'll understand what I am saying. I have prominent screen space and it is Sunny and I, who have a lot of work in the film.

The one film Desi Kattey that did not give prominence to the heroine did not well...
Yes, but I look at it positively. It postponed my success and I learnt a lot from the film, and how the whole industry functions. Now, I will be selective and choosy about my next outings.

Will you continue doing TV?
Yes, I never left TV. In fact, I am proud to be a TV actor. You'll see me anchoring at least one show a year. Several big film stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan are taking time out for TV because it gives a different kind of connection with the audience – it is almost one-to-one.

What next?
I have been offered a few shows and film scripts. But only after Ek Paheli Leela is out, will I be able to take a call on what I will be doing next.

Aren't you and Mahii doing Nach Baliye 7 as challengers?
No, we shot for the promo because they wanted us to as we are last year's winners. But we are not participating in it.

Rapid fire with Jay Bhanushali

What is your take on kissing on screen?
I don't mind kissing, but I don't want to be a serial-kisser!

What does love mean to you?
It's a beautiful feeling - having someone you can love. One has to experience it and not explain because it can get complicated.

What is sex to you?
It's nice, very nice.

What is the best thing about being a guy?
Guys get ready fast because they are naturally handsome!

What is the worst thing about being a guy?
Girls get all the advantage. They have special seats in buses and even special trains.

Which is the dumbest/weirdest pick up line you have used?
'Do you have a band-aid because I just scraped my knee falling for you.' A girl tried it on me when I was at a party.

If you were to spend a night with a celebrity who would it be?
Jennifer Lopez, she is very hot!