‘Ami Ki Tumi’ turned my life around: Jonayed Bukdadi

After "Networker Baire", Jonayed Bukdadi was on the verge of immense popularity when an accident struck and changed his life. Battling with trauma and weight gain, the actor was absent from showbiz for quite some time, but was determined to make a worthy comeback on OTT.

Currently, the actor is in the news for Vicky Zahed's multi-versal web-series "Ami Ki Tumi", where he plays a dual personae.

After your accident, you weren't seen much on-screen. Why is it that?

It took me some time to overcome both my physical and mental trauma- I gained weight and didn't have enough confidence to return in front of the camera. It took eight months to prepare myself to become fit, and then finally return as Rahat with "Ami Ki Tumi". 

What made you want to work in 'Ami Ki Tumi'?

Vicky Zahed was persistent in having me as Ratul for the web-series as he was confident that I was the perfect person to play the character. Also, I loved the multiverse genre and had been looking to work with something like that to challenge myself.

In the web-series, there were scenes where I was told my character might be shirtless, and thus it gave me a boost to get back into shape. I gave my heart and soul for this character as I felt it could change my life around again.

In the web-series, you play dual characters, in two universes. How difficult was it?

It was difficult but the ordeal was made easy by my director. His vision was to tell the story simply and that's how he laid it out for us as well. One tough part was differentiating the different personalities of my character, but I found it fun.

Read more

‘Networker Baire’ actors survive deadly car accident

What was the most challenging scene in the series?

Rahat's death was the most challenging scene- as it was inspired from true events. Since the scene was a very heart-breaking one, Vicky wanted it to be portrayed as such that the viewers can feel the emotions. While portraying the role, I tried to channel his emotions rather than mine, the helplessness. The character's emotions overcame my own in that moment.

Finally, when the scene was aired, I was really overwhelmed by the love from my fans who appreciated the scene.

Your chemistry with Mehazabien was loved by fans.

The credit for that goes to Mehazabien and my director. Since we're characters of Vicky's stories, how we act is up to him. Secondly, I was present in the moment, but as a performer, Mehazabien holds more credit in nurturing the chemistry or the interaction.

The parallel universe in 'Ami Ki Tumi' is called 'Sigma Bangladesh'. What did you like about that world?

In that dimension, there is a rule that whenever someone harasses a woman, you will receive a shock. Which I wished existed in real life. There was another thing that I liked, bitter gourd taste sweet.