Smart and sensible

Tv star

Later, he was a part of shows like Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2003), Bhagwan Bachaye Inko (2004), Sarabhai vs Sarabhai (2005), Paani Puri (2008), Ghar Ki Baat Hai (2009) and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (2010). He is currently part of the situational comedy serial Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo on Sab TV.

Sumeet has also acted in the recently released movie Kucch Luv Jaisaa, apart from portraying small characters in films like My Name Is Khan, Firaaq and U Me Aur Hum. He is also hosting Jay Hind! on Internet TV. He has 250 ad films in his kitty and has worked for brands like Maruti, HDFC, Aquaguard, Dettol, BRU, Cadbury’s and ICICI. He has also learnt classical Hindustani music from Suresh Wadkar.

The day I spoke to Sumeet was his wedding anniversary; he was in the middle of a shoot and despite his tight schedule, he was accommodating and apologetic that we had to break our conversation between the shoot. And perhaps it is precisely this quality about him that is endearing and has ensured that the spotlight has not moved away from him for the last 28 years. “The values my parents instilled in me and my own sensibilities, coupled with a desire to be an asset to any project I am associated with, have earned me priceless goodwill in the industry, which has taken me places,” he says.

With the Internet TV show Jay Hind!, which completes two years this August, he knows he has tested new waters. “It was a big yet difficult decision to be part of such a show.

But I am glad I did it as the show has helped me garner fans across the globe. Through the show, I can express my views honestly and call a spade a spade!” Raghavan is choosy about the work he does. “I don’t like to take on a lot of work as television is very demanding and I am very clear that I won’t allow my family life to suffer because of my work.”

For someone who has done a lot of theatre, he knows that even though he is not a part of it now, he would get back into it if the right opportunity comes by. Likewise, he is also clear that his calling is television. “Barring a few exceptions, the big screen does not really welcome television stars with open arms and you are always branded as a ‘star from television’. I am not complaining as I think television is as big as films. Be it Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan, they are all on television now. I am happy doing television as it pays very well. Working in films is something I am not really hankering for now.” As host of the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, he cherishes working with all the judges, especially Madhuri Dixit.

Sumeet is now planning to get into production and has launched his production house, MH 02, with partner Suprito Babul. “MH 02 is the RTO code of Andheri, the heart of the television industry. We are looking at potential scripts and everything is at the inception stage right now.”

Known for his comic roles, Raghavan says he has a serious side to him that is yet to be explored. Until then, he will continue to make you laugh.