Prem Chopra told me to continue his mimicry in live shows that was the biggest complement for me says Vishwajeet Soni
Actor and comedian Vishwajeet Soni, who is known for impersonating veteran actor Prem Chopra in live shows and television serials, has said that 85 year old ‘Bobby’ actor once called him at his home and told him to continue doing his mimicry in live shows and that was the biggest complement for him in his long career in the entertainment industry.
Vishwajeet Soni was interacting with News Helpline in Mumbai.
Talking about his background and his journey in the entertainment industry, Soni said, “I belong to Bhuj district in Gujarat but our family shifted to Ulhasnagar in my childhood. I used to do mimicry of everyone and I think I inherited that quality from my grandmother. I have been in love with films since my younger days and I used to watch daily 2-3 shows in theatres of various actors like Jeetendra, Dharmendra, Feroz Khan, Vinod Khanna, Prem Chopra, Shatrughan Sinha, Mahendra Sandhu and many others. After watching films of these actors, I used to imitate them and people used to praise me for that. At that time, I watched Johny Lever’s live show and that inspired me to do mimicry in live shows and orchestras during festivals.”
He added, “After appearing in ‘Boogie Woogie’, I started getting offers of a lot of stage shows. One day, Prem Chopra ji called me at his home and he told me to continue doing his mimicry at stage shows and I feel that was the biggest compliment for me. Then there was a time, when I didn’t have any work for around 10 years and I was shaken by it. Then, I decided to reinvent myself because I didn’t do anything in my life apart from acting, so I started giving auditions for television serials and television commercials. After that I did a few commercials and television soaps like ‘Savdhaan India’ ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah’ and ‘Code Red’.”
Vishwajeet Soni has also appeared in films like Dhamaal (2007), Jism Farosh (2005) and The Stoneman Murders (2009) in his career.
In ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!’, Soni plays the role of Vibhuti’s (Aasif Sheikh) best friend Prem Chaudhary who is a foul-mouthed cunning show-off, much to Vibhuti’s ire and also an impersonator of Indian film actor Prem Chopra. He comes from a rich background and deals in several illegal activities like gambling and smuggling. Despite this, he helps Vibhuti in rough times and often hangs out with him. He is disliked by Anita (Nehha Pendse) because she fears that Vibhuti might become a criminal in his influence.
Talking about his journey in ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!’, Soni said, “I got a call from makers of ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain!’ and they told me to do a character based on the personality of Prem Chopra ji. It’s been around six years that I am a part of that show. I would like to thank the entire cast and crew of that show because they have supported me a lot in my journey. The show has given me a new identity among the audience.”
He added, “During lockdown, we stalled shooting of the show but we started shooting for the show in July. When the makers of the show contacted me again after the lockdown, I was a bit relieved because I was unsure about the future of the show. I didn’t expect that people will appreciate my role in the series, so I feel glad that I can entertain the audience with my talent.”
