Veteran actor Javed Jaffrey, who has entertained audiences for decades, is once again in the spotlight. Known for his incredible versatility, Javed is now making waves with his intense role in Bhuvan Bam’s web series Taza Khabar Season 2. Known for his iconic comedic performances, Jaffrey takes on a darker persona this time, showcasing a different side of his talent. Recently, Javed opened up about his career, the shift to OTT platforms, and how his passion for acting has kept him going all these years.
The Shift from TV and Films to OTT: A New World for Javed Jaffrey
Javed Jaffrey has been a prominent figure in Indian entertainment, with a career spanning TV shows, films, and now, web series. With the rise of OTT platforms, many established actors, including Jaffrey, have embraced this new medium. Talking about his experience, Jaffrey shared what makes OTT unique compared to traditional TV or films.
“OTT has a distinct advantage. People can watch it on their phones while traveling or during any free time,” he explained. Unlike TV or films, where viewers need to dedicate specific hours in front of a screen, OTT content is more accessible. Jaffrey appreciates how shows on OTT platforms can be completed in one go. “You don’t have to stretch it. Like our show, Taza Khabar, which you can finish in two and a half hours,” he added. This flexibility in content length and format allows creators to give more depth to the characters and the storyline.
A Memorable Incident from Shooting in Delhi
Javed Jaffrey has always had a close connection with Delhi, a city that has played host to several of his shoots. Recalling a funny incident during a shoot in the capital, he shared how the crowd’s reaction during an outdoor filming stuck with him.
He said, “When you’re shooting on the road, a crowd gathers around. The production team keeps telling people to move back. They would move back just a couple of inches. After a while, the director, frustrated, asked them to move further. One person, in typical Delhi style, replied, ‘How much more? Should we leave Delhi itself?’ That was hilarious,” Jaffrey laughed, recalling the experience. Such encounters, he said, are part of the charm of shooting in a city like Delhi.
Staying Creative: “As Long as the Desire Exists, the Artist Lives”
Over the years, Javed Jaffrey has portrayed numerous roles across genres, from comedy to action, and now thriller. When asked if there was still something he wanted to explore, his response reflected his deep connection with his craft.
“As an artist, there’s always a desire to do something new. The day that desire ends, the artist perishes,” he said. He emphasized that the will to keep creating and performing is what keeps him going. Despite having played a variety of roles, Jaffrey still feels there’s much more left to explore. “If people continue to support and bless me, I’ll keep doing new things,” he added with a smile.
Dancing in ‘Meri Jung’: A Defining Moment
Many still remember Javed Jaffrey for his iconic dance performance in the film Meri Jung. Speaking about that turning point, Jaffrey reminisced about how his journey began with dance.
“At that time, I had no idea where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. I just knew I could dance, and that’s what landed me the opportunity,” he recalled. The legendary choreographer Saroj Khan was leading the dance sequences for Meri Jung and was impressed by Jaffrey’s skills. “She told all the industry dancers to watch me perform. It was a big moment for me,” he added.
He also shared how his dance style, which was unique at the time, raised eyebrows. “People said that my style wouldn’t work because it wasn’t simple enough for the masses. But I stuck to what I knew, and it worked,” Jaffrey reflected.
On Joining ‘Taza Khabar 2’: Bhuvan Bam’s Talent Stood Out
Javed Jaffrey was a late addition to the cast of Taza Khabar Season 2, but the decision to join the show came after seeing the first season’s success and Bhuvan Bam’s outstanding performance.
“I was approached after most of the casting was done. I hadn’t watched the first season at that time, but I had seen the trailer. When I finally watched it, I was impressed, especially with Bhuvan’s work,” he shared. Jaffrey appreciated how Bhuvan Bam, who started with short videos, has grown to become a significant figure in digital entertainment. “He has a great connection with today’s youth,” he said.
Working in Taza Khabar has been an exciting experience for Jaffrey, allowing him to explore a more serious role than audiences might be used to seeing from him. “It was different, and I enjoyed it,” he stated.
Javed Jaffrey’s journey from TV, film, and now OTT is a testament to his versatility as an artist. With Taza Khabar 2, he continues to prove that as long as there’s a desire to perform, the artist will always stay alive and thrive.
