He is all of 13, but so confident about himself that TV actor Dev Joshi doesn’t fail to impress. Best known for portraying the role of fantastical character Baalveer on the TV show of the same name, Dev was in Ludhiana recently where he talked about the show and balancing school and acting.
Visibly excited, Dev says the SAB TV show has surprises packed in the coming episodes. “The show will have many surprises for children who will get to witness more magic and exhilarating stunts,” says the child actor, adding that he doesn’t believe that the show is meant for children only. “I think that even the elders can get to learn many lessons from it, as the show aims to inspire everyone to follow the path of truth,” he says.
Previously, Dev has acted in various TV shows such as Devon Ka Dev… Mahadev (aired on Life OK), Kashi — Ab Na Rahe Tera Kagaz Kora (aired on NDTV Imagine), Mahima Shani Dev Ki (aired on NDTV Imagine) and Lucky (Star Plus; 2006-2009). Besides serials, he has also been the face of many commercials for known brands. Ask him which serial is his favourite amongst all, and he quickly answers, “Shaktimaan! I always enjoyed watching the show for hours at a stretch. So, when Baalveer was offered to me, my excitement knew no bounds. After all, Baalveer also has superpowers like Shaktimaan,” he adds.
Back home in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Dev balances school and acting well. Expressing gratitude to his school’s teachers and principal, Dev’s mother Devanga Joshi says they extend Dev all help. “My son is inundated with professional commitments in Mumbai, so he gets to attend school for only 15 days a month. Many times, he carries his books to the sets to study during breaks. Sometimes I feel worried for him and at other times the situation seems funny,” says his mother, adding that the school authorities even offer help telephonically. “After all, he is making his school and parents proud,” she says.
{{/usCountry}}Back home in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Dev balances school and acting well. Expressing gratitude to his school’s teachers and principal, Dev’s mother Devanga Joshi says they extend Dev all help. “My son is inundated with professional commitments in Mumbai, so he gets to attend school for only 15 days a month. Many times, he carries his books to the sets to study during breaks. Sometimes I feel worried for him and at other times the situation seems funny,” says his mother, adding that the school authorities even offer help telephonically. “After all, he is making his school and parents proud,” she says.
{{/usCountry}}When asked what his classmates ask him the most in school, Dev laughs and says they request him to wield his magical powers and help them pass in exams. “But I apologise and tell them that I can perform magic only on screen. To excel in anything, hard work and dedication are required,” he says with an air of maturity.
His mother agrees, saying parents should never force their children for anything. “Don’t force them to do anything. Let them be what they want to be. They can excel only if we support them, for a bird never flew on one wing.”