Neville Bharucha On Netflix Debut As DJ Adam In The Bads Of Bollywood, Aryan Khan & More- EXCLUSIVE Interview

Neville Bharucha's star turn as DJ Adam in Aryan Khan's directorial debut, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, marks a moment of pure excitement for fans of the city's thriving comedy scene. Known for his wit and quick improv reflexes, Neville steps into the shoes of a music composer who brings both heart and humor to the ensemble, joining a cast that includes stalwart Manoj Pahwa.

His journey to becoming DJ Adam in The Ba***ds of Bollywood wasn't driven by a deep passion for music, but rather by his acting skills and willingness to explore something new. While he knows a bit about playing the guitar, he admits he's far from being a composer like his character. Playing a DJ was completely new territory, and Neville leaned on his acting chops and imagination to bring authenticity to the role. The excitement came from the challenge of stepping into this unfamiliar world and using performance energy to make the character come alive, not from being a music enthusiast himself.

Coming from Mumbai's buzzing improv circuit, Neville has spent over a decade honing his craft and teaching others the art of thinking on their feet. He points out that improv isn't just about cracking jokes onstage, it's about reacting, diving fully into a character, and keeping things honest and immediate even when the lines are scripted. It's a set of skills that's made a difference in every project, including this one. His international stints training at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York and with top teachers at the Edinburgh Improv Festival gave him an even richer perspective, showing him how much power there is in simply reacting honestly or staying true to a character's motivations, even when you don't have lines.

What truly stands out in Neville's journey on The Ba***ds of Bollywood is his chemistry with Manoj Pahwa. Working with such an experienced actor, he reveals, is nothing short of a masterclass. Pahwa's commitment and the ease with which he slips in and out of character elevate every scene. Neville confesses that there's a different kind of energy on set when Manoj Pahwa is around: "He commits completely to his characters, and he's such a delight to work with." The learning continued off-camera, too: "The biggest lesson I picked up from him was to always give 100% to every single line you say and to every single line you don't say. There really is so much that can be expressed without words, and Manoj sir captures that beautifully."

In a show that spotlights music, Neville's experience filming the song "Tune Ki Pata" is an instant highlight. Despite labeling himself the "worst dancer you'll ever meet," Neville recounts the shoot as a riot of fun, colorful costumes, and genuine musical jamming that left him feeling like a rockstar. "The final video was just as fun as it was to shoot-definitely one for the memory books," he says.
The scene outside set is equally electric. Neville's Medium Size Improv troupe holds regular shows at The Habitat, drawing in crowds and cultivating a space for fresh comedy talent. He's quick to credit his mentors and the support of the comedy and improv community, both in Mumbai and abroad for the journey so far.

And what's next? Even with Netflix debut's glow, Neville is focused on what continues to excite him: more improv, teaching, and leaving the door open for surprises. "Every goal you achieve just opens up a new one," he says. For viewers and his fans, that means plenty more to look forward to, both on the streaming screen and on the improv stage, possibly even a few new dance moves along the way.