Ad-guru Bharat Dabholkar brings his musical, Blame It On Bollywood to Bengaluru

Ad-guru, Bharat Dabholkar talks about his musical, ‘Blame it on Bollywood’ which is a fun tribute to the king of romance, Yash Chopra

Actor-director and writer, Bharat Dabholkar, started as a lawyer, before creative forces compelled him to take to theatre, advertising and films.

The common thread between theatre and ads is laughter, Bharat says over a call from Mumbai. “I find laughter the biggest connection to people be it the Amul ads or theatre.”

Bharat brings the musical, Blame It On Bollywood to Bengaluru. He has written and directed the musical and shares the stage with Anant Mahadevan and Jayati Bhatia. Produced and presented by AGP World in association with Yash Raj Films, the production has laughter as well as song and dance.

“Every play of mine begins with us making fun of ourselves. Once that is done, you are pardoned when you make fun of others.”

There is a thin between freedom of speech and vulgarity, Bharat says. “I am a lawyer, and have studied the Indian Constitution. All these comedians who cite freedom of expression forget that there is a restriction of fundamental rights too. A simple way of putting it is my fundamental right to swing my hand ends where the other man’s space begins.”

Known for his political and social satires Bharat says, “I have made fun of everybody in my plays, and never got into trouble, because I know where to draw the line. You don’t get personal nor do you take sides. You have to always be objective.”

Bharat gives 99.99 % of the credit for the success of the Amul campaign to Verghese Kurien. “He was the world’s best client. He said, ‘I understand milk and milk products but not advertising. I have chosen you and cannot tell you what to do. Do whatever you want, but make sure my product sells.’ When you are given that kind of a brief, your responsibility also increases.”