Dev Joshi’s name has been synonymous to Baalveer. The child actor, who is known for portraying the role of Baalveer in the kids fantasy shows, Baalveer and Baalveer Returns, started acting at an early age. Having been part of the show for 9 years now, Dev spoke to ETimes TV exclusively for our Tellyblazer section. From talking about his current track showing Baalveer’s death to him trying to educate youngsters on social media addiction and more, the young actor spoke at length about him wanting to be a role model for the society. Here are excerpts from the interview:

The death scene in Baalveer has shocked everyone, what’s in store?

Baalveer has to sacrifice his life to stop evil queen Timnasa from overpowering herself. That’s what the track is about. However, there is a suspense as even I was shocked after reading about this track. Fans are also quite surprised. They are commenting on the video and discussing if Baalveer will come back or not. I have been playing this character for the past 9 years. Baalveer is not just a character, it’s a legacy. Baalveer can never die, let’s see what’s coming up.

Your Instagram bio reads: I am what I am given Responsibility of! #Baalveer… how would you define this?


It is self-explanatory in its own way. But I can say that whatever responsibility I have been given since I have been working in the entertainment industry at the age of 3, when I started modelling, doing theatre, stage shows, Gujarati films, ads and the characters I have portrayed… whatever I have done, I am that person. When people see me and choose me for the work, they are assured that I will do it responsibly. For Baalveer, I have been responsible for some years.

You are a superhero for kids and youngsters, personally how do you react to their response?


It is heart-touching and mesmerising. First time a kids superhero was introduced in 2012 and we never thought it would be this successful. It is really heartwarming that people watch this show and also the first season is dubbed in so many regional languages and people in Sri Lanka and England see it with subtitles. I get messages from fans. They still think I am a kid right now and I love the fact that my childhood has been recorded in some of the most beautiful episodes in the show. I also feel nostalgic when I see myself on screen and phone at that age. Dev Joshi ke saath Baalveer ka naam judd gaya hai. (Dev Joshi’s name is now synonymous to Baalveer).

At the age of 20, you have been portraying this superhero role for years now. Do you live in the awareness to portray yourself in a certain way off-screen?

When the show started, there was no definition to the character that how Baalveer would be. Whatever I have portrayed, it was my parents’ influence on me as Dev Joshi. The creative team also gave their inputs. Whatever Dev Joshi did, it became Baalveer’s characteristics. I am the same in reel and real life. Since childhood, I have followed my parents’ teachings. Baalveer has magical powers and in real life too, I try to help people whenever needed. The goodness that Baalveer has, I also have that and I don’t have to maintain it. Today social media has become a huge addiction, I spread the message to kids in real life to stay away from that addiction. There’s a lot of negative influence of social media platforms too. I always try through my show and in real life to convince and spread this message to not fall for it.

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Do you feel the pressure of social media presence unlike other youngsters, who in their own way and capacity work towards certain number of followers?


I am not much on social media and I don’t feel the pressure. Mostly I am on my sets. When I do check my social media, I do reply to friends and fans’ messages on social media. I do connect with them and repost their creative work too. Somewhere today I feel the definition of social media presence has changed. People talk about social media followers in numbers, for me it means someone who understands and believes in my ideology and connect with me and somewhere they connect with me and know my life influences them. That’s how they follow me. I have around 9.5 lakh followers and I know they are my genuine followers and connect with me and try to change themselves the way I believe. I try to stay focus on my work and studies. I have been offered to gain followers in exchange of money. I have never been interested in such things. I want my work to bring a positive influence in society. I want people to give Baalveer’s example even after 10-12 years. That’s how I want people to remember me.

Tell us more about your interactions with fans and how you influence them from your personal capacity.


I do connect with fans on messages. Many times they connect with their personal issues, family problems, study related matters. I give them time whenever possible. Also, my family runs an NGO in Pune, we help the needy with food (that usually go to waste), clothes and other things required. I always work towards how to give it back to the society.

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How have you been managing studies and work simultaneously?


I was 7 when I started with Baalveer. I would shoot in Mumbai for 20 days and go back to Ahmedabad to study for 10 days. I am still studying under Gujarat University. At that time, my parents taught me how to manage both the things. I would study on the sets whenever I would get time. My mom would go to school and take notes from the teacher. Actually, my mother has studied more than me. I enjoyed the process as my parents wanted me to be engaged with co-curricular activities apart from studies. Since 3 years of age I have been into sports, painting, swimming and all.

How has Baalveer influenced your life?


Playing such a positive character always motivates me. As a human being, if I have ever been confused, Baalveer has shown me the right way. I have always understood the concept of helping the society and making other’s lives better.

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Playing one character since childhood for 9 years now, did it ever feel monotonous?


The show is quite different and has been a challenging one with new characters. Not only as an actor, I have also been actively involved in technical department and creative. Whenever I am not shooting, I also help the director and discuss shoot angles with them, which they also like and appreciate. I am interested as a filmmaker and learning the art of production. I also attend pre-production meetings. I am more than an actor in Baalveer.

Growing up as a child actor and living a busy life, did you ever feel missing out on a normal life?


Somewhere as an actor, yes I do miss. I remember I had only gone once to a friend’s place for two days when I was in 12th. During season 1 of Baalveer, there were many kids in the show, with whom I would spend my time. We studied, went to movies and trips together. We were in different standards, but we were a group of our own. I miss my school life but happy with whatever I have got.

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Do you take parental advice in financial matters?


Of course! I am very bad with numbers. My father manages all my finances as he also has his business. My parents take care of everything.

Things you wish to fulfill for yourself and family…


I want to take my parents on a trip and explore more places. I want to explore different cultures and history of countries. In lockdown, I studied some Greek and Chinese mythology and how it connects to us. My dream is to travel around the world with my parents. They have struggled a lot for me and I want to try my best to give it back to them.

 

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