Actress Puja Bharati Sharma, familiar to audiences from popular television shows like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and Choti Sarrdaarni, recently ventured into the realm of the supernatural for the series Bhay: The Gaurav Tiwari Mystery. The show delves into the work and legacy of India's famed paranormal investigator, the late Gaurav Tiwari. In a candid revelation, Puja has opened up about the emotionally charged and often eerie atmosphere on set during filming.
Navigating Haunted Narratives and Isolated Sets
In the series, Puja essays the role of Tara, a participant on a fictional reality program named Haunting with Haseenas. While the plot itself explores unexplained phenomena, the actress emphasized that the real intensity came from the actual shooting conditions. The production took place in remote, abandoned, and rundown locations, requiring the team to put in long hours in unfamiliar and isolating environments.
One particularly unsettling moment for Puja occurred during a solo scene shot with body cameras inside a kitchen set. "I still get goosebumps thinking about it. The atmosphere felt unusually heavy that day," she recounted. The feeling was so potent that she had to pause and check with the director if something was wrong. To counter the uneasy vibes and establish a positive tone, the crew performed a havan, a traditional Hindu ritual, before commencing the shoot.
A Terrifying Midnight Incident on Set
The most shocking event that left the entire cast and crew shaken happened during a night shoot around 4 AM. Puja describes the weather as completely still, with no wind or storm. Suddenly, without warning, a large tree uprooted itself and crashed directly onto the production's standby ambulance. Co-star Karan Tacker was also present during this frightening incident, which added a real-life jolt of fear to the paranormal narrative they were creating.
Camaderie Amidst the Creepy Chaos
Despite the demanding and sometimes spooky environment, Puja looks back on the experience with fondness. She especially cherished working with co-star Karan Tacker, calling it "wonderful." Although she did not share scenes with other cast members like Kalki Koechlin or Saloni Batra, the team bonded over shared dinners, discussing life, food, and travel. "That sense of camaraderie helped balance the intensity of the shoot," she noted, highlighting the human connection that offset the supernatural themes.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Career Trajectory
Following her Bollywood debut in Mission Grey House and an appearance in the vertical series Truth Serum Wife, Puja Bharati Sharma has her sights set on new horizons. She has already signed an upcoming OTT film, though details about the project are currently kept under wraps. Reflecting on her journey, the actress shared her philosophy: "I've learnt to focus on my work and stay positive." She concludes with a heartfelt sentiment, stating that the joy of watching herself on screen with her parents is a feeling that surpasses all else.
