Exclusive: Jamai No. 1’s Abhishek Malik on shooting for a mentally challenging sequence; says ‘I was not keeping well when I had to perform those high-intensity scenes’

Actor Abhishek Malik, currently playing the intense and layered role of Neel Paranjape in Jamai No. 1, recently shared with Times of India TV the emotional and physical toll of filming a particularly mentally challenging track in the show. The actor, known for his strong performances, opened up about juggling demanding scenes while being unwell and still pushing through to deliver his best.
In the current storyline, Abhishek’s character Neel is caught in a psychological battle orchestrated by his mother-in-law. “There’s always been a tashan between my character and my mother-in-law,” Abhishek explained. “She’s not happy that I’ve taken over as CEO and wants to prove I’m mentally unstable. She starts drugging me, giving me pills that worsen my anger.”

This manipulation escalates into an intense arc where Neel, under the influence of the medication, becomes increasingly aggressive—even turning violent. “In the upcoming episodes, the audience will see my character losing control—fighting, yelling, and even attempting to attack his beloved nani with a knife,” he said. “That’s when everyone fears he’s gone insane, but Neel himself is clueless about what’s happening to him.”
Reflecting on shooting those intense moments, Abhishek admitted, “Those three to four days were extremely tough. I wasn’t feeling well—I had a sore throat, was under the weather, and still had to bring that level of rage and emotional breakdown to life on camera.”

He further added, “It was mentally draining. Playing someone so out of control and aggressive isn’t easy, especially when it’s the opposite of your nature. But as an actor, I embraced the challenge. I think the scenes came out really well.”
Despite the difficulties, Abhishek is proud of how the sequence turned out and is excited for audiences to see the emotional rollercoaster unfold. “This track really pushed me as an actor. It was fun yet intense, and I’m glad it connected with the team. Now, thankfully, Neel doesn’t go to the asylum,” he laughed.