Neha Joshi on reuniting with Aayudh Bhanushali for Atal: Our on-screen bond reflects our real-life bond

Sometimes, destiny plays a hand in creating unforgettable onscreen pairings. A case in point: Neha Joshi and Aayudh Bhanushali are playing mother and son for the third time. After Dr BR Ambedkar and Doosri Maa, the duo is reuniting for Atal, a show that will take a five-year leap.
Aayudh says, “I started my acting career with Aai (Neha Joshi). Not many know I call her ‘Aai’ offscreen too because she’s like a mother to me.She’s caring and supportive. Aai always listens to my questions and gives me feedback to ensure we deliver our scenes well. Our off-screen discussions strengthen our onscreen chemistry. We’ve had so much fun together on past shows, and we’re excited to create more memories on the set of Atal.”
Reflecting on their bond, Neha says, “Aayudh was just seven years old when played Baba Saheb. Portraying such a significant figure for a young boy was a huge task. However, he is a born actor with a deep understanding of the craft. Hamaara rishta acting ka hai jo personal level par jaa kar phir acting par aa jaata hai. Whatever you see on screen reflects our real-life bond.”
Their connection is so strong that Aayudh’s real mother, Deepa, is in awe of it. Neha shares, “When Deepa visits the set, she says, ‘Lo sambhaalo apne bete ko, tum dekhoiski diet. Tum bataao tumhaari sunta hai’. She always jokes that we must have been mother and son in a past life because both of us do a lot of masti and are quite alike. We love laughing and having fun together, but once the camera is on, nothing distracts us.”
She adds with a laugh, “Working with Aayudh sometimes makes me nervous. Children have this innocent way of delivering scenes effortlessly, and I always feel like I’m trying to keep up with him. He’s so good that, at times, I find myself thinking, ‘How could he do it?’. However, during emotional scenes, it’s Aayudh who grounds me like a seasoned co-actor. He is only 11 now, but even two years ago, he’d reassure me, saying, ‘Aai, sit down. I am here with you,’ while holding my hands.”
Despite the conclusion of their first show, Neha and Aayudh have stayed in close contact, frequently catching up via video calls. Neha fondly calls, “On his birthday last year, I asked him what he wanted, and he said a pair of athleisure shoes. So, I bought them for him. When he wore them, he proudly showed me and said, ‘Aai dekho aapke wale joote pehene hain’. It wasn’t just the shoes that made him happy; it was the fact that I had given him something. I still have a little note from him that says, ‘To Aai from Aayudh’, signed by him. I keep it tucked in the back of my phone case.”

Their reunion for Atal brought both excitement and a bit of apprehension for Neha. The actress recalls, “When we met again for the new show, Aayudh seemed so mature, almost like a different person. I was a bit scared, wondering if he had changed and how that would affect our dynamic both on and offscreen. Maine socha bachhe jab badal jaate hain toh maon ko kya lagta hoga. However, the next day, during costume trials, his playful side came back. I told his mom, ‘Thank God, he’s still the same boy!” Maayein nahi badalti hain aur shaayad unke saath bete bhi puraane ho jaate hain (smiles).”

Neha concludes by sharing how meaningful this relationship is to her. “For me, art isn’t just work – it’s my passion. And to have Aayudh, who understands and shares that passion, by my side, is truly special. He respects me deeply, and we share a bond that’s friendly, affectionate, and effortless, so there are no inhibitions when we play mother and son. Jaise woh apni maa ke gale lagta hai ussi tarah mere bhi gale lagta hai. We completely surrender to our characters.”