My role is not based on Rahul Gandhi: '24' actor Neil

Actor Neil Bhoopalam, who plays a young politician in upcoming TV show '24', says though his character bears resemblance to Rahul Gandhi he is not portraying the Congress Vice-President on small screen.
Neil, who was seen in films 'No One Killed Jessica' and 'Shaitan', is essaying the role of a politician who is running for the post of Prime Minister.
'24' is an Indian television suspense drama based on the American series of the same name and stars big Bollywood names like Anil Kapoor and Anupam Kher.
"I am not playing Rahul Gandhi, but a bespectacled, young politician. It does seem to bear a resemblance to him (Rahul)... Resemblance is there. But I don't look like him and we have not borrowed from his life. When I was offered the role, I studied many political personalities from around the world like Martin Luther King, Barack Obama, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, among others," Neil told PTI.

Neil cleared the audition and is now happy to be part of what he calls a "path breaking" show on Indian television.
"Adapting a show like this on Indian television is a great thing. I am sure the show will be interesting and appeal to audiences. I feel proud to be part of a trendsetting show like this," he said.

The show, directed by Abhinay Deo of 'Delhi Belly' fame, is backed by a stellar cast. Besides Kapoor, Kher and Neil it has Mandira Bedi, Tisca Chopra, Anita Raaj, Ajinkya Deo, Shabana Azmi and Rahul Khanna.
"I don't have scenes with Anupam Kher. I have only shot with Anil Kapoor and Shabana Azmi. I was initially a bit anxious but later became comfortable. It was great to work with people having years of experience in the film industry," Neil said.

'24' will premiere on Colors next month.