By Eddah Waithaka
From the theatre stage to the gritty underworld of TV crime drama, Bhavnesh ‘Bhav’ Chudasama is stepping into his boldest role yet.
The rising star, known for his powerful performances in Kenyan theatre and his breakout role in the Kalasha nominated psychological drama, Subterranea, is turning heads as Kareem, a ruthless villain in Mizani.
He has also starred in many critically acclaimed plays such as 2025’s The Trial of Dedan Kimathi and John Sibi Okumu’s Kaggia.In this exclusive, Bhav opens up about his career, and why playing bad might just be his best move yet.
Fans last saw you on Subterranea in 2024. How has life been ever since?
That was my first TV show, and it really opened doors for me. There was so much more appreciation after that. I even got to be an extra in Crazy Kennar’s My Name is Omosh, which was such a cool experience.
But I’m a theatre kid through and through. I went back to the stage. I got to star in The Trial of Dedan Kimathi where I played four characters: a British soldier, a lawyer, an Indian banker and another soldier.
It was such a great experience working with greats like Bilal Mwaura and Lydia Gitachu.I also go to work on Vienyeji Pro Max, which is an adaptation by Gadwill Odhiambo of Molière’s satire ‘Les Précieuses Ridicules’ (The Pretentious Young Ladies) and John Sibi Okumu’s Kaggia. Theatre is always home for me.
How did Subterranea happen for you?
You know, I’d say it’s just hard work, dedication and sheer dumb luck. More than 10 years ago, I met Likarion Wainaina while we were starring in the theatrical version of Aladdin. I was Abu, Aladdin’s best friend, and Likarion was the genie. Most people don’t even know he acts.
We stayed in touch, and eventually, that connection led to Subterranea. It was good getting back on set with him. I also got to meet Brian Munene at the same time as Likarion. So that was pretty cool.
Thanks to Subterranea, someone saw me on the show, and they are like, hey, we need to get this kid on our set. Here I am.
What was your first reaction when you got the role in Mizani?
Funny story, in 2024 I had just told a friend that I wanted to play a gangster, a proper bad guy who doesn’t care about anything. So, when I read the script, I was like, wow, the universe is listening because I am getting exactly what I asked for.
How was it working with director Janet Chumber on Mizani?
I loved working with Janet. We vibed instantly. She is like Likarion in that she makes you feel completely at ease. You step on set and she’s like, “This is your space, own it.” That kind of trust? Amazing.
How do you prepare to play Kareem in Mizani?
I went straight to the classics. I binged The Sopranos and The Godfather trilogy to find that inner darkness.
My favorite scene so far involved my character “having some fun” with someone he’d captured before finishing them off. Getting to totally release myself and become Kareem in that moment was an incredible rush.
Who was the biggest joke on set?
Jack ‘Hulk Shira’ Mutinda, who plays Solo. He is ten times bigger than me. In real life, if I messed with him, you would never see my face again. But on set, he is a total joker and lets me banter with him.
Watch out Jack, I’m coming for you!What were your highlights working on the Mizani set?That’s actually a difficult question. I’ll tell you why. First, the locations we have.
Who doesn’t want to shoot in Mombasa?
So, the locations we had, the props, you know how they make everything a bit more real. Now, my character’s caveat is that he’s always in a club.
He’s always in an abandoned warehouse, guns and everything. So, every time I got to play him in any scene, it was the most memorable scene.
Pick your poison: Mombasa heat or Nairobi traffic?
Mombasa Heat. Mombasa Heat because you can take off your clothes. In Nairobi traffic, you cannot get your car off the street, guys.
Describe Mizani using emojis?
🔫💰⚖️The gun, the money and weighing scales If your character had a theme song, what would it be? It would be the Pink Panther theme because I’m always up to some tomfoolery.
What’s your favorite food?
Rice and beans.
