I wouldn’t pay that bill if I was you!
Dev Sagoo is an actor, known for a variety of roles on British television including: Beautiful People (1999), My Son the Fanatic (1997), The Assam Garden (1985) and Citizen Kahn (2014). But to you and me he is best known for his role as the Indian Waiter in the classic episodes Diamonds are for Heather and Healthy Competition.
Recently I was lucky enough to catch up with Dev, to find out a little bit more about the man behind Del’s curries, including what it was like to star in the show and what he has been up to since.
Me: Dev, on behalf of the fans, thank you for allowing me to conduct this short interview with you. We’ll start off with your role in Only Fools and Horses.
Me: How exactly did that come about?
Dev: I had a phone call from my agent saying that they need to see me so I went along for interview. Ray Butt was there and what a pleasant chap he was! I was shaking as it was such a big thing to be asked to be seen for such a mega show.
Me: What was it like to star in the show?
Dev: In one word? Overwhelming.
Me: Are there any tales you can remember from behind the scenes?
Dev: Read through everyone sitting around the table. Extremely professional rehearsal process. They painstakingly crossed all the t’s dotted all the i’s just to get motivation right. But when they laughed they laughed during the making of it. Oh how we all corpsed!
One I won’t forget is when a stand comedian was late due to traffic. Camera’s needed to roll on time. So David Jason, in his costume, went out front to warm up the audience. Then he went into his character and continued recording!
Me: What is your favourite episode and why?
Dev: The expensive chandelier one. It has to be as so much was ‘hinged’ on it to be right.
Me: Do you still keep in touch with any of the actors?
Dev: Sadly no. this is name of our game. We all get close whilst filming etc. then off one goes into oblivion sometimes!
Me: Do you still get recognised as the character?
Dev: Oh yes, I have people coming up to me for signature on picture of my character. That shows their dedication. I feel humbled. As I was moved and honoured by you requesting this interview. Jordan, I take this opportunity to thank you!
Me: What have you been up to since?
Dev: Loads & loads. My film Amar Akbar & Tony is due out in cinema’s on 17th April. I’m currently working on a film script alongside writer Shakila Maan & Director Henry Foster. And am also directing a stage play of Bram Stoker: Dracula. I have passionately gone into Directing although acting is my love. Ssshh my wife doesn’t know this lol.
Me: What can we look forward to seeing in the future from you?
Dev: I am writing a novel, based on historical backdrop with fiction weaved throughout. About the decline of British Raj in India and the partition of two countries. Which one day I hope will be a mega movie, since Gandhi? Someone once told me to aim high. I think that’s high enough, don’t you think?
By Jordan Gale,
With thanks to Dev Sagoo.
Twitter: @JordanGale94
oh my god this is so funny. he is actually my english/ drama teacher at my school and is going on doctor who. this is just too funny
he is now my teacher but apparently he is leaving to go on the show Emmerdale