Sanjeev Bhaskar has revealed that he was disoriented as he filmed Indian Summers – having to get into character as soon as he got off the plane.

The Goodness Gracious Me star flew to Malaysia for the shoot, and found himself on the set of the Channel 4 drama after the long flight.

Sanjeev Bhaskar in Indian Summers
Sanjeev as Dr Kamble (Channel 4)

“It was nuts. Because of the timing issues, the only way it was going to work was for me to fly out to Penang on the day that I was filming,” he recalled.

“I can’t sleep on planes so it was a 17-hour journey overnight. I arrived at Penang airport and went straight into make-up, then straight into costume, then straight onto set where they were already shooting scenes. I was so disoriented I didn’t know where I was but it was amazing!”

Julie Walters stars in Indian Summers (Channel 4/Joss Barratt)
Julie Walters stars in Indian Summers (Joss Barratt/C4)

Sanjeev, who plays Dr Kamble, enjoyed working with Julie Walters (Cynthia Coffin) on the episode, which will air on Sunday (March 15).

“Julie Walters, who I’ve met many times but never worked with, is a terrific actress. If someone could clone her she should be on every film or TV set, she’s such a fantastic presence – calming, reassuring, fun,” he said.

He added: “It’s such a talented young cast that I was quite bowled over by them. I was impressed by their focus and dedication and they also made me feel very welcome. It was also a joy to work with (director) Jamie Payne again.”

The 51-year-old, who will next star in ITV drama Unforgotten, has been shooting a Goodness Gracious Me special, which will air later this year.