We have seen many Bollywood actors like Aamir Khan and Shahrukh khan working on their body to give a different look to their respective roles. We have also seen popular actor kamal Hasan experimenting with his body either to pose a slim look or hefty look as per the requirement of the role. But, in Marathi cinema, we have hardly noticed any actor working so hard with his body to match with the role he is required to play. Only exception in the recent past being that of Atul Kulkarni, who really worked hard pumping his body with muscles to present himself as a real bodybuilder from a village.

Now, we will notice one more actor from Marathi film industry working hard on his body to build those six pack abs. Rajesh Shringarpure ( ‘Zenda’ fame) is seriously doing a workout in Gym to develop those six abs shape, as he is required to remain topless in his forthcoming film ‘Swarajya – Marathi Paul Padate Pudhe’. The talented actor struggled in Hindi as well as Marathi entertainment industry for almost twelve years. It was only after the release of controversial Marathi Film ‘Zenda’ that he actually came into limelight. Rajesh had played the role of a protagonist who walks out of the Political party formed by his beloved uncle, to form another political party; only because he does not get along well with his cousin. Since his character resembled with that of Raj Thackeray in real life, Rajesh became a hero overnight, after the release of this film.

Today, Rajesh is doing extremely well, with three Marathi and Two Hindi films lined up for release. Marathi Movie World spoke to this tall and handsome actor. This is what he has to say…

Q: Today, you are in the news for your efforts in developing six pack abs. Is that true?
A: Actually, we possess so many things which are suitable to us and some of them not suitable. When I signed for this film ‘Swarajya- Marathi paul Padate Pudhe’, I realised that I have to give a topless shot. When I seriously thought over it, I felt that I should first develop six pack abs, which would suit the most in that shot. So, I expressed my desire to the director and he encouraged me to undergo special training in the Gym. That’s all the truth behind this news.

Q: How did you actually work to achieve results ?
A: I was seriously doing my work out in the Gym and followed the instructions of my special trainer. All those tips were very beneficial related to my diet. I totally avoided junk food during this period and banked only on home made food.

Q: How did you survive during your period of struggle? You also got married during that period. Tell us something about that.
A: To be very honest, my struggle period is still going on. Prior to marriage my would be knew about my ambition to become an actor and realised that I was 100% focussed on this profession. She being an understanding and sensible woman, accepted it. There was a time, when after rising up from sleep, I used to think as to how I would to spend that day. Sometimes I used to work for 2-3 days continuously and after that there was no work. During this period, my wife not only supported but also encouraged me a lot.

Q: To become a popular hero of Marathi film, acting is the main criteria. Not much of importance is given towards looks and fitness. What’s your opinion ?
A: Hmmmm. As we notice in Bollywood, the heroes put in lot of efforts in building their body for a particular role, the same thing we don’t see it happen in Marathi film industry. I personally feel that if you are a committed actor, to fulfill the requirement of the role, one must work hard on his body. At least, I am doing it to suit the requirement of my role.

Q: You have simultaneously worked in Hindi as well as Marathi entertainment industry. What difference you notice between these two fields?
A:The main difference I noticed was that of Budget. There is a big difference in the amount you are paid for the job. Now, when you work on the sets of a Marathi film, you don’t realise that you are away from home; but when you work on the sets of Hindi film or serial, you just have to forget everything on the sets and just move home quickly. There is a lot of professionalism in Hindi and You are also treated in that manner.

Q: Some of your films like ‘Mee Amruta Boltey’ ‘Zenda’ and ‘Manyaa – The Wonder Boy’ were all action oriented films. Are you more inclined towards such type of films ?
A: Not exactly. Perhaps, suited to my personality, I get such type of roles. Action is just genre of such movies. But, there are other aspects too, which I am required to pay attention while performing such characters.

Q: How about performing in a comedy film ?
A: In fact, I made my debut through a comedy film. It was Ramoji Productions film ‘Bin Paishyacha Tamashaa’ where I performed along with Prasad Oak, Vijay Chavan and Amruta Subhash.

Q: Are you satisfied now, with the kind of roles you are playing and those signed for your forthcoming films?
A: All that I would say is that I am satisfied with the kind of roles offered to me now. Having performed in TV serials like ‘Anamika’, ‘Bhagyavidhata’, ‘Char Divas Sasuche’, ‘Saptapadi’ and ‘Tu Bhetashi Navyane’ and films like ‘Bin Paishyacha Tamashaa’, ‘Mee Amruta Boltey’, ‘Kas’, ‘Zenda’ and ‘Shambhu Majha Navsacha’ I felt satisfied.In fact, in ‘Shambhu Majha Navsacha’, I performed 13 different different characters and this has been recorded in the Limca and Guinness Book of records.

Q: Finally, tell us something about your forthcoming films.
A: ‘Swarajya- Marathi Paul Padate Pudhe’, ‘Matter’ and ‘One room Kitchen’ are my three Marathi films and ‘Ek Thi Raani Aisi Bhi’ and  ‘Aaja Gunah Kar Le’ two Hindi films which are now due for release. In ‘Swarajya- Marathi Paul Padate Pudhe’ I am playing a strong character of Ram Pathare, a self respected protagonist, who is proud to be a Maharashtrian.