A graduate in Social Sciences and Sociology from Pune’s Fergusson College, Ashutosh Kulkarni came to Mumbai only to become an actor. Before that he was active with Pune’s experimental theatre and also performed at the State level competitions. When he first came to this tinsel town, he started taking keen interest on other aspects of stage, i.e lighting technical matters and even direction. He even worked as assistant director to Cinematographer- director Sanjay Jadhav, for the film ‘Checkmate‘ to get the feel of camera and floor movements. ‘Goshta Eka Lagnachi’, ‘Duniyadari‘ and ‘Peshwai‘ were some of the shows through which he got exposure and then through Zee Marathi’s TV serial ‘Asambhav’, he received special attention. Ashutosh learnt his real acting lessons from Satish Rajwade, who was the director of ‘Asambhav’.
“Satish Rajwade is like a school of acting and there is a lot to learn from him, while he directs you,” says Ashutosh, while recollecting some of the special moments he shared in his company. He also does not forget to mention about Shrirang Godbole and Smita Talwalkar, because of whom he got his timely break on television. While working in Marathi, Ashutosh also had an opportunity to be part of a Hindi TV show ‘Bure Bhi Hum Bhale Bhi Hum’. “It was a good experience to work in Hindi,” he says.
There is not a single opportunity he has missed, when it was time for anchoring any programme or show.
“I enjoy playing that role as I feel very comfortable as an anchor,” he says with a smile. As regards his entry into films, soon, you will see him in a new Marathi film ‘Koni Mulgi Deta Ka Mulgi’, directed by Ashok Karlekar.” Having focused himself totally into this profession, he too has his own ambition of setting up his own production house one day. Whatever this young actor does, it is with full conviction. “I don’t do anything halfway and then leave it. If I take up any work, I try to complete it first, before jumping at other. It was for this reason, while I was preparing for my exams, there were no acting commitments. During that period, I was totally engrossed with my studies.” he says.
In the recent past, we have seen Ashutosh confidently performing every character, whether it was a supportive boy friend in ‘Kasturi‘ opposite Sai Ranade Sane, an ambitious and understanding friend in ‘Anubandh‘ opposite Saie Tamhankar, or as Ajay Raje Shankarshet in Star Pravah’s ‘Goshta Eka Lagnachi’ opposite Urmila Kanetkar; he has always been at ease, doing such roles. His serial ‘Lek Ladaki Hya Gharchi’ is also doing well on E-TV.
Ashutosh is now playing a more challenging lead role in the character of Vikram opposite another talented actress Rujuta Deshmukh in Mi Marathi’s popular ongoing serial ‘Tu Bhetashi Navyane’. In this serial he is in the company of versatile senior actors like Vikram Gokhale, Madhu Kambikar, Pradeep Velankar and now Sharad Ponkshe; who has also been added to the caste. “I enjoy every moment while shooting for this serial. Right from the producer, director, co-artistes to technicians; they are truly professional,” he compliments.
Observing him perform confidently and with ease in the company of big artistes, it becomes clear that he is ‘an actor to watch’ in the coming years. Being very polite, friendly with all approach and considering himself still in the learning process, are some of his good qualities that will take him to greater heights in the long run.
