After the release of latest Marathi film ‘Khel Mandala’, Mangesh Desai has shot into limelight. For the past 17 years, he has been struggling to establish his identity as an actor. Only last year, he established himself as a comedian, through a TV reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’ on Zee Marathi channel. With rich experience of stage and television, Mangesh did enter Marathi films few years ago, but he was branded as a comedian. Now, the character of Dasu, he played in ‘Khel Mandala’ has made a big difference to a committed actor within him. Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented actor. Excerpts from the interview:

Q: Today, you are a recognized actor; but, when exactly you realized that you could make a career in acting ?
A: Actually, I took this decision, while I was studying in 12th standard. At that time, I had won the Best actor’s award in the preliminary rounds of Purshottam Shield, held in Aurangabad. But, since my father insisted that I should first complete my graduation, I obliged him and came to Mumbai after that to make a career in this field.

Q: Did you struggle those days?
A: Yes, there was struggle initially. But, when you jump into the sea, you have to swim according the flow of water.

Q: For the past how many years you are swimming in this sea; I mean into this profession and how has been the experience?
A: I have completed 17 years in this field; during which period I have performed in 10 Dramas. The most popular was ‘Jaoo bai Joraat’. Thereafter, I did many TV serials, but those which are still fresh in my memory are ‘Political’, ‘Vasudha’, ‘Sanj Savlya‘, ‘Oon Paus’and ‘Avantika‘. Then, it was
‘Fu Bai Fu’, followed by more films. I have done about 42 films since 2004, out of which in 24 films, I have played lead roles. In other films, though I played character roles, they were all important, like the ones played in ‘Huppa Huiyya’ and ‘Topi Ghala Re’.

Q: Tell us something about ‘Khel Mandala’.
A: I started working on this film in 2010. At that time, myself and Viju Mane were doing another film. He felt that instead of comedy, I should perform a serious role. When he decided to make ‘Khel Mandala’, and narrated the script to me; he had no other hero in his mind, besides me. He told me clearly that for 2 and half months I should not be working on any other project and I agreed to it, as I felt that it was the best role offered to me so far. The kind of feedback I received after the release of the film from people was, “It was so natural!”.

Q: What are the projects in hand at present ?
A: At present I am busy working in a film, to which I had committed long back. It’s a political satire. It’s the story revolving around two Village Sarpanch. I am one of them and Resham Tipnis plays the other. There are also other popular stars like Santosh Juvekar & Neha Pendse.

Q: Where are you more comfortable. Playing comedy or serious roles?
A: Playing comedy is difficult. Because, you have to keep in mind several things like perfect timing and not to overdo the act. Even performing serious roles is equally difficult, to ensure that it does not become a melodrama. It is very important to see that the audience is totally engaged into the act performed. I am more comfortable with serious kind of roles.

Q: To enter this profession and then survive here, what you consider the most important ? Talent or Good public relations ?
A: First of all, the most important requirement is talent. But, if you can combine it well with your attitude and PR, it works better. Other important thing is destiny. If, destiny is not in your favour, nothing is possible.