For some people, life goes on happily with whatever profession they have chosen out of personal interest. They just wait for the right time and opportunity to prove their worth, so as to be accepted by one and all. Nandu Madhav who chose the acting profession 25 years ago, did perform on stage and received acclaim for his performance, but to get the recognition of a lead actor in films, he had to wait for 25 years. With the release of ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’ he has suddenly shot into fame.

As a committed actor, I kept on performing, whether on stage or in films with sincerity through whatever roles offered to me and preferred to wait for a major role, till I was asked to play this role of Dadasaheb Phalke.’ says this simple and obedient actor from Goregaon , Mumbai. Marathi Movie world caught up with Nandu Madhav on the first day of the release of his film ‘Harischandrachi factory’. Excerpts from an interview :

Q: How did you prepare yourself to play the character of Dadasaheb Phalke ?
A : From my point of view, when I took up this role, I tried to measure the character with its length and breadth in History. There were certain characteristics of Dadasaheb, which I were to enact as per the facts but there was ample scope for certain other things besides acting. Like, if I were given two pairs of spectacles, at least, it was possible for me to use their placements. Moreover, understanding what kind of treatment the director wants to give to the film, an actor like me had to make alterations, suggested by the director. After all, he is the man who had perceived this idea and every decision of his was to be respected.

Q: Tell us something about your educational background and your other activities besides being an actor ?
A: I spent my childhood in Beed district of Maharashtra and completed my graduation in science and law from Aurangabad. I didn’t do my internship in law as I wasn’t interested in practicing law. Instead, I chose the acting profession. And, since then till date, I have remained loyal to this profession.

Q: We heard a lot about your performance in stage play ‘Wada Chirebandi’. Even heard your co-star praising a lot about your performance in this play. Tell us something more about the role you played ?
A: Actually, ‘Waada Chirebandi’ was in three parts. The two parts that followed made the play stretched to 9 hours, showing the continuity. Fortunately for me, I was the only actor who got an opportunity to play my role in all the three parts. It showed my character attaining old age in the last part. It was a great pleasure performing in this play.

Q: For a full time actor like you must have experienced a time to take a break. What have you attempted during such period ?
A: During the break period, I only diverted my activity by making short films. I even did a Indian film for French film producer, besides doing few Hindi films like ‘Darpan Ke Peechay’, ‘Jis desh Mein Ganga Rehta Hai’ and ‘Daayara’. That was only the change I experienced. But, I did not switch over to any other profession.

Q : Any memorable moments during and after completion of ‘Harishchandrachi Factory’?
A: Every day was memorable for me while shooting for this film. There were some happy moments in the form of compliments that I received from people, while the film was shown at different festivals. In Calcutta, after watching this film, Saumitra Chatterjee came and hugged me after the show, appreciating the performances and the film. So many well known critics interacted with our team, on this topic; particularly, as to how the medium can be used effectively to communicate with the audience.

Q: Has Nandu Madhav as an actor suddenly shot into fame, after release of ‘Harishchandrachi factory’ ?
A: You may say so; but as an actor I am committed to this profession since 1985. May be, with my experience as an actor on stage and films, I was picked up for this coveted lead role . I just did my duty with sincerity. And, that itself has brought the change.

Q: So, can we expect that Nandu Madhav will be flooded with offers from both in Marathi and Hindi film producers ?
A: Hope so.