Like any other committed actor, acting is his passion. For the past several years, Prasad Oak has been performing through all the three mediums of acting, i.e. stage, television and films. In the recent past, his ‘Aaltun Paaltun’ had gained popularity on Marathi stage. For Home television lovers, as a show anchor he has reached the popularity heights, while listening to the grievances of more than 500 families in Maharashtra through the famous TV show ‘Bhanda Saukhyabhare’. And, through his variety of performances in Marathi films, he his heading towards century, with release of 70 films so far and four films in hand.

Marathi Movie World spoke to Prasad Oak, who like a perfect PR man, immediately responded to our request for an interview, unlike few other popular stars, who keep asking for time. But, Prasad was more than courteous to speak about his 21 year long career in acting. We are all aware that as a young boy, he had invited all the attention during his school and college days in Pune. Prasad directed many one act plays and later worked as an assistant director, besides acting.

Today, Prasad is among the popular actors in Marathi entertainment industry. On many occasions such as award functions, he is unnecessarily made the target with jokes cracked
on him. In fact, he being chosen as a target by some of his colleagues, who played anchors at Award functions, has only indicated his rising popularity in this Marathi entertainment industry. But, on few occasions, it became too personal. And therefore, this otherwise cheerful actor had to respond, expressing his reaction against the mischief makers.

Having played a variety of roles in different Marathi films, Prasad is now awaiting eagerly for the release of his forthcoming film ‘Aik’, which is an action packed horror film. In this film, Prasad is playing an important role and is all praise for new director Prateek Kadam, who, he feels has handled this subject very well. “We have very few films in Marathi, which contain suspense filled with horror. This film will certainly hold the audience to their seats. It has been shot with a new C 300 Camera, which will display its visual quality, required for such type of a film,” he says. Known for his comedy roles, in the recent past, Prasad has also been part of a suspense filled mystery film ‘Tee Ratra’ and he certainly invited all the attention in that role, he played.

Talking about his love for stage, Prasad seemed to be slightly disappointed, as the shows of his ongoing play ‘Aaltun Paltun’ have stopped. But, he is looking forward to make a comeback. “I will not stop performing on stage. It’s my first love. Very soon, by August or September you will see me back on stage,” he says confidently.

Having directed a Marathi film and well aware of the advertising required for promoting a Marathi film, Prasad is of the opinion that for a Rs.1 Crore budget film, the film maker should make provision of 35% of the budget, towards publicity and marketing of the film. When asked, as to how important was Public relations for a Marathi actor, he said, “In today’s time, it is the most important factor. It’s the need of the hour. Personally, I am myself paying more attention on PR.”

Prasad’s TV programme ‘Bhanda Saukhyabhare’ has further enhanced his public contacts. “Through this programme, I have myself learned so many things, while sharing the emotion filled experiences of others,” he admits.

At present, Prasad has four films in hand. After release of ‘Aik’, he will be looking forward to Tanaji Ghadge’s ‘Gajarachi Pungi’, ‘Satya’, Mandar Deosthali’s ‘Dhating Dhingana’ and Shekhar Sartandel’s much awaited film ‘Nirmalya’. ‘The tongue has no bone and it wiggles more against the celebrities than the common man’. Prasad is undoubtedly a celebrity and it’s obvious that some of his so called friends from this industry would try to pull his legs. Whenever he is not performing, Prasad enjoys watching films and also finds time to read books. Marathi Movie World wishes him all the best.