Those who are watching ‘Agnihotra’ serial would agree that the character of Neel invites the attention of viewers for his ideology and maturity displayed at a young age, while facing difficult situations in life. His pairing with Saee has been well accepted by today’s youngsters. Not many are aware of their first Hindi film ‘Humne Jeena Seekh Liya’ released few years ago, where they played teenage lead pair, shown as school students, with ‘love at first sight’. Siddharth and Mrinmayee did perform together also on stage during college competitions in ‘Popati Chowkat’ while in Pune and with ‘Agnihotra’ they have just done a hat-trick. Siddharth also has one more play ‘Athrava’ and a film ‘Kavadse’ to his credit.
MMW spoke to Siddharth Chandekar on the first day of the new year, to wish him success and the talented youngster was more than happy to chit chat with us.
Q: Hi Siddharth! With the new year taking off, how do you visualize your progress in Marathi film industry ?
A: I only wish that the progress that we expect from Marathi films during this new year, I should also be a part of it. With whatever contribution I make from my side for the growth of Marathi film industry, it will only double my happiness.
Q: We understand that you are playing an important role in Avadhoot Gupte’s ‘Zenda’,
which is due for release shortly. Tell us something about this character and how were you selected for this role ?
A: Watching my performance in ‘Agnihotra’ serial, Avadhoot Sir’s assistant informed me that they would like to cast me for the role of Umesh Jagtap, a young dedicated political party worker from Mumbai. I agreed to play that role. Umesh Jagtap is one such character on whom there is a great impact of the changing political scenario in the state. I felt that there was big challenge to perform this character in this political thriller.
Q: So, can we expect Siddharth doing such challenging roles in Hindi or Marathi in near future ?
A: Yes, provided the role is good.As long as there is enough scope for my character to create that desired impact through the film’s script, I wouldn’t mind accepting such roles.
Q. Watching your serial ‘Agnihotra’ we always have that feeling of observing real life characters in natural costumes. Who takes the decision for costumes to be worn by each performer?
A: Ms. Geeta Godbole wife of Shrirang Godbole, the producer; takes the decision. And so far, her choice has worked very well.
Q: Tell us at least one memorable moment on the sets of ‘Agnihotra’?
A: This happened when we shot non stop for 40 hours at our historical Wada. No one thought that we were shooting. It was just like a real life family gathering, with almost all the artistes together. We all had a great time during that period.
