Not very long ago a chocolate faced young boy from Pune shifted to Mumbai, as he had few films in hand and also some assignments for television serials. Today, he is a well established actor. Be it television, films or stage, Subodh Bhave has always given equal importance to every medium, totally getting involved into the characters he played. We have seen his maturity through some of his recent appearances in films like ‘Kon Aahe Re Tikade’, ‘Raanbhool’ and a popular TV serial ‘Kulavadhu’. Some of his forthcoming releases are ‘Jhale Mokale Aakash ‘ and much talked about ‘Haapus’..

MMW spoke to Subodh on this occasion. Excerpts from an interview :

Subodh Bhave Q: What is that special quality in Subodh Bhave, which invites praise from senior artistes?
A: It could be my honesty or may be my constant struggle to attempt at something different every time. Frankly speaking, I always admire my senior co-artistes and love to learn something from them.

Q: How is Subodh Bhave off screen ? Is he a reserved person or socializing with new friends?
A: I am not at all a reserved person but always love to be friendly with all. Now, how much time it may take to be friendly with them, nothing can be said about that; but
once a friend, I can guarantee about its long existence.

Q: We have also seen you as an Anchor for Kitchen programmes on TV . Do you really enjoy doing such kitchen based programmes and how much are you interested in different food recipes ?
A: To be very honest, I really enjoy playing an anchor for such programmes. Unfortunately, I am a very poor cook. I am still unable to prepare a cup of tea. But, I enjoy tasting different recipes and that’s the reason I am there in this programme. I just love the food , especially vegetarian cooked for me by others.

Q: How was your experience performing in historical classical stage play like ‘Kattyar Kaljaat Ghusli and especially directing the same ?
A: Performing in this play itself was an amazing experience. It was almost after 12 long years, I was directing a play and that too a classical based. Obviously, there was pressure building up prior to the inaugural show, as this drama which had become so popular in the past. I had a doubt whether I will be able to give justice; but, luckily the play is receiving a good response. Now, after directing this play, I would certainly be interested in directing a film. Hope to find an opportunity soon.

Q: Will you be missing your co-stars , as ‘Kulvadhu’ has now come to an end ?
A: Certainly, I miss them a lot. For three years we all worked together. For me, ‘Kulavadhu’ was special, as it offered me my first role in the lead on television.

Q: Tell us something about your role in ‘Haapus’ ? Are you playing a protagonist ?
A: I am playing Ajit- a typical youngster from Konkan, who fights hard for the rights of a farmer who actually grows the Haapus crop. In this film neither me nor anyone else play the lead role, as it is only ‘Haapus’ who plays the lead.

Q: You played a fun loving character in ‘Kon Aahe Re Tikade’, then a negative role of a psychic person in ‘Raan bhool’ and now a totally different role in ‘Haapus’. How challenging was this new role ?
A: For me, every role is challenging, as for different characters I have to be different. Moreover, there is variety in every films story and the people around you are also different. Subodh Bhave in Hapus

Q: Do you believe that to give your best, you need to have equally strong artistes around you ?
A: Yes, I truly believe in what you have said. A film is never a one man show. Till now, whatever films and serials I have performed in, there has been a great contribution coming from my co-artistes and also the technical team. It was only because of such lovely surrounding I had, I could give my best.
Q: How important is director in extracting the best out of the artiste?
A: Yes, the director plays a very important role, as he is the one who is so well connected with the actual script. How and when to use a particular character, only he knows it well.

Q: Why should ‘Haapus’ be a hit film ? Give us some positive points that would make this film hit ?
A- There is one strong reason for ‘Haapus’ to be a hit, as the name of the film says it all. As it is, ‘Haapus’which arrives once in a year, wins the heart of everyone whoever tastes it. Another advantage for the film is its script and last but not the least, the entire team of  ‘Haapus’ would certainly make it victorious.