Someone has rightly said, “I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.” In the case of Siya Patil, she was a National level Volleyball player and a State level Basketball player. Yet she wanted to become a Police Inspector, but finally landed in this tinsel world of Marathi films. Daughter of a farmer, Siya comes from Rajewadi, a place from Sangli district, which also happens to be the place of late G. D. Madgulkar, popular Marathi poet and writer.
She completed her school and college education in Pune and after doing her Masters in Commerce, while she was doing her Diploma in Computers from Cummins, she was spotted by Dr. Shreeram Lagoo, who at that time watched one of her dance performances. Dr. Lagoo not only appreciated her skills but also advised her to join films, as he found her eyes very expressive. At that time, Siya had just kept that thought in her mind, as she was very much concerned about getting a job those days, to support her family, which was in distress. She even worked part-time at a Petrol Pump in Pune and worked as a faculty at a Computer Institute. She was very keen on becoming a Police Inspector and had even passed two tests after giving MPSC exam.
But, as they say, destiny had something else to offer this talented girl. Today, we see her in Marathi films and also in one of the ongoing serials on television. Marathi Movie world had a chit chat with Siya, to know more about her struggle and her present career.
Q: How come a girl with gifted sports talent, landed in Marathi film industry?
A: It’s all destiny. When I played Basketball and Volleyball at the State and National level about 8 years ago, there wasn’t much scope to gain financially. I belonged to a farmer’s family and therefore had to study hard and find a job first, to support my family. We were really going through hard times. So, I appeared for MPSC exams only to become a Police Inspector. I was very good in dancing, but never knew that one day I would be able to enter this profession. But, again, meeting the right people at the right time, to enter this industry.
Q: How it happened ?
A: I received an offer from Mr. Yashwant Bhalkar for his film ‘Ghe Bharari’ and then
the journey began with ‘Navra Avali Bayko Lovely’ to follow.
Q: How many projects you have in hand now ?
A: Presently, I am doing a TV serial ‘Waras’ and have completed films like ‘Pakyabhai’, ‘Dhoom To Dhamaal’, ‘Four Idiots’ and ‘Mohaan Aawatey’ which is due for release shortly.
Q: What is so special about Mohaan Aawatey ?
A: In this film, I am playing Gauri – a flower vendor, who is loved by the leading man. It’s basically a Male oriented film, but I have three songs in it with about 15-16 scenes sufficient enough to give my best. And, I am happy with it.
Q: Would you be interested to play a character based on sports ?
A: Yes, why not? In fact, that will help me a lot to explore my potential. I have done this kind of role in ‘Chal Dharpakad’, but it was limited to a kabaddi match though I played a doctor.
Q: You are also a popular Model. Which are the brands you have worked for ?
A: I started with WIPRO and then performed for a Leather Range show. Then I was a model for a Saree brand besides few other products including Alfa Gas water heater.