13 year old Hansraj Jagtap, a student of Champavati Vidyalaya, Beed was picked up during the auditions from among hundreds of children for the most important role of Krishna, in the award winning film ‘Dhag‘ directed by Shivaji Lotan Patil. The film also stars Usha Jadhav, who has bagged national award for best actress. She plays the mother of Hansraj in this film; while Upendra Limaye plays his poor father, whose house runs on the earnings of the last rites at the only crematorium in the small village of Maharashtra.
Even before the official release of his film ‘Dhag‘, Hansraj has bagged the Best child actor award at the recent ‘Ma Ta Sanman awards'; besides the film bagging six awards in different categories, including best film. Hansraj came into limelight, when his name was specially mentioned by the Jury while announcing the National awards. His performance has already been acclaimed by critics, while the film was screened at three different festivals during the past few months. The official release of his film will take place during the month of may 2013. Marathi Movie World spoke to Hansraj to congratulate him on his achievements. And the talented actor did speak at length about his experience after winning the award.
“I had just returned from Mumbai, after receiving the Ma Ta Sanman for best child actor in the film ‘Dhag’. The celebrations at home and school were going on; when I received another good news. I was at the school writing my exams . and when I returned home, my mother served me sweet dish ( Sheera) while father came home from his office with a box of Sweets (Pedhas). On TV news channels, they were talking only about the film ‘Dhag’ and other achievers at the national level. Finding my name in the ‘Special mention’ announced by Jury; was itself a big honour for me.” he reacted.
What next? And, he quickly responds, stating that he had just finished his 9th standard exams and was preparing himself to proceed to Kolhapur and Solapur during vacation, for the shooting of a new Marathi film ‘Kartavya‘. Hansraj has just been signed for this film, based on his performance in ‘Dhag’. It may be mentioned that the entire story of ‘Dhag’ revolves around his character of Krishna, who doesn’t want to carry forward his traditional family work at the crematorium. But, circumstances force him to do that work, during teenage. Luckily for Hansraj, he could find such a strong role on his debut in films.
If ‘Dhag‘ finds its entry for Oscars, being a path breaking film, with universal theme; Hansraj will go a long way. When Hansraj was asked about this possibility, he just wished for the same. Last year , after completing the shooting of ‘Dhag’, Hansraj was back to his routine at his native town, attending school and playing his favourite game of cricket with his friends. But, for the past one month; he is seriously thinking about his acting career. Now, next academic year being most crucial for him; accepting new roles in films simultaneously, will be like walking a tightrope. But, Hansraj likes to take up challenges. With his outstanding performance in film ‘Dhag’, he certainly stands tall in the field of acting.
Finally, when asked about the best Marathi film he watched in the recent past, he mentioned about ‘Jogwa’. His favourite cricketer is Sachin Tendulkar. The day is not far, when Sachin will sit next to him to watch his film. “I am grateful to the makers of this film, the director, assistant directors and all the artistes, for their motivation during the shooting of this film.” he concludes.
Marathi Movie World extends best wishes to Hansraj and sincerely hopes that he and ‘Dhag‘ both get nominations for Oscars.