Few years ago, he was in UK doing his Masters in ‘Wild Life Conservation’. The feeling of loneliness brought him back to India and he really started thinking seriously about ‘acting’ as his career. Hemant Dhome was not new to this field, as he had performed at the Inter collegiate level before, while he studied in Garware College, Pune.
Besides acting, Hemant was also passionate about writing. His association with friends like Sameer Vidhwans and Kshitij Patwardhan, prompted him to do a play ‘Nava Gadee Nave Rajya’ which became a hit within six months of its release and won many awards. Hemant was also adjudged the best supporting actor, for his wonderful performance in this play, which also brought him into limelight. It may be recalled that Hemant was also part of the film ‘Kshanbhar Vishranti’ where he not only played the role of one of the four friends, but was also involved into screenplay writing of this film along with Sachit Patil, who directed this film, besides acting. Hemant was also part of writing, for the film ‘Satarangee Re’.

Now, we find him in the lead role in Gautam Joglekar’s new film ‘Jai jai Maharashtra Majha’ opposite Anusha Dandekar. The film is all set for release on Friday.

25th May all over Maharashtra. Marathi Movie world spoke to Hemant, a day before the release of this film. Excerpts from an interview:
Hemant Dhome

Q: First of all, hearty Congratulations! We heard the good news of your marriage to Kshiti, who also belongs to your field.
A: Oh! Thanks a lot.

Q: So, how do you feel today, Hemant ? Tomorrow , your film ‘Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha’ is all set for release.
A: I am excited. But, at the same time, I am little nervous, thinking, as to how the audience would respond to my performance. It is a big project of Gautam dada and I am glad to be a part of this film, that too in the lead role.

Q: Tell us, how you got selected for this role ? Did you know Gautam Joglekar before?
A: Yes, I knew Gautam Joglekar for the past four –five years. To tell you about my selection, one day I received a phone call from Gautam da, asking me where I was. That day, I was in Pune. He asked me to immediately come to Mumbai. When I met him, he narrated me the script in brief and offered me this role. I was thrilled, as it was not only a lead role, but was a challenging role.
Q: How was your experience, working in this film ?
A: Oh! It was a great experience working with a director like Gautam and other artistes. Siddharth has been a good friend, but it was a pleasure working with senior artistes like Mahesh Manjrekar and Mrinal Kulkarni. Even Anusha has done very well. It was a good team work.

Q: We did watch you promoting this film on television, offering Anusha her favourite dish ‘Varan-Bhaat’ ( Rice and Curry) . But, which is your favourite dish ?
A: I too prefer home made food, be it simple Chapati and home made vegetable and Varan-Bhaat made by my mother; I just love it. But, I also enjoy Non-Veg food, occasionally. I also love to cook the food, with my own recipe.

Q: You are also a good cook. Isn’t it?
A: I had to learn cooking on my own, while I was doing my Masters in UK. While you are away and lonely, you get into this habit of cooking, to avoid outside food.

Q: Now that you have found your better half in Kshiti, who is also from your field of acting; tell us, how it all happened?
A: Kshiti had watched my performance in ‘Nava Gadee Nave Rajya’ and since then she approved me. Later, when we did the play ‘Saavdhaan Shubhamangal’, it brought us more closer, only to help our ‘Shubhamangal’ happen in real life.

Q: Now, you are a full time actor and also a writer. How do you look at Marathi cinema?
A: In Marathi cinema, ‘script is the hero’. Stronger the script, better and effective the presentation.

Q: You are not associated with television serials, but you were part of the entertainment show- ‘Fu Bai Fu’. Did you consider performing in such show, more challenging?
A: Yes, in such shows, you can offer variety. There is a good scope to test your ability.

Q: After the release of ‘JJMM’, do you have other projects ?
A : Yes, there are two films in pipeline. I am associated with their script too.

Q: Okay Hemant. Tomorrow is a big day for you. We wish you all the best.
A: Oh! Thanks a lot.