He has been in the acting field for almost three decades now. But he has maintained himself very well. Having been blessed with a good height and fine personality, he still invites all your attention, while on screen. Ajinkya Deo is still going strong and has been receiving good offers, well suited to him. Recently, we saw him in out of the box Marathi film ‘Shashi Deodhar’ , while he also appeared in Anil Kapoor’s popular action TV serial ’24’.
Whatever characters Ajinkya has played so far, were with total conviction. At present, his new film ‘Bhatukli’ is all set to release on 13th June and Ajinkya is playing the central lead character of a successful businessman, who feels detached from his family members, comprising of three children and wife. This film is produced by Sagar Ballary (director of Bollywood film ‘Bheja Fry’ ) and directed by his assistant Rohit Joshi, who has also written the story of this film.
It was a pleasure talking to this talented actor, who spoke about his present assignments and his commitment to this filed. Excerpts from an interview.
Q: Just saw the first look of your forthcoming Marathi film ‘Bhatukli’ and you have a very good role. Can we say, it’s a comeback film for you?
A: I would not say that this is a comeback film, as I have recently done a film ‘Shashi Deodhar’ and four more films of mine, will also be released by end of this year. But, surely, I would call it a big role in this film, to test my ability, as an actor.
Q: You always say that you are a director’s actor. Can you elaborate on it?
A: Yes, I still hold that statement. As an actor, I always believed to prepare myself with the dialogues from the script given to me. And, when I go to the sets, I leave myself to the director and do as he wants me to react to every situation. This has helped me to perform differently, every time. It has also helped me to learn new things, playing different characters.
Q: That is indicative, with your performance playing different characters in films like ‘Ringa Ringa’, ‘Jetaa’, ‘Dubhang’ and ‘Shashi Deodhar’. Isn’t it ?
A: Yes, you are right. And, you would have noticed the director through these characters played by me, besides my own performance.
Q: Why did your films like ‘Jeta’ and ‘Shashi Deodhar’ didn’t do well, in spite of their good scripts?
A: It is very difficult to find audience in large number, immediately after the film’s release, unless the film is marketed well by big production or distribution companies.
Q: What are the other projects, you are associated with ?
A: I am doing ‘Natee’ with Tejaa Deokar, which revolves around the life of an actress. I am playing the character of a director in this film, which has grey shade. The film is directed by Yogesh Pawar. There is ‘Raakhandar’ a big period film, where I am playing Khandoba. I am glad that I am playing this role.Then, there is ‘Salt, Pepper Aani Prem’ directed by Rahul Jadhav, which is a different film. One more film I am doing, is also totally different for Marathi viewers, almost on the style of ‘Delhi Belly’. So, they are all different and challenging roles for me. All these films are likely to be released by end of this year.
Q: Now, looking at the character of Shrikant Deshmukh you play in ‘Bhatukli’ , which has some relevance to everybody’s life in today’s materialistic world. But, still, the emotional bond is very strong among Maharashtrian families. How do you describe the love and affection of your own parents showered upon you, even after you have yourself turned a responsible father.
A: Sometimes, that emotional attachment is more than required. But, that’s our way of living. All the parents are always concerned about their children. Even after being liberal with my own children, sometimes, even I behave like that and show more concern towards them. Luckily, my son is more understanding; and knows what is good and bad for him. He is just back from Canada and now with us. I also have a daughter and I love them all.
