There is one actor on Marathi television today, who has invited the attention of many households in Maharashtra. With his sharp and daunting looks in the role of Inspector Raorane in ‘Kashyala Udyachi Baat’ and very meticulously displaying his lead character in that challenging role of Mangesh in ‘Lajja’, Lokesh Gupte certainly makes everybody talk about his performance. No wonder, he has shot into fame, in just few days time. Lokesh is not new to Marathi entertainment industry, as he has worked before in all three mediums before. But, was never so popular, as he is today.

Here, he speaks to MarathiMovieWorld, sharing his experience in this industry. . Excerpts from an interview.
Q: How did you enter this profession ?
A: None from my family were interested in this profession. While in school and college in Pune,
I used to take part in drama competitions. After my graduation, I came to Mumbai. My first play was ‘Mee Nathuram Godse Boltoy’. After some time, the play was stopped. Thereafter, for the next 3-4 years I worked as assistant director to Vinay Apte. The actor within me had to take a break. By that time I also focused on editing work, as I had my own studio. But, when it became strenuous, I was back to acting with a TV serial ‘Vadalwaat’.

Q: In the ongoing serials we see you in negative roles? Any particular reason ?
A: I received such offers and I personally liked them. Though both of them were negative Lokesh Gupte in Lajja
characters; there is a diversity in these two characters. I totally get involved while shooting and enjoy playing these two challenging roles.

Q: What kind of roles, you would enjoy playing, if given a choice ?
A: I personally feel that after doing a particular role, if I derive total satisfaction; such roles I would love to play. Then, it does not matter, whether it is a negative or comedy role. Self satisfaction brings in lot of confidence.
Q: What are your hobbies ?
A: I hardly find time for my hobbies. But, when I find it, I love to cook. I enjoy watching old movies. I love music therefore during travel, I listen to the songs in my car.

Q: Whatever popularity you got through films like ‘Uladhaal’and ‘Sakhi’, double than that you have gained through the roles played in current TV serials. Why is it so ?
A: If you are talking about ‘Sakhi’, it was a guest appearance. On the request made by Bharati Achrekar and Sanjay Surkar, I had done that film. ‘Uladhaal’ portrayed me in a different role and I kept on receiving offers for similar type of role; but I had to refuse them as they were almost in the same get-up. Now, talking about the two serials I am doing, I would say that I have reached almost every household. They can meet me daily on the screen. They keep on thinking, as to what would happen next? And, that keeps them involved into these serials. It is not the same with films. As long as the film remains in theatre, they talk about the artistes. But, serials are in news all the time and so I am. That’s what I feel.

Q: Tell us something about your forthcoming film ‘Daavpech’ .
A: In this film , I am playing a Floriculturist, who encourages farmers to practice floriculture on their farming land. ‘Daavpech’ is actually an unlawful activity practiced once in a year in that village. I would not like to disclose much about this film, as it is a different film that you all would love to see in the theatres. The film has an unexpected end.

Q: And what about your other future projects ?
A: Besides ‘Daavpech’ which will release soon, I also have Girish Joshi’s ‘Pratibimb’ lined up for release.