There is nothing new in Marathi entertainment to carry forward the family tradition. Every artiste feels that his or her children should carry forward their name in this tinsel world. Best examples are Ajay Sarpotdar- Aditya Sarpotdar, Mahesh Kothare- Adinath kothare and Sachin Pilgaonkar- Shriya Pilgaonkar. And now, one more name adds to the list. Ashutosh Patki, son of renowned Music director Ashok Patki has entered acting field, in Marathi entertainment. The only change is that instead of music , he has preferred acting as his career.

Though Ashutosh has decided to make a career in acting, his wish is to open a restaurant in near future. At present, we are watching his debut serial ‘Mendichya Panavar’, in which he is playing lead role. Marathi Movie world spoke to this multi talented youngster, to find out as to why he chose this field. Excerpts from an interview:

MMW: Let us know something about your educational background.
A.P.: I studied upto 10th std in IES Raja Shivaji Vidyalaya and later did my Junior college from Ruparel College. Thereafter, I joined 3 Year Hotel management course, at Kohinoor College, since I was keen on opening my own restaurant.

MMW: But then, how you came into acting ?
A.P.: I was already interested in acting, during my college days. My mother suggested me to do some business. Therefore, I did Hotel Management course. It was my planning to open my restaurant in next 5- 6 years. But, after completing my Hotel management course, I decided to take up acting and joined Anupam Kher’s institute. It was only after that I became serious about acting as a career.

MMW: Now, tell us about your acting debut.
A.P.: When I finally decided to take up acting, I asked my father about the future course of action. He suggested me to do direction course. Accordingly, he spoke to Kedar Shinde, requesting him to take me as his assistant. For about one year I was with Kedar dada for his TV project ‘Madhu Ithe aani Chandra Tithe’ and also assisted him in his film project ‘ Shrimant damodar pant’ which is yet to release. It was only after that I switched over to acting. One day, Mr. Rakesh Sarang called up my father and inquired whether I was willing to act. He had seen my photos and was planning to start a new serial with a new face in the lead role. So, I was invited for audition and after passing the screen/ look test; my selection was made. It was within next 8-10 days, I had to report for shooting.

MMW: Do you have any other projects in hand ?
A.P.: I have done two films. One of them is B.R. Chopra productions’ Marathi film and the other is a multi starrer film ‘Akalpit’, where I play second lead. Actually, this is my debut film in Marathi; shooting of which is still going on.

MMW: Didn’t feel like entering music field?
A.P.: I love music. But, didn’t feel like doing a career in that field. Acting was already there in my mind. So, I opted for acting first. Now, I would like to earn a name here, like my father in this Marathi entertainment industry.

MMW: thanks Ashutosh, wish you all the best.
A.P. : thanks a lot.

by Chetana Gavakhadkar © MMW