“The World has the habit of making room for the man whose actions show that he knows where he is going.” For Sunil Barve, his actions at the most appropriate time, showed him the way. After graduation in Science, like any other youngster, he too took up a job of a Medical Representative with US Vitamins in Mumbai and moved from one doctor to other followed by a visit to a chemist on a daily basis. But, after taking his first salary, he quit his job and focused his attention on acting. Performing on stage became his passion. He found his Guru in Vinay Apte and by getting inspiration from his idol Vikram Gokhale, he soon found his place in various drama groups.
Those days, he had an opportunity to work with versatile actresses like Bhakti Barve and Vandana Gupte. There were others like Ashok Saraf, Laxmikant Berde, Dilip Kulkarni, Vijay Chavan with whom he shared the stage and people like Mohan Joshi and Sudhir Joshi from whom he gained a lot of experience in the serials. Those days, Dinanath Mangeshkar Auditorum campus Katta used to be his meeting place with other colleagues.
After getting the required theatre experience, there was no stopping for him to enter into films and serials and soon Sunil Barve became a leading hero of the films. Having performed with past heroines of 80s and 90s, today he is equally comfortable playing leading man against the newcomers like Rujuta Deshmukh and Mrumayee Deshpande.
Sunil Barve has just completed 25 years in acting profession and to celebrate this occasion, he decided to attempt an experiment by offering something different to the audience , in the form of revival of 5 old plays with new star cast. Naming this experiment suitably as ‘Herberium’ he re-launched ‘Suryachi Pilley’ an old hit drama of yesteryears , with a big team of today’s popular artistes. ‘Suryachi Pilley’ will have only 25 limited shows, as announced earlier, followed by other four plays to follow in order, within a year’s time. The shows are running full house, in spite of higher ticket rates. MMW caught up with Sunil Barve, who spoke about his past and present experiences.
MMW : Congratulations! On your attaining 25 years in acting field.
S.B. : Thanks.
MMW: We have heard about your new experiment in the name of ‘Herberium‘.What is it all about ?
S.B.: I just thought that I should attempt at something different by reviving some old hit plays and inviting today’s popular stars to perform in it. I began with ‘Suryachi Pilley’ with only 25 limited shows followed by 4 more plays to be presented one after the other during the period of one year. I am glad that ‘Suryachi Pilley’ has received a good response with house full shows so far.
MMW: But, the critics are up in arms against your high ticket rates. How do you react to this situation ?
S.B.: Yes, that was unforeseen! I am taken aback. I don’t know why few of them are reacting in this manner, when the audience response has been good. My intention has been good. It is not with the motive of making profits. We have a big star cast and limited shows. But, I am sure, by the end of the year they too will appreciate my effort.
MMW: How are you going to present the other four plays following ‘Suryachi Pilley’ ?
S.B. : That’s a surprise! You will come to know about them one after the other. The moment ‘Suryachi Pilley’ will reach its 25th show, the next will get ready with its first show and so on. I am sure, the audience will appreciate the other plays too.
MMW : Are you keeping a record of number of films, serials and dramas you have done so far ? If so, could you please tell us the figures ?
S.B. : No, I don’t keep the record. May be , I have performed in 17-18 Marathi films and few Hindi films, some serials and a sizable number of plays.
MMW: Yes, we remember having seen you in some of Mahesh Manjrekar’s films? How was your experience in Bollywood ?
S.B. : Those were not only Mahesh Manjrekar’s films . I have also performed in films of Paresh Kamdar and Priyadarshan. It was a pleasure working in a film like ‘Mere Baap Pehle Aap’ and ‘Astitva’.
MMW: You have also played a lead opposite versatile actress like Tabbu. How was your experience with her ?
S.B. : Tabbu is a wonderful person and a fantastic actress to work with. She used to be very friendly and at ease during the shoot. She still remains a good friend.
MMW: On your own website, you have admired two people from Marathi film industry- Mr. Vinay Apte and Mr. Vikram Gokahle . Could you please elaborate about your relationship with them ?
S.B. : Vinay Apte is my Guru in this profession. He is the one, who gave me my first break and he still continues to remain my guru. I consider Vikram Gokhale as my idol. He is the one, who inspired me to take up acting. I remember having seen some of his old plays with a lot of enthusiasm during my college days. It was a great moment for me, when I got an opportunity to work with him. What a performance he has given in ‘Nakalat Sare Ghadle’. Worth saluting! . Both Vinay Apte and Vikram Gokhale are best artistes I have ever seen.
MMW: How do you look at the present day Marathi cinema ?
S.B. : It has brought in a lot of change with new audience. Some of the traditional movies still continue, but we don’t see their release in a city like Mumbai. Now, you have a new multiplex audience here, who prefer a variety with a difference. And, it is a welcome change.
MMW: How do you propose to begin your second innings? Do you plan to shift to direction ?
S.B. : Yes, I am interested in direction. Besides acting, if I get an opportunity to direct a film, surely, I will take it up.