Every artiste expects good response from the audience for his or her performance. And, if the audience come forward to give a pat on their shoulder, it is like receiving an award. This has happened in the case of actor Nikhil Raut, who is playing the role of great freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the Marathi play ‘Challenge‘. Recently, after one show of this drama, some people came to meet him and shed tears in appreciation of his role. One of them, even offered envelope containing cash to him and director Digpal Lanjekar.

Reacting to this response, Nikhil Raut says that as an actor he has been putting his heart into the character played by him. But, after watching this overwhelming response from the audience, he has to accept such gifts, considering the same as a token of love and affection showered upon him. Watching his performance, some people have even come after the show to touch his feet. This may be because of the respect people still have for the great freedom fighter .