It has been a long time, since he has been associated with Marathi stage. But, very few well wishers have really tapped his talent in TV serials and films. Now, when he has stepped in as a lead hero in ongoing popular Marathi drama ‘Lagnabambaal’, as a replacement to Subodh Bhave, he has suddenly shot into limelight.

Marathi Movie world spoke to this passionate actor Rahul Mehendale. Excerpts from an interview:

Q: How did you begin your career ?
A: Being a student of Parle Tilak Vidyalay and Parle College, I was passionate about Marathi dramas. First, I started as assistant director to Mr. Vinay Apte and later did editing job, before switching over to acting. My acting debut in a commercial play was in 1992 with ‘Priya Aai’ where I performed with Bal Dhuri, Janhavi Panshikar and Rahul Awasthi.

Q: This means you have completed 20 years in your acting career .
A: Yes, this year, I have completed 20 years of my acting profession.

Q: What were the other popular projects, that followed ?
A: After ‘Priya Aai’, I did ‘Mee Majhya Mulancha’ and ‘Barrister’ .

Q: Tell us something about your entry into TV serials.
A: When I began doing TV serials, it was only Doordarshan channel for Marathi serials. And, I made my debut through ‘Bokya Satbande’. Thereafter, I performed in many TV serials.

Q: And, what about roles in films?
A: Actually, my first film was in Hindi- ‘Encounter – The killing’. Thereafter in Marathi, I performed in films like ‘Sunder Majhe Ghar’, ‘Checkmate’, ‘Picnic’ etc.

Q: Now, we find you back on stage.
A: Yes, now I am doing 2 plays ‘Lagnabambal’ and ‘Lagnachi Bedi’. In ‘Lagnabambal’, I entered during the 70th show and till now we have done 85 shows. I had not performed with Madhura and Anand before. And hence, it was a good opportunity to work with them. We form a very good team and I am enjoying every moment in their company. Speaking about the recently launched ‘Lagnachi Bedi’, I would say that it is a revival of old hit Marathi play written by Acharya Atre. I am playing a negative character of Timir, which was earlier performed by renowned actors like Ramesh Bhatkar and Sanjay Mone.

Q: How do you manage your schedule with two ongoing plays simultaneously ?
A: In our Marathi entertainment industry, right from the producer to actor, everybody tries to manage time. Therefore, making adjustment is no problem.

Q: What else, besides these two plays ?
A: I am playing lead role in a forthcoming marathi film ‘Lathi’, shooting of which is nearing completion. Unfortunately, due to sad demise of our director Sanjay Surkar, the shooting is held up for the time being. I am not doing serials at the moment. But, would certainly consider good roles in Films and dramas.

Q: You have worked in all the three areas of acting, i.e. Drama, TV serials and Films. Where are you more comfortable ?
A; I am comfortable with all the three areas of acting, as I was close to each one of them.