Q: Why did you opt for a career in acting ?
A: Since my childhood, I was interested in acting. It was only because of Ms. Sudha Karmarkar, I had an opportunity to watch various performances. Later, when I joined Ruparel College, I came across Chetan Datar who introduced me to the right person Mr. Satyadev Dube. Since then, my life changed. I made up my mind to focus on acting as a career.
Q: What made you shift to direction ?
A: While in Ruparel College I used to write and direct one act plays. I am glad to share with you that the plays in which Siddharth Jadhav, Madhura Velankar, Meghana Erande and Priyadarshan Jadhav performed for the first time, were directed by me. Direction being the part of the same medium of acting, I got closely involved into it. Then, I decided to write and direct at least one film in a year and act in 2-3 films a year. Whenever I am into direction, then right from sound recording till the distribution, I am totally involved in that film.
Q: ‘Sade Made Teen’ was the first film directed by you along with Ankush, which turned out to be a hit. What do you have to say about that success?
A: In fact, it was because of the film ‘Shwaas’, Marathi films could take a fresh breath. Moreover, I was fortunate enough to find Zee talkies, who marketed this film well. Actually, I would attribute the success of this film to Zee talkies.
Q: While directing your first film, how was your experience with AshokMama ?
A: Nice! Very Nice! We all grew up watching his films and even today we are watching his films again and again. Any newcomer tries to learn something from a complete actor like him. When myself and Ankush approached him with our presentation, he hugged me after going through the same. After Sachin Pilgaonkar, it is for the first time, I have come across such a neat presentation, he said. This was a biggest compliment to us. We consider ourselves lucky for getting an opportunity to work with him. He was very co-operative during shoot. We had a great time in his company.
Q: In your latest released film, you have performed a multi-task, involving yourself in script and direction besides acting. Tell us something about this experience.
A: After watching my work in ‘Sade Made Teen’ many people suggested me to do a film for youngsters and also insisted on fresh faces. Now, when you make a film, a hero should look like a real hero and the heroine should be glamorous. So, I decided to make ‘Kshanbhar Vishranti’. The film presents four pairs. Having been influenced with Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s light humor, I focused my attention to make it a family entertainer. I am sure, I did my job well.
Q: How do you direct an actor within you ?
A: Whenever you are directing besides acting, then it is necessary to look at yourself as a third person. When I face the camera, I am an actor but when I see its recording, then I have to judge the same from a director’s point of view. In short, I try to give my best in both the roles.
Q: Few years ago, we saw you in Bollywood films. How was your experience there. Can we see you again in Bollywood ?
A: Yes, I have done two Bollywood films in the past and learned one thing that a good script, good artistes and best director may not necessarily work towards the success of a film. Over there, you need a big banner and extensive marketing. The film I was part of, could not even find a theatre in Mumbai, in spite of having a good script. Therefore, I decided to act only in big banner films with a suitable role. After ‘Zenda’, I have received few offers. I am seriously thinking over them.
