The new Marathi Television serial ‘Lakshya‘ on Star Pravah channel has brought in one more Police Officer on small screen to investigate the crime in society. We have seen the popularity of CID in Hindi. Similarly, in the past we saw the success of serial like ‘Ek Shoonya Shoonya’ by the maker of CID, which enabled Shivaji Satam to remain the popular CID officer for the past two decades. Another marathi artiste who performed the role of a popular Police officer was Ramesh Bhatkar through ‘Hello Inspector’ and then Kuldeep Pawar made his presence felt through ‘Paramveer’ as a detective.

Now, with the emergence of talented Ashok Samarth playing the role of ACP Abhay Kirtikar in ‘Lakshya’, we expect the popularity of Police investigation based serials once again to catch up with the audience. The selection of Ashok Samarth to play the lead, seems to be most

appropriate, after having watched him in ‘Wavtal’ where he played the lead role of a commando very effectively. With his broad shoulders and strong arms supported by good personality, Ashok certainly fits into the role. Moreover, his performance in the recent blockbuster ‘Singham‘ comes to the advantage of this serial, going on his popularity. In the recent past, Ashok has acted in few Bollywood films and was also part of the cast in Ektaa Kapoor’s Marathi serial ‘Majhiya Priyala Preet Kalena’.

But, above all, what makes Ashok Samarth stand apart from others is his commanding voice and his rich dialogue delivery. Marathi Movie World had a chit chat with Ashok during the press meet of ‘Lakshya‘. Excerpts form the discussion:

Q: Tell us how you were selected for this role of ACP Kirtikar in ‘Lakshya’ ?
A: One day after returning home late night around 11.45 pm, I received a phone call from Aadesh Bandekar, who asked me whether I was willing to play this role in his own serial. After he narrated the theme, I realised the importance of the role and the character and said ‘yes’ to him.

Q: Now, how much of impact has ACP Abhay Kirtikar has created on your mind ?
A: Abhay Kirtikar is a character inside the uniform of Police. Facing every situation with a challenge while in the uniform, automatically brings out that required toughness in handling a particular case; but once you are back home, whether on the sets or in reality, the situation changes. The emotions change and that is what is expected from us while performing such characters. While playing this role, I realised what expectations people have from police.

Q: Did you study any particular police officer before performing this role ?
A: For an actor, it is his own presentation that is important. Given a situation, he should be able to deliver through his own skills. Now, we all know that the image of Police is the reflection of the society. Therefore, while performing this character I am paying more attention on my own imagination, as if it was like facing the reality myself.

Q: Tell us something about your success in Bollywood, especially after ‘Singham’ turning to be a hit ?
A: For me, every film is an experiment. Whether it was playing a role of a Commando in marathi film ‘Wavtal’ or a villain in ‘Singham’, I always took it as a challenge to play the characters offered to me. I did not distinguish whether it was a Hindi or Marathi film. Now, my next Hindi film ‘Married to America’ is due for release.

Q: What’s this new film all about ?
A: It is about the construction of a Dam in India by an Engineering company from USA. Mainly, it is about an NRI Engineer who has designed the construction of this dam. The film presents a good story in cinematic form. It will be released around October.