Ever since the Marathi serial ‘Unch Majha Zoka’ has been aired on Zee Marathi, one character has always been the talk at every Maharashtrian household. With his portrayal of social reformer and freedom fighter Mahadeo Govind Ranade, people have come to know more about the facts in history. To bring this character alive, actor Vikram Gaikwad has worked very hard. We just cannot ignore his contribution in the success of this serial, which is at the popularity heights in TRP’s. Surprisingly, this Diploma holder from Pune’s Sinhagad Institute, has no family background of acting.

Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented actor, to know more about him. Excerpts from the interview: Vikram Gaikwad, Actor

Q: How come, you switched over to acting career, after completing your technical Diploma course ?

A: Actually, I was not very keen on this technical education; as I was very keen on taking up a career in acting. I had even thought of completing my normal education and then pursue my acting course at NSD. But, that did not happen. Since I was passionate about acting, after completing my 10th and 12th exams, I started performing on stage. In Pune , there is an institute called ‘Simant’, through which I had performed in popular play ‘Raigadala Jenvha Jaag Yete’. When we completed 200-250 shows, thus began my real acting career.

Q: Before ‘Uncha Majha Zoka’, did you perform in any other serial ?

A: Previously, I had done 2 -3 serials for ‘Sahyadri’ channel and later played the role of Ashutosh Paranjape, who was Vaidehi’s brother in ‘Swapnanchya Palikadle’. This role helped me to earn some money.
them. Before coming to Mumbai, I used to perform in one act plays, story telling competitions and even took part in the State level one act plays.

Q: What you have to say about your role in ‘Unch Majha Zoka’ ?

A: I am glad that I am playing such an important character of Mahadev Ranade, who was not only a highly educated personality; but also very polite in his behaviour. His character, being the only bread earner in the family has different shades, while handling people with different attitude from his own family. I am myself so much influenced by this character and fell that people like Mr. Ranade should have lived for a longer period of 500 to 1000 years. I was really amazed to learn about the reforms brought by him more than 100 years ago, in the society, beginning with his own wife, by educating her first. It is very difficult to find such people even today.

Q: How did you prepare yourself for this role?

A: Yes, I really had to work hard for this role. Especially for pronunciations of some words, which were required to match with the speaking style of that period. This being a period serial, I had to do a lot of reading about the character’s history. Moreover, this person being a highly intellectual person; very much above my personal level, I did put in extra effort, while playing this role.

Q: Besides ‘Uncha Majha Zoka’, what are your other projects ?

A: At present, I am doing only this serial. But, recently, I completed my shooting for the film ‘ Dr. Prakash Baba Amte- The real hero’. In this film, I have played the character of Vilas Manohar. Actually, I was not aware, who was the producer and director of this film; but, had heard that Nana Patekar was playing the role of Dr. Prakash Amte in this film. So, I just expressed my desire to work in this film to Dr.Amte; by posting a message. Even otherwise, I was very keen to meet him. The very next minute, I received a phone call from Dr. Amte( whom I address as Nana), who assured me a role in this film. Luckily for me, he had watched my performance in ‘Unch Majha Zoka’. I consider myself lucky that during shooting, I could spend some time in his company.

Q:Any particular happening experienced during shooting for this film?

A: I spent 8 days at the sets and can recall every moment. There was one particular scene in the film, where a tiger with the name of ‘Ningal’ dies after a snake bite. And I saw Dr. Amte, turning very emotional at this moment. I was very impressed to witness that other side of this person, who is otherwise fearless while handling all such animals. I really admire such people, who have devoted their entire life towards service of mankind. Even today, I feel that whenever I find time, I would go and spend some days in his company.

Q: Thanks Vikram. Wishing you all the best for your forthcoming film and future career.

A: thanks.