If interviewing is an art,then compere,anchor,interviewer Sudhir Gadgil is an artiste,whose canvas is the personalities he interviews. And like an artiste who finds his expressions in a colourful,abstract painting,what comes out is not mere interaction but a classic portrayal that is an amalgamation of expressions,applause and a resonance of the hearts off stage and on stage. During his recent visit to the Brihan Maharashtra Mandal (BMM) in Philadelphia,Gadgil interviewed Nana Patekar,Uddhav Thackeray and Asha Bhosale on the same platform at different timings on the same day. Every interview has a mood of its own. The interesting fact was that all these interviews took place on the same day,unveiling various facets of these three personalities. While Uddhav Thackeray was sober,quiet and submissive,Nana Patekar was aggressive. Asha Bhosale on the other hand is open and lively, says Gadgil. The first Marathi professional anchor,Gadgils interviews are known for his easy,interactive style that is characterised by his apt,timely questions that catch the exact nerve of the audience and open up even the most reserved personalities facing him. It is the same style that made Nana Patekar confess that he has an inferiority complex or for that matter Uddhav Thackeray unveil the secret behind doing the balancing act between politics and his creative side. Balasaheb Thackerays contribution in making Uddhav Thackeray as a person,the mismatch between his calm nature as a person and the aggressive agendas of Shivsena or for that matter his feelings about the closest cousin who became his rival were some of the questions everyone desired to ask. I asked and Uddhav Thackeray unveiled, smiles Gadgil. Nana Patekar and I have known each other for quite some time and in the very beginning,Nana Patekar asked me an unexpected question to which I replied immediately putting him in a confession state. The interview then took over and went on a different level,so much so that it became a jugalbandi of statements and the audience applauded, says Gadgil stressing on the importance of spontaneity and sense of humour in the art of interviewing. Another striking fact in Gadgils interviews is the references that he gives which make one feel as if he knows more about the interviewee that the person himself. I do not like to go for an interview with questions in mind. Interviews have to be spontaneous. Of course,the agendas are in mind,but the way to unveil the person is different and always unique. Casual approach,simplicity and the ability to express in an easy and comprehensible language are the characteristics of a good interviewer, says Gadgil who is currently working on the documentary of Shivsena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray who spoke non-stop for 55 minutes despite his old age. I have interviewed over 2800 personalities from various fields and one common thing that exists between them all is the desire to express. Every one wants to be heard. Every one has their own philosophy behind the life theyve lived. All I do is make way for the thoughts to flow, smiles Gadgil unveiling the secret behind his style.
