The little hero

A few of his earlier appearances on TV were as Aaryaman in Goshta eka Lagnachi on Star Pravah,Kaustubh in Ha Khel Sanchitacha on ETV Marathi,Shubham of Avantika on Zee Marathi and many commercials. Having worked in movies,serials as well as plays and dramas,the young actor says,“It is comparatively easier to work in movies and serials unlike theatre which calls for a single take.”

While talking about his role in Bajirao Mastani,Shreyas says,“This was my first experience with a historical television serial. Moreover,it has a relevance to Pune’s history. I really had a great time on the sets. I got to learn about the early society,the different language used then,the way people dressed,and so on. Everything was indeed a different experience.” One shot will always be memorable to him – he had to give a horse riding shot before sunset and he had just a few hours to learn the ropes. “But I managed it and the scene was perfect,” he smiles.

Shreyas has to go to Karjat to shoot for the serial,because of which he misses school for days together. But he is fortunate that the school – SPM English School – wholeheartedly supports his extracurricular activity. He says,“My principal Medha Pandit and Rucha ma’am have been very encouraging. Every child should be spurred on to pursue his/her interest. Having practical knowledge coupled with theory is very important in today’s world. Plus,exposure to different things always boosts one’s confidence.”

Shreyas is a distinction student,with English and Science being his favourite subjects. He also likes playing football and has even skated at the national level. He has also won prizes at the Balba Kelkar Smruti Karandak Children’s Drama competition organised by Lions Club,Pune. Naturally,his achievements have made him very popular in school. But he shows his maturity as he says,“One should not let such things take over one’s mind. It’s not good to have airs and I always ask my friends to consider me their equal.”

For him,his two priorities are education and acting. He attributes his success in both to his parents Shrikrishna and Poorva Paranjpe. When asked about his career plans,he says,“I want to do something other than engineering or medicine. Maybe something with the glamour world. I would love to convert my passion (acting) into my profession.” And he definitely is on the right path as his next big screen appearance will be in Devendra Jadhav’s short film – And Gandhi Goes Missing.