Variety is his second name

What made you accept such a film?

Usually after reading a script, we only know the possibilities or rather what could happen in the film or where it could lead.
But this time when the script was narrated to me by producer Shreyas Talpade and director Sameer Patil, I thoroughly enjoyed it and could visualise the film. There is tongue-in-cheek humour which we have portrayed seriously, but it is very hilarious.

Do you agree that you are an acclaimed comic actor?

Comedy is tough. While doing serious roles, the script helps you to bring out the character but in comedy, you have to evoke laughter, otherwise the humour falls flat. Also I am told that my face is deceptive. I don’t look like myself but the character I play. Being a stage actor, I have the capability to imbibe any character that is offered to me easily. However, I have done quite a few serious and hard-hitting roles too. Tatya Vinchu in Zapatlela, for one, was a villain, and I played a mentally retarded personality in Chaukat Raja and Mahatma Gandhi in Munnabhai M.B.B.S., to name a few. For me, exploring different characters is very challenging and exciting.
Over the years, I have tried to challenge myself. After Munnabhai..., I received several offers to play Gandhi in serials, films on stage and even at panel discussions, but I did not accept any. The only time I repeated myself was when Vidhu Vinod Chopra was the co-producer of the Telugu remake of Munnabhai M.B.B.S.
As an actor, I am very selfish. There has to be some challenge, irrespective of how big or small the role is. Intuitively I know or if I may say, I, sort of, smell the possibilities in a character.

Your character of Chimanrao is etched in people’s mind even today. What do you have to say?

The character of Chimanrao gave me face, image and popularity as that was the only serial during the black and white era of television. Even non-Maharashtrians were glued to it as there was no choice. Hence the serial became immensely popular. And due credit to Chimanrao, I have gained a lot of credit because of that series.

Marathi cinema has gone through a drastic change. How do you perceive it?

Today Marathi cinema is internationally known as films like Shwaas were showcased there. Our films are winning National Awards. Even outside people are coming to produce Marathi films as the budgets are low while there is immense talent and very rich literature. Film-makers are attempting forbidden subjects which is good for the industry.
In fact, I myself have done about seven to eight films in the last two years, a rare feat. Now I will be playing the character of a Brahmin in a village in the period film Vitti Dandu and the chief minister in Nagarik. I am enjoying this phase.

namita.nivas@expressindia.com