Atul kulkarni | He is seen in films like Raees, The Ghazi Attack and Section 375. He speaks with Musba Hashmi about his latest venture, The Raikar Case, what made him take up the role and fondest memory in the industry
What is your role in Voot Select’s The Raikar Case?
First things first. The series is a murder mystery. The story revolves around who has done it and also talks about interpersonal relationship between the family members of this big family. I play Yashwant Naik Raikar, the head of the family. He is like the epicentre of the family and what has happened in the family. He is of patriarchal mindset.
What made you say yes to the role?
Whenever, I take up any project, I look for the story. I try and listen to the story as an audience and that’s exactly what I did with this one too. This story is gripping, so much so that one just can’t let go of it after watching one episode.
Today, people have a lot of choices, there are so many platforms with so many shows and if a series is making sit and watch the complete series despite of the so many distractions, this itself indicates how engaging the story is. I am happy that we are getting lots of messages from people that they loved the story. It makes me even more happier that what I am liking, the audience too is liking that.
You debuted with Bhoomi Geetha. How did you come on board for that?
I was doing a play in Delhi, when I was studying in National School of Drama (NSD) back then and we had a show in Bangalore. That’s when, Kesari Haravu, director of the film saw me in the play and offered me the film. That’s how I got the project.
You have done a lot of varied roles. What made you experiment?
Like I said, I go for the story and the storyteller (director). This is the main criteria for me and then comes the role ofcourse. This is the order I follow before I take up any project.
How do you define acting and what is your approach towards it?
In simple words, you pretend. You are into the business of pretending things. It is all about conviction. One has to convince people that you are that character yourself and the story that you are telling is true.
Your fondest memory in the industry.
The day I entered the industry has been the most memorable moment for me till date. I love doing films and am glad that I have been a part of this industry.
Was there a moment when you have to go out of you comfort zone?
Not really. My training in NSD comes handy in this case. NSD teaches you in an extremely professional manner. Also, acting is about getting out of your comfort zone. You are never the character that you are playing, you are a different person. Having said that, there is always something — a quality — of the character in yourself . It is a combination of both. For every character, you have to go out of your comfort zone, may be physically or mentally. As an actor, it is my duty to do that (go out of the comfort zone) and I am trained for it.
A lesson learnt in the industry.
One thing that I have always told myself is that my profession is not my life. This profession is overwhelming — suddenly people start recognising you. So one thing that you must learn is to never take yourself too seriously because of the name and fame that comes with this profession. It is a big no-no. The key is to stay grounded and not think too much about being into this profession.
What are your upcoming projects?
I am writing the script for Laal Singh Chaddha, Aamir Khan will be playing the role. I will be acting in a series — City of Dreams, Nagesh Kukunoor will be directing it. Then I am doing a show for Netflix, it is a Bahubali prequel. That’s all for the time being.