Veteran actor Amol Palekar will soon be seen on the small screen as a righteous doctor who will go out of his way to uphold his morals in life. He tells Shrabasti Mallik how showbiz has evolved and is now more actor-friendly
Why did you take up a role on television after such a long breakIJ
I am not a kind of actor who would be a part of a mainstream movie or television show. I have always been the kind of person who would instead flow against the stream.
The show Ek Nayi Ummeed..Roshni appealed to me since its storyline breaks through the clutter. I look at characters as opportunities to experience newer roles. Restricting yourself to a particular medium will never let you experience what other mediums have to offer.
Tell us something about your role in this new show.
I play the protagonist (Roshni’s) grandfather who is a righteous doctor and who has a strong set of values which inspire his grand-daughter, too. He is a person deeply attached to his family and would do anything for his morals in life. Through my character I got a chance to explore a whole new side of the medical world — life as a doctor and the responsibilities that come along with it.
You’re known to be a method actor. What preparations did you do before the shootIJ
I learned the traits from theatre. I am honoured to have worked with every top director in my career. They have given me the guidance required to portray a character. Even today I am a disciplined actor who firmly believes in getting my brief. All I do is surrender to the director and perform accordingly. Since I am playing a doctor’s role, the team tutored me about the mannerisms of patient care.
Television has evolved and so has the working platform. How do you see yourself fitting in this new age working patternIJ
Not only television, everything in showbiz has changed. It has become larger and more technical. I see a better professional approach towards work ethics. Things have gotten more easy and are now more actor-friendly. The working also has become smooth. It is definitely refreshing and amazing to be part of a time that has seen the working of the profession before and now.
After such a long time in the industry, is it still challenging to take up different rolesIJ
It is not challenging to play a particular role as long as you are convinced about it. After being in the industry for about 40 years, it only gets exciting. I am still willing to experiment with different characters. That is the challenge I put myself up for. The willingness to work is what drives me to take up different roles.
It’s your first time on the small screen, after having made it to the silver screen. How does it feel to be a part of itIJ
It feels like a new journey altogether. And I’ve always been fond of television as much as I’ve had the affinity towards the silver screen. So infact I’m happy to be back and I hope that people accept me one more time, just the way they had when my first film was released.
Do you look forward to work in Marathi films in the futureIJ
For now I don’t have any such plans. Once I get done with this show, I’ll plan on taking up something else. But right now my only priority is Ek Nayi Ummeed..Roshni.
Apart from an actor, you are also a successful director. Will you also be contributing to the direction of the showIJ
No not at all. I guess it’s always better to play one role at a time. When I’m acting, that’s my only area of interest. I will put in everything to do justice to my character once I am in front of the camera. It is very important to draw that line between acting and direction, as to not interfere in the director’s vision. I’ll surely be ready to help if there is any need. Though I believe that the director on board this show is doing justice to his job well enough.
You have always stayed away from the limelight, paparazzi, and industry events. WhyIJ
I believe in simplicity at its best. I’m an artiste and for me, my performance, and my roles speak for themselves. I was never attracted towards limelight as such. I hardly even visit such events that have a lot to do with being seen publically. I feel it takes you away from your work. I am here to work and do a good job; I am not here to show off my outfit or to speak about my personal life.
Nowadays many actors are coming up with their acting academies. As an artiste, do you plan on doing something similarIJ
For me acting is an art — an art you should love and dedicate yourself to. I would certainly love to teach someone in whom I see a real urge to learn. If anyone approaches me, I wouldn’t step back for sure. But I don’t want to make a living by teaching the art. For me teaching is selfless.