Working with Shyam Benegal in his film ‘Bose: The Forgotten Hero’ was the biggest work of my life, stated versatile actor Sachin Khedekar, who was in the city to take part in the 2nd Raipur International Film Festival (RIFF) here on Friday.
The film gave me an opportunity to convey works of a national hero to people and particularity the younger generation, he said.
Khedekar who is known for his role in movies like ‘Astitva’, expressed happiness over the organizing of the festival in Raipur and said that such festivals create ‘good audiences’.
To a query about his role in ‘Bose: The Forgotten Hero’ he informed that about 100 to 150 actors had given audition for the role, however somehow he managed to get it.
Preparing for the character of Netaji was very challenging, he said.
“For creating the script reference of about 40-42 books were taken and I had to read all those books before beginning of film’s shoot,” he told gathering at Mahant Ghasidas Museum.
“Shyam Babu (Shyam Benegal) had reasoned that if scene 5 to 7 takes three months to complete then you should know what had happened with Netaji during this period,” Khedekar said.
“In his (Shyam Benegal’s) words: Prepare the role till it becomes your second culture we will not begin shooting till then,” Sachin told the audience.
“I am actor by practice and never left the stage. Stage is the medium of actor, film is of directors’ and television belongs to writers,” he mentioned
Khedekar had also acted as Dr BR Ambedkar in the 10 episode serial ‘Samvidhaan: The Making of the Constitution of India’ –another major work of Shyam Benegal.
“The serial was made with intention of informing young law makers about the rich legacy and discussion held while forming of our Constitution,” he said.
“Being part of the entire creation process, I realized that at that time the leaders used to think that country is first and then my people, but now unfortunately ‘my people’ comes first and then nation,” Khedekar said.
Speaking over grey shade character he said today negativity has become a trend. Earlier, hero used to be an all good person, but today a killer and character with grey shade also finds acceptance, he added.