This New Year day, actor-director Mahesh Manjrekar is excited about bringing his latest offering, Natsamrat with Nana Patekar in the lead, to the big screens. It is based on V V Shirwadkar aka Kusumagraj's legendary Marathi play of the same name. Coincidentally, it's Nana's birthday today, and what could be a better gift than this role.

Presented by Zee Studios, the production house behind films like Katyar Kaljat Ghusli, Killa, Lai Bhaari, Timepass and Fandry, Natsamrat traces the rise and fall of a passionate theatre artiste. “I've seen the play at least 45 times. Many artistes, including Dr Shriram Lagoo, have lived this part. You get the stamp of a 'good actor' if you can play this character,“ Nana laughs.

No wonder, he was keen to essay the role. Mahesh says, “I didn't have a script when I approached him. The character is larger than life, and I was convinced Nana would fit the bill.“ Nana, who spent six months growing a beard for his character, says, “We shot the film backwards because of my look.“

Interestingly, this is the first time Mahesh is directing the actor. “Many people were disappointed that we didn't argue with each other. Both of us like our freedom. So, people were expecting fireworks on the set,“ he laughs. Nana concludes with a chuckle, “Now, we've decided to do another film together so that we can fight.“