Actor-filmmaker Addinath Kothare had an eventful 2021. He shares that the year taught him “patience” and helped him mark his Hindi film debut with filmmaker Kabir Khan’s directorial, '83.

If that was not enough, last year also got him a new audience, courtesy social media, where he usually posts snaps of his chiseled body. “I have always been fitness-conscious, especially since I became an actor. However, it went to another level when I started working on the film Paani (2019),” shares Kothare. The movie — co-produced by actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas — had bagged the National Award for The Best Film on Environment Conversation.

“There was an emotional moment that happened when I was in the United Kingdom, shooting,” says Kothare, sharing a heartwarming anecdote involving Jonas. “Post shoot, when I came back to my hotel room, I found a bottle of champagne! It was sent by Priyanka. She is a role model and an inspiration for me. I strive to be like her. She has climbed to such heights and proved her mettle purely on her talent, and that gives me hope (that talent is valued),” he says.

Another girl, who is special to Kothare, is his daughter, Jiza. When asked what kind of dad he considers himself to be, he quickly responds, “Urmila (wife) is a Mother India, and I’m not yet Father India, but I am a fun father.”