Over the years, Sachin Khedekar has dabbled in diverse mediums - cinema, television and theatre. His latest project, Hind, an adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play Fences, directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, which was staged over the weekend, marked his return to the Prithvi Festival after nearly 24 years. In a chat, he talks about his love for theatre & his hopes of getting meatier roles in Bollywood.

The seasoned actor shares, “My experience in Hindi theatre is limited compared to Marathi, which makes Hind particularly exciting for me. In this play, I portrayed a patriarch burdened by shattered dreams – a role that has pulled me out of my comfort zone, especially since it’s in Hindi. Theatre requires immense discipline, with hours of rehearsals and constant refinement. What makes theatre truly alive is its dynamic nature.”

Having been a part of theatre for decades, Sachin has witnessed the evolution of this medium, particularly its growing appeal among the younger audience. He explains, “It’s refreshing to see young people drawn to theatre, particularly Hindi plays. In the past, audiences were predominantly above 30, so this shift is quite heartening.”

Does he find the need to simplify the language to keep the younger audience engaged? “You simplify to a point, but without losing the essence. Unlike films, which sometimes lower the bar to reach a wider audience, theatre preserves its integrity. That uniqueness must be protected and nurtured,” he replies.

While Sachin enjoys the creative freedom in regional cinema and theatre, he admits frustration over the lack of meaningful roles in Bollywood for actors his age. He says, “I feel dissatisfied because I miss playing complex, dynamic characters. I remember saying that I have become a ‘baap’ actor because I have played the role of a father so many times (laughs!); everyone keeps casting me in similar roles. Casting has become formulaic, with agents relying on a fixed roaster of actors for my age group, rather than exploring an actor’s unique strengths. If it’s not me, it’s one of them. Content might have diversified, but casting hasn’t kept pace. Although it’s frustrating, I keep pushing, hoping for meatier roles in OTT or films, but breaking through feels like solving a puzzle. I envy actors like Paresh Rawal and Anupam Kher, who played iconic roles in an era before casting agents dominated.”

Sachin has been part of some iconic Hindi TV shows like Imtihaan, Sailaab, Thoda Hai Thode Ki Zaroorat Hai and Teacher. However, it has been a while since we last saw him on the small screen. 

“Television is a long-term commitment, leaving little room for other projects. I also feel, whether Hindi or Marathi, it is mainly a medium for younger actors. It demands long hours, something I could manage 25 years ago, but not now. To stay relevant, I explore other avenues. I’ve worked in Gujarati and Marathi television and shifted mediums to keep my interest alive.”