Sanskrita Bharadwaj (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 1, 2020)

Actor Sachin Khedekar who’s known for his performances in films such as Astitva (2000) and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero (2004) says the Coronavirus lockdown has hit actors and technicians severely.

“Theatres will be the last ones to open. They were also the first to close down. If there is no gathering, there is no theatre. I think television shootings will be the first to start because they will have to start shooting. Bollywood will take a considerable amount of time because I don’t think the stars will come out and shoot until they feel safe,” he says.

The actor who started spending a lot more time with his family owing to the lockdown, says, “I binge-watched a lot of shows. I am also reading a lot. I started writing but it is quite tough. I am also working towards reading a one act play. I haven’t thought about performing it. I am going to do a solo show. If the theatres don’t open by the time it’s done, I will perform it for an online audience.”

Talking about his recent Gujarati film, Golkeri, which couldn’t have it’s proper run in the cinema halls due to the pandemic, Khedekar says, “It is a very well made film. I was very happy to get the opportunity to do this role again. I played the same role in the Marathi version of the film, Muramba. It was released on February 20, then the lockdown happened. But it’s now on an OTT platform and I am glad a larger audience will be able to watch it. I would have been happier if the film was in the theatre for some more time. But I always believe that a good film will find its own audience.”

The 55-year-old actor also worked with the late actor Irrfan Khan in a show titled Adhikaar. “The show was shot over a period of three years. I used to find Irrfan very interesting. He was not a very talkative fellow, he used to keep to himself but when he came in front of the camera, it was magic,” he recounts.

Deepali Singh (DNA; March 4, 2018)

From becoming a viral sensation with her cup song that increased her followers from 5,000 to 45,000 overnight two years ago to acting in web series to completing the shoot of her debut film Karwaan, which sees her sharing screen space with Irrfan Khan and Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar has come a long way. The 25-year-old Maharashtrian girl with her trademark curly hair is over the moon with the love she has received for her two web series, Little Things and Girl In The City, and for her role as Indu in the critically-acclaimed Marathi film Muramba. Now, as she readies for her big-screen debut in Hindi cinema, she tells After Hrs that she could not have planned her life better. Excerpts...

Whether it’s Meera Sehgal from Girl in the City or Kavya Kulkarni from Little Things, your characters have mostly been chirpy. Do you think you would be able to pull off a serious role?
I think that happens because I am like that in real life. But my films allow me to explore another side of my personality. Also, since it’s just the beginning, it’s exciting to explore whatever opportunities I get and fortunately, I have received enough of them. So, Indu in Muramba is not a chirpy, neither is the girl in Karwaan. Or for that matter, my character Ria in the play Dekh Behen was also not like that. They are intelligent, confident, and spunky girls, but they are different characters. So far, the audience has liked them.

You stay with your conservative Maharashtrian grandparents who, you had said, did not approve of your profession. Your roles in web series have dealt with concepts like live-in relationships and pre-marital sex. How comfortable are they with it now?
They have been large-hearted and have come around, just to let me be an actor to start with. They are aware that this profession comes with a lot of pre-requisites. They also know that I’ll not do anything that is not required.

In fact, before watching Muramba, I gave them a disclaimer saying Amey (Wagh) and I share a kiss. I know it wouldn’t have been easy for them, but they were very brave about it. Now that they’ve watched the film, it’s a big weight off my chest. I won’t say they are okay with it, but they understand.

How did you land the role in Karwaan?
I went through the usual process of auditioning. I have auditioned for the casting director Nandini Shrikent earlier and knew director Akarsh Khurana as well. They suggested I try for this role as they thought I fit the bill. I had to wait a long time before I was told that I had bagged it. It was such a nervous and exciting wait for me! I had done a supporting role in Katti Batti but this is my debut as a lead in a Hindi film. To put it simply, it’s a big deal to have your face on a poster.

How was the experience of working in the film?
I knew Akarsh from my theatre days, so even though I was extremely nervous about working with Dulquer Salmaan and Irrfan Khan, I knew there was someone around if I needed advice or guidance. Karwaan has been my favourite set to be on so far. My co-stars are such talented artistes. I was like a wide-eyed kid, constantly learning.

Tell us about your equation with your co-stars...
My equation with them was quite funny. I was really nervous but they were not intimidating at all. I constantly keep singing or humming, so, Irrfan sir called me Binaca Geetmala, and Dulquer called me Jukebox. After a point, Dulquer was like, let me suggest songs to you, so I know what you’re singing because my list of tracks is really random. I’m an old soul so I sing old numbers, but I can also switch to 2000s or ’90s hits.

After watching a spate of bad films since the last 2 weeks, it was a pleasure to watch the Marathi film Muramba. It’s a beautifully made flick based on a very simple idea. Varun Narvekar’s direction is exemplary and what also helps is that he has a great script in hand (written by Varun himself). The film is mostly set in just one (beautiful) house but never gives the ‘aisa-lag-raha-hai-ki-kisi-play-mein-se-uthaya-hai’ feeling. The use of slow motion, non-linear narrative etc further adds to the charm. Dialogues are simple but so funny and sharp that it enhances several sequences. Also, the way the idea of generation gap, modern day lifestyle & fears etc is tackled in the film is praiseworthy. All four lead actors do very well. Amey Wagh is terrific as the irritated, just-broken up, confused guy. Sachin Khedekar is highly adorable – the film might not have been as good without him. Newcomer Mithila Palkar makes a confident debut and although her screen time is limited, she leaves a strong mark. Chinmayee Sumeet delivers a wonderful performance and portrays a lovely character. Do watch Muramba if it has released it in your city – it is as sweet as its title!

My rating - **** out of 5!