Success is not a destination, it’s a journey of discovering your passion and the efforts of being better at it. This discovery of passion to pursue as a career happens early and easily to some, while others have to take a longer route and discover the opportunities in disguise. Taking part in plays during Ganesh Festivals was one such opportunity that brought out the fine actor in Vidyadhar Joshi. From then he started his journey of being a professional actor.
In 2004, Vidyadhar Joshi made his debut with the Marathi film ‘Chakwa’. His on-screen conviction while portraying Gosalia Builder in the Marathi film ‘Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy’ was well-appreciated by the audience. His work has not only been appreciated by the audience but acknowledged by the juries of the Maharashtrian State Film Award by awarding him with the Best Supporting Actor for the film ‘Arjun’.
“Understanding what my character demands from me and portraying it convincingly is a challenge”
Today, fondly known as ‘Bappa’ in the Marathi entertainment industry, Vidyadhar Joshi has created his own space among the eminent talents in the entertainment industry. In the latest edition of Insights Success, we got an opportunity to interview Vidyadhar Joshi on his journey as an actor, his opinions on the Marathi Bigg Boss reality show, and practical advice every aspiring actor must follow before entering the industry.
Read on the following interview to get an exciting sneak-peek into the actor’s journey and his experience in the Marathi entertainment industry as an insider.
What was your inspiration behind becoming an actor?
When I was working for National Chemicals and Fertilizers, I used to participate in plays during Ganesh Festivals. As our company comes in the public sector, I further got a chance to participate in plays and other events for the All India Public sector. From there I got a chance to nurture and hone my passion for acting. That was the start of my acting career.
As a versatile actor, you have left a mark in Marathi theatre, TV, and Films. How has working on these different platforms changed your craft as an actor?
Though the mediums are vastly different, there isn’t much change in craft. Understanding what my character demands from me and portraying it convincingly is a challenge. I try not to get into certain dialects or mannerisms for the role unless it’s necessary. Because when I’m portraying a character it should feel natural to the role as well as the audience.
The script plays an important part for any story to come to life and characters to feel real. Then comes the director who we can say works as the captain of the ship who is responsible for taking the ship or in our case a story in the right direction. As an actor, knowing and understanding the script well is important, it helps you decide how you will be bringing your character to life.
Bigg Boss has been a popular reality show among TV audiences. Please share your journey to Marathi Bigg Boss and the experience inside the house.
The experience was interesting and at the same time enriching for me. When the opportunity of participating in Marathi Bigg Boss came to me, I was unaware of the process or pursuit of the show. But when the opportunity came to me, I decided to take it as a challenge. What I liked about the show is that the team has designed it so well. Your personalities and traits come out differently when you are in a certain situation. The tasks and games in-house test you on different levels. You don’t get these experiences in everyday life. And I would say it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has tested individuals and industries around the world including the entertainment industry. How has been Marathi entertainment industry dealing with the current pandemic situation?
The entertainment industry, like any other industry, has been struggling with the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic. If anyone has been hit harder by this pandemic in the industry, they are the theatre artists and people who work on daily and weekly wedges. I with a few of my colleagues have been contributing towards helping them throughout the pandemic. We built funds for 300 artists that were being credited in their accounts for 8 months during the lockdown. We also took the initiative to help other artists receive their salaries which had been pending with the production houses due to some reasons.
However, with the multiplexes reopening there has been a positive vibe in the industry. People have started shooting for films and TV serials. Marathi theatre, however, will take some time to revive as its soul recites in the live audience.
Your current role in the popular Marathi serial ‘Maza Hoshil Na’ has been well-appreciated by the audience. Please share your experience of working in the show.
The interesting character arc and different storyline encouraged me to take this role in the first place. I am glad that the audience is appreciating our efforts of catering something different to them. As for my experience working with the unit, it has been exciting and thrilling per se. I have known few of cast members – Nikhil Ratnaparkhi, Sunil Tawde, Vinay Yedekar. Working with them again has been fun.
I would also like to take this opportunity to appreciate the efforts the production house has taken to ensure the safety of the entire cast and crew. The oximeters are used to record the temperature before entering the sets. The production house has also provided health insurance to artists and crew members. The first 2-3 months after the lockdown the management arranged all the facilities for the entire cast and crew to stay on-set while ensuring the social distancing.
What advice would you give to the aspiring Marathi actors?
My humble advice to every aspiring actor is, complete your education first. Take part in plays and other renowned competitions while pursuing your education. Nowadays, directors and producers from the entertainment industry attend these events in search of fresh talent, which gives you an additional benefit of early exposure.
Your passion for reading and fitness are the basic things an actor should focus on. These qualities help you project yourself as a better actor and performer. Keep watching films, the work actors from fellow as well as other industries have been projecting. Don’t imitate but observe and learn what is considered good acting. A good actor is unbarred of time, language, and region.
Here is practical advice to those who want to venture into the acting field professionally, consider your financial condition before entering the industry. If you are financially responsible for your family or dependents, try to get the work that will earn you decent money from day one. Be prepared for your struggle period, both emotionally and financially.
Social media has opened new avenues to the younger generation. It’s smart to use it to your advantage of getting financial stability and exposure. While doing so, focus on nurturing and improving your talent and craft as an actor. Your popularity on social media might get you easy entry into the entertainment industry. From then, however, your talent and work have to speak to create your identity in the industry. Once you are out of sight, you are out of mind, that’s the unsaid rule of the industry. So, focus on getting good work and making most of every opportunity you get.
As an actor, how have been focusing on your health and fitness, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?
What I like more about today’s generation is their focus on fitness. Today I notice young actors and actresses taking time out from their hectic schedules to focus more on their fitness. As for my health is a concern, I’m not a fitness freak but I do yoga every morning and other exercises whenever I get time.
With the hectic schedule of shooting how have you been maintaining the work-life balance?
Today, I am at a position in my career where I don’t need to work every day. However, I believe in spending quality time more than quantity. So, I make sure whatever activity we do be it watching movies, turns into a fruitful conversation than silently spending time in one room. I like to travel more so I take my family on tour whenever I can manage. However, the hectic shooting schedule doesn’t allow us more time to physically spend it with our family and friends. But you can always make time to connect over the phone.
As for me-time, I get time in between shots to spend on my passion – reading as well watching films and series.
Please share your future projects with us. Where would your fans get to see you next?
We were rehearsing for a play when the lockdown was imposed. But seeing the current situation in major cities, Marathi theatre will take time to work on its full fledge and glory. Even the film industry is taking its time to re-enter with its massive performance. As for OTT, I would love to explore the platform if the opportunity comes. For now, I am focusing on my on-going TV serial. I believe in giving my best to one project rather than being average in several projects.
“Be prepared for your struggle period, both emotionally and financially”
