Amruta Khanvilkar is currently experiencing a robust and fulfilling phase in her professional journey, marked by critical acclaim and diverse projects. The talented actor recently garnered significant praise for her compelling performance in Neeraj Pandey's directorial venture 'Taskaree', while also making an appearance in the notable production 'Space Gen Chandrayaan'. With over a decade of consistent and dedicated work spanning films, television, and OTT platforms, Amruta has meticulously built a versatile and impressive body of work that showcases her range and dedication.
Facing Persistent Stereotypes Despite Years of Hard Work
However, despite her extensive experience and undeniable success, Amruta reveals that stereotyping continues to shadow her career, primarily due to her identity as a Marathi actor. In a candid interview with Screen, she shared that labels and preconceived notions frequently emerge in professional discussions, often highlighting her regional background as if it imposes limitations on her opportunities.
Speaking openly about these challenges, Amruta stated, "I still face some stigma. I often get to hear that you are a Marathi actor. So what? I will work somewhere, right? I just ignore it now." She elaborated on how actors are frequently judged for being overexposed or carrying so-called baggage, especially if they have an extensive background in television, which adds another layer of bias in the industry.
Choosing Silence Over Confrontation as a Strategy
The actress acknowledged that such remarks can be mentally and emotionally exhausting, yet she has consciously chosen her own method of dealing with them. Amruta added, "You will be told that you are overexposed or that you come with baggage because you are a star on TV." She believes these comments are persistent and never truly cease, but instead of constantly addressing or confronting them, she prefers to channel her energy into honing her craft and focusing on her work.
"These things get said; it's like the remark about being from the Marathi industry — there is no end to this. Some actors choose to speak about it; I choose to ignore it," she explained, making her stance clear and emphasizing a pragmatic approach to navigating industry biases.
How the Industry Mindset is Gradually Evolving
Despite these ongoing challenges, Amruta remains optimistic about the evolution of the film industry. She pointed out that many outdated myths and rigid norms are slowly being dismantled. "Earlier, there were so many norms and restrictions — like a female artiste's career ending once she gets married. It was also believed that if you played a secondary character, you would never get a main lead role. But that's never the case," she remarked.
She also highlighted the antiquated notion that television actors could not successfully transition into films, noting that time has significantly altered these rigid rules. According to Amruta, the industry today is far more accepting and inclusive, particularly for women and artists who do not conform to traditional molds, reflecting a positive shift towards diversity and opportunity.
Theatre Commitments and Future Endeavors
Beyond her screen work, Amruta is enthusiastically preparing for her upcoming Marathi play, Lagna Panchami. The play is set to premiere on January 9 and will run until January 25, with performances scheduled across key cities including Mumbai, Pune, and Satara. Directed by Nipun Avinash Dharmadhikari and backed by prominent stars Swwapnil Joshi and Madhugandha Kulkarni, this theatrical venture underscores Amruta's commitment to exploring diverse artistic mediums and connecting with audiences through live performances.
