Sambhaji Sasane Earns Praise for Powerful Performance in Marathi Film Rubaab
Marathi actor Sambhaji Sasane, celebrated for his work in films like Wagherya, B.E. Rojgaar, and Love & Shukla, is currently receiving widespread appreciation for his portrayal of Suraj in the Marathi film Rubaab. The film has now entered its fifth successful week in theatres, highlighting its strong audience connection.
Delving into the Complex Character of Suraj
Talking about his character, Sasane provided deep insight. “Suraj is a fiercely self-respecting young man who carries a natural swagger and profound emotional intensity,” he explained. “He returns to his hometown burdened with unresolved emotions, particularly regarding his relationship with his father, who never supported his decision to marry his first love, Madhuri.”
The actor expressed that what truly captivated him was the duality of the role. “Behind Suraj’s tough exterior lies a deeply emotional person who values loyalty and honesty above all. For him, love, pride, and dignity are inextricably linked, and that very connection is what gives the character its essence, its ‘Rubaab’.”
Immersive Preparation and an Unconventional Filming Approach
Sharing the meticulous process behind bringing Suraj to life, Sasane revealed he spent over three weeks in Atpadi, the town where the story is set. “I stayed in Atpadi to authentically understand the local dialect, observe the people’s mannerisms, and absorb the rhythm of life there,” he said. “Since Suraj is deeply rooted in that world, it was crucial for me to experience the environment firsthand rather than relying on imagination.”
He also disclosed the unique directorial method of Shekhar Rankhambe. “Interestingly, I never had a physical script. My director narrates the story repeatedly instead of providing a script to read. So, my preparation evolved into more of a listening journey than a reading one, which fostered a different kind of creative immersion.”
Real Injuries from an Unplanned Fight Scene
The actor recalled a particularly unexpected and challenging moment during the filming of a fight sequence. “We had rehearsed the stunt choreography extensively with trained performers, but on the shoot day, they were unavailable. We ended up filming the sequence with enthusiastic local boys who had no prior experience with choreographed action.”
This led to an intense and genuine situation. “In the excitement, the action became a little too real. A few punches landed harder than anticipated, and I sustained some genuine hits. My ribs and back were sore for nearly a month afterwards,” Sasane shared. “But I don’t blame them—they were simply thrilled to be part of the shoot.”
Heartening Audience Response and Cast Bonding
Speaking about the film’s reception, Sasane expressed gratitude. “The response has been incredibly heartening. Many people have connected deeply with Suraj, especially his approach to love and complex relationships.” He added, “For an actor, the most beautiful feedback is when someone says the character felt utterly real to them. That is the ultimate reward.”
He credited the cast’s close bond, forged during their extended stay in Atpadi, for enhancing the film’s authenticity. “We stayed together for almost three weeks, which naturally fostered a close-knit team. After shoots, we would explore nearby villages, observe locals, and engage in conversations. Those shared experiences were instrumental in collectively building the authentic world of the film.”
