Sanjay Mishra, renowned for his performances in films like Vadh and the Golmaal franchise, took on a unique challenge approximately one year ago. The actor agreed to participate in Vijay Tendulkar's iconic play Ghashiram Kotwal, which was revived in Hindi under the direction of Abhijit Panse. Following a recent performance in Pune at the inauguration of MIT-WPU's Dadasaheb Phalke International Film School studio, Mishra shared his thoughts with us.
Honoring Vijay Tendulkar's Legacy
"Vijay Tendulkar's contribution to Indian theatre is extremely noteworthy," Mishra stated. "For me to be part of one of his creations is a big thing. In fact, it's something that will make any actor proud." He added that the play has been staged in various cities, including Delhi, and the audience response has been overwhelming everywhere.
The Role of Nana Phadnavis
Mishra plays the formidable role of Nana Phadnavis, a character that demands significant skill and experience. "However, if someone had asked me 20 years ago to do something like this, I'd have said no. Playing Nana Phadnavis' role on stage is no mean feat. It requires a lot of hard work and experience," he explained. The actor stars alongside Santosh Juvekar, who portrays Ghashiram Kotwal in the production.
A Look Back at the Original Play
The original Ghashiram Kotwal was first staged in 1972, directed by Jabbar Patel and featuring Mohan Agashe. This revival pays homage to Tendulkar's masterpiece, bringing it to contemporary audiences.
Behind the Scenes
Jignesh Mistry, a photojournalist with Pune Times, captured stills from the play, showcasing Mishra as Nana Phadnavis and Juvekar as Ghashiram Kotwal. The production has been praised for its powerful performances and faithful adaptation.
