INTERVIEWS. SANDEEP KULKARNI - Actor
- Biography - Filmography - Awards
Interview by Ulhas Shirke © MMW

“I love to perform variety of roles ” - Sandeep Kulkarni


If you look at his educational background, he is supposed to be the most creative person in the Marathi film world. Having done his graduation from Mumbai’s illustrious educational institution - Sir J J school of Arts, Sandeep Kulkarni opted for advertising field and later switched over to acting profession , which is also another art form. Today, he is the most popular actor of Marathi movies.

Beginning his film career with Bollywood stalwarts like Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani through their films ‘Mammo’ and ‘Hazaar Courasi ki Maa’ respectively , Sandeep Kulkarni first took lessons from acting guru Satyadev Dube at the most appropriate time, under whose guidance he could then progress confidently. In late 80s he began his stage career with plays like ‘Majha Khel Mandu De’ and
‘Dhyani Mani’. Besides few Bollywood movies, he was also seen in popular Hindi TV serials like ‘Discovery of India’, ‘ 9 Malabar Hill’, and ‘Nyay’. But, his entry into popular Marathi serial ‘Avantika’ actually brought him into limelight. He was soon offered the role of Dr. Sane in a Marathi film ‘Shwaas’, which not only won the national award but was India’s entry for the Oscars.

In fact, film ‘Shwaas’ of which Sandeep was a major part, had actually brought in that desired change into Marathi films. And, good days were here for Sandeep, who was spotted as the perfect character to play angry young man of Marathi films to fight injustice in the society. Mr. Apte came as a tailor made role for his kind of personality in the film ‘Dombivali Fast’ made by award winning director Nishikant kamat. Later, Sandeep went on to be part of films like ‘Bedhund’, ‘Mai Baap’, ‘Made in China’ and ‘Sane Guruji’ but his performance in action packed thriller ‘Gaiir’ also went on to prove that he was an actor par excellence, fit to perform any kind of role.

In 2008, Sandeep received the best actor award during Nigerian Film festival for his role in ‘Ek Daav Sansaracha. Earlier in 2006 , he had won the popular Screen Award for best actor in ‘Dombivali Fast’. In fact, ‘Dombivali Fast’ was the film which also received attention at many international film festivals but the best compliment came from Los Angeles Film festival, when Michael Douglas appreciated the film. If you study his profile, most of his films have been part of international film festivals.

Being very particular about accepting the roles based on not only good script but good cinematic presentation in the screenplay, he is now all set to invite attention of his admirers through his forthcoming film ‘Pratisaad’ which is due for release on 21st May 2010. In this film Sandeep plays a Homeopathy doctor. The script is based on the success story of a popular Homeopath Dr. Amarendra Nikam from Pimpri, Pune. He is also playing an important role of a Muslim character in next Bollywood film ‘Bandaa’.

In an interview to Marathi Movie World, Sandeep Kulkarni speaks about his acting career and future assignments.

Q: You have been branded as the angry young man of Marathi films, who cannot stand to injustice in the society. Does the real Sandeep also react in the same fashion?
A: - ( Smile). Yes, to a certain extent, but I don’t express my anger that spontaneously, as I did through different roles in films. Like any other common man, I too dislike certain disturbing acts of people, who take others for granted. One has to respect the law and behave like a sensible citizen.

Q: How much is your involvement in your film, besides acting ?
A: I totally get involved right from the shooting till the film is distributed. The involvement also depends upon my personal relationship with the film makers. If I am close to them, then you

Sandeep Kulkarni, Pratisaad

will even find me helping them in their ad campaign. This is where my original profession comes into operation. And, I enjoy doing that job too, which is full of creativity. In my past film ‘Gaiir’ and the forthcoming film ‘Pratisaad’ my involvement has been there in the ad campaign too .
Q: You have been very choosy about your roles. Does the story and the role offered to you matter a lot ?
A: It is not only the story and role offered, but what I am more particular about is the presentation of screenplay. Unfortunately, today not many Marathi and Hindi film makers are paying attention to screenplay, which is the heart of the film. If your screenplay is good, you are sure to catch attention of the audience and hold them back to their seats from start till end. I really get inspired when I see the work of late Vijay Tendulkar through the screenplays written by him. With limitations during his time, he was so perfect in his presentation on paper.



Q: Which role has impressed you the most ?
A: All the types of roles I performed have been good, as they were my selection. I enjoy playing variety of roles with characters like a doctor, an industrialist, a bank employee, an Army man or a Police officer; since I am not that in real life. It is a biggest challenge preparing for such roles .

Q; Do you mean that before playing a Homeopath in ‘Pratisaad’, you studied Dr. Nikam ?
A; I not only studied him but also did a lot of reading about him and interacted with so many people who were close to him and those who benefited with his treatment. During the making of this film, it also came to my notice that this is the first film in the world on the subject of Homeopathy medicine.

Q: So, you are eagerly waiting for the release ?
A: Yes, I am very excited about this film’s release in May 2010. And, I am sure, everybody would love to watch it.

Q: Being a creative person with the background of art, are you planning your own production ?
A: Not now. It is too early to comment on it. But, surely, in years to come I will do my own film.

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User's Comments
Ramesh Thorve
Ramesh Thorve | Thu, Nov 4, 2010 at 6:05 PM
Great Actor
Sandeep kulkarni's films are always a pleasure to watch. his eyes reflects his emotions.
Kushagra
Kushagra | Thu, May 20, 2010 at 7:08 PM
Shabdat kas sangu ?
Namskar sir, khartar tumhi maze khup aavadte vyaktimatva aahat. 'Dombivali Fast' madhil tumchi acting kashi hoti, he sangan shabdapalikadche aahe. khup chan bhumika kelit sir tumhi. and also in 'Trafic Signal'. tumhala aayushybhar vividh role karayla milo,tumhi tyat yashaswi hovot... "Mazyakadun ani mazya kutimbakadun tumhala hardik shubheccha"
Dinesh
Dinesh | Thu, May 20, 2010 at 7:08 PM
Expecting More
Dear Sandeep, Tujah Shwas ani dombalifast khup sundar cinema hota... pratisaad la nakkich janakar prekshak chan pratisaaad detil.. tujhya kadhun changal abhinaya barobarach chan chitrapatanchi apeksha aahe... ani gair cha tujha prayanta suddcha chan hota.. asech navin navin prayako karat raha... Best of Luck.
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