As Sachin Pilgaonkar clocks over six decades of acting, he credits the tolerance level of audiences for his survival
Bade achhe lagte hain… perhaps there is only one Sachin, the famous cricketer that India loves more than this gifted actor. Cherubic child actor of 65 films, disarmingly charming hero of lilting love stories like Geet Gaata Chal, Balika Badhu as Sachin Pilgaonkar has clocked over six decades in the film industry, he lets us into his journey. On how he has survived in the competitive industry for so long, he smiles, “The credit goes to the tolerance of audiences.”
In a free-wheeling interview his sense of humour and affable manners strike us as much as his performances onscreen. Back in time directors may have felt ‘he can only make audiences cry,’ today his funny bone manifests not only in his directorial signatures but also crackling one-liners. Celebrating the success of his latest Marathi directorial Navra Maza Navsacha 2, sequel to his earlier superhit film of 2004, the actor-director producer shares sequels are no less no more challenging. But he adds, “Viewers are often ready to jump to conclusions and declare ‘oh the first one was better.”
While Marathi cinema is hailed all over the country and in this time and age when big ticket movies are flopping left, right and centre, his movie doing a theatrical run of over 50 days is no mean feat. But Sachin won’t gloat or preach. Certainly, he has no piece of advice for Punjabi filmmakers, who he thinks are doing a very good job. You bet this Marathi has seen some Punjabi films. He listens to Bulle Shah and Baba Farid too and swears by the beauty of Punjabi ‘an inimitable language with unique flavour and expressions.’
The idiom of love, many may feel, has changed in Indian cinema. But the lead of emotive films like Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se, brimming with pure and virtuous love, has a different take. He observes, “Love will always remain innocent. It is just the situation that changes. And, since filmmakers have to create something new each time, a new idea or story of looking at love crops up.”
Indeed, he has also been a witness to days when audiences would give a standing ovation and make cinema halls come alive with their over-enthused responses. Today, much of the content is watched in the privacy of rooms, thanks to OTT. He believes, “Change is the only constant. There is no point in harping over woh zamaana aisa tha…” Thus he is willing to learn as much from his lovely daughter Shriya Pilgaonkar, an OTT star in her own right.
With so many talented actors in the family, his wife Supriya Pilgaonkar too is a noted actress, we wonder if their house doubles up as an acting school. He replies, “No, more than acting we discuss food.” Ahem, looks like his love for Punjab translates into their foodie traits too.
With food figuring high on his agenda, how has he managed to maintain himself? Well, for one it’s his genes which he has inherited from his mother. Besides, he plays badminton regularly and eats everything, but in moderation.
In fact, it’s his evergreen looks which ensured his transition from a National Award winning child actor to a grown-up actor was seamless. Imagine his last film as a child actor in Bairag was in the same year as Balika Badhu. To those who think the otherwise heartwarming film was socially incorrect and glorified child marriage he maintains, “It was made in 1976 but was a period film set in 1930s when child brides were a norm.” Today he won’t advocate the regressive custom. Nor is he a votary of violence and abusive language with which web shows are currently heavily loaded. Sure he throws in a caveat, ‘unless script strongly demands so.’ Yes he has made an exception in City of Dreams where he turned a bad guy and in season three for the first time in his life abused in front of the camera. All praise for his director Nagesh Kukunoor for discovering this facet of his and that too sans any accoutrements, he admits to being ‘a director’s actor.’
The director in Sachin never interferes with other directors’ vision for many reasons but also, “Since I am only being paid for acting.”
Of course, it’s not just his credo-line “the only way to be different is to be oneself” which makes him iconic but oodles of talent. Once an actor, always one, he has no intention of ever bidding adieu to arc-lights. Directing a Hindi entertainer is only one of his many dreams. “You can only quit if you have mastered it all…” six decades and still in learning mode. Now, you know the real secret behind the Sholay and Satte pe Satta actor’s long, long innings.
