EXCLUSIVE: I genuinely believe that the script gives you everything about the character, says Priya Bapat

The very mention of Priya Bapat brings to our mind the ever-smiling face of a studious MBBS student in the film ‘Munna Bhai M.B.B.S’ and also a small, but an extremely powerful cameo in ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’. Besides these two films, the extremely talented Priya Bapat has been a part of many Marathi films and shows. These days, she has become the subject topic of discussion, courtesy her extremely powerful performance in ‘City Of Dreams’, which is being streamed on Disney Plus Hotstar.

OTTplay caught up with the actress for an exclusive one-on-one. Over to you, Priya….

Priya, from being the simple studious MBBS student (in ‘Munnabhai MBBS’) to playing the planning plotting politician in ‘City Of Dreams’, how has been the journey been so far?
Oh... the journey has simply been great. When I did ‘Munnabhai MBBS’, I did not even know that I wanted to become an actor in the first place. From there, to the point where I discovered that acting is my true calling from there, I took up acting full-fledged and did lots of Marathi films. And then, from there, I took another step by doing ‘City Of Dreams’ part one. I got a national recognition with the first part of ‘City Of Dreams’. Even though it looks like a simple journey, I did have my share of struggles. ‘Believe in yourself and your talent’ is my mantra for success. I firmly believe is that, it is eventually, what lasts tis the talent. What people remember is not the clothes that you wear, but the performances that you deliver. The journey so far has been satisfactory and I am content. From here, I only want to go higher.

Are you satisfied the way your career has shaped up today?
That applies to every individual. Nobody is ever satisfied with anything. But I am in a profession., where I have been very fortunate. The reason being, my hobby has turned into my profession, where I enjoy every day of my profession. So, I do not go to work with my heart at home. I am not competitive about others. I am rather competitive about my own self. If I have touched a thousand work, I want to touch a million hearts with my work.

What was the brief which was given to you regarding your character Poornima Gaikwad?
Poornima Gaikwad is ambitious and determined, but, very homely. A woman who loves her family, has immense love for her father and brother. But she is not the one who doesn’t like to be taken for granted. She will fight for the right thing.

How much you feel that you have moulded yourself into that character?
The thing is that, two seasons are successful and people have liked Poornima Gaikwad, this means that I have delivered to the expectations of the director.

Are you a director’s actor?
Of course I am a director’s actor!

You play a politician in the series. In real life are you tuned into politics or you stay away from politics?
I stay away from politics.

What kind of homework did you do for the role?
I genuinely believe that the script gives you everything about the character, unless it is a real-life story or a biopic. Although I did not study about any politician as my homework, I did study about the body languages of the politicians worldwide.

Your working experience with Nagesh Kukunoor?
I really respect him. I love all his work so far. I simply love his narrative. He is not somebody who will act and show you and tell you to imitate. Rather, he will feed the required thoughts and the right feeling of the moment.

How would you describe the following people in one word:

Atul Kulkarni

My Best friend

Sachin Pilgaonkar

Legend

Sushant Singh

Anna (laughs)

Eijaaz Khan

My coffee buddy

Ranvijay Singha

Aww. My childhood crush! (smiles)