PremiumSuccess of Sunflower series and Syam Pushkaran’s Thankam have done immense wonders for me, says Girish Kulkarni| EXCLUSIVE
Last Updated: 08.32 PM, Mar 06, 2024
The extremely talented Girish Kulkarni is one of the most versatile artistes that the entertainment industry has ever witnessed. After having started off with humble beginnings, the man went onto become one of the most sought-after actors in the industry today. With landmark and blockbuster projects like Sacred Games, Valu, Vihir, Postcard, Dangal, Kaabil and many others tucked under his belt, Girish was recently seen in the much-loved web series Sunflower.
OTTplay caught up with the stellar actor for an exclusive interview, wherein he spoke about Sunflower 2, his Malayalam debut Syam Pushkaran’s 'Thankam' and his future projects.
Even though your role in the Sunflower series has been highly appreciated, is it true that you initially refused Sunflower as you did not want to be typecast in the role of a policeman?
Yes! But, suddenly, one day, Ranvir Shorey, Sunil Grover and Vikas Bahl came together on a phone call and convinced me to do this role. Seeing their love and excitement with which they had approached me for the role, I just could not say no to the role. Vikas, then, promised me that this is not your regular police that one gets to see in the films as this policeman was ‘zara hat ke’ kind of person.
How was it to work with Adah Sharma, especially, after The Kerala Story?
Adah is an extremely good human being as well as an actress who knows her craft really well. It was really nice to work with her.
Can you recall any memorable scenes from Sunflower 2?
The entire journey of Sunflower 2 has been a totally memorable journey in itself!
What has been your best or toughest scene from Sunflower 2?
There are many interesting scenes in the series which includes my interaction with Kaminibai, my ‘nok-jhok’ with Sonu and even the vada pav scene. (laughs).
Since you have now made your debut in Malayalam films as well, if given a chance, will you act or direct the Hindi remake of Ayyapan Koshi or Kumbalangi Nights?
These two are masterpiece films of Malayalam cinema. As for Kumbalangi Nights, I just do not want to even touch the film as it’s an exceptional film. As for Ayyappan Koshi, the energy that the film brought was totally unparalleled.
What has the success of Syam Pushkaran’s 'Thankam' done to you as a person as well as your career?
Personally, the success of the film has done wonders for me. The film actually paved the way to meet with some of the stellar actors. The love that I got for the film is totally beyond words. I just could not have asked for anything more.
What next for Girish Kulkarni?
Umesh Kulkarni and I are working on our next project, which will possibly be a Bollywood film. Presently, I am busy working with directors like Nagraj Manjule and Roshan Andrews. Hopefully, I will be starting a Telugu film with a young director.
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when I say the following:
Laal shaal jodi zartaari, paayi kadaawa ghat ghat karti
The classical tradition of Marathi music, which also is a huge memory of my childhood.
Pendharkar Guruji
My love for music originated from there. He sowed the seeds of music in me.
Vasudev Palande
I have imbibed the quality of being a good listener from him.
Joshi sir of New English school
He was the one who taught me how to focus and where to focus.
Mohan Shetye
My History teacher and one of the persons responsible for my growth as an artiste.
“Aaj se naya khaata shuru”
That was the first time when I faced the camera for the film Zindagi Zindabad. I had only one dialogue (the aforesaid line) in the film, which also starred the legendary actor (late) Om Puri. That line, ironically, opened my account!