How did you think of entering into this field ?

It was not intentional. I had typical middleclass ideas of a secured job. Accordingly I worked with US Vitamins for just a month or so but I did not enjoy it. Basically, I used to go to singing & tabla classes. During that time I was actively involved in Little Theatre Group through which I gotentry into Vinay Apte's musical play 'Aflatoon' where I was introduced as singer actor. After this followed a spate of plays like 'Moruchi Mawshi' & 'Kashi Mi Rahu Tashich' and so on.

How did you feel when you first faced the audience ?

I was very excited, but at the same a bit nervous. Basically, we were working in a very big group, including Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Atul Parchure and others. I got a kind of confidence working with them and so the "tension" didn't really get onto me.

Which has been your favourite role or character till date ?

Obviously 'Aflatoon', as it was my first commercial musical play. In this I was accompanied by Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Atul Parchure for all of whom it was their first. Also we had the opportunity to work with maestros like Vinay Apte, Chandu Parkhi, Dilip Kulkarni, Kishor Bhatt. So it will always be my favourite.

What has been you challenging role or character so far ?

I feel it is yet to come. I think an actor needs to be in the industry for atleast 10 to 15 years to get polished but even after this you are never complete. I'm still learning, however, the role of an alcoholic which had shades of a criminal in 'Hello Inspector' was a challenge for me.

Similarly the portrayal of a young married son caught between his parents and his wife unable to adjust with each other in 'Asech Aamhi Saare' and that of blind man in 'All The Best' gave in great pleasure. Those were quite enjoyable roles.

How important have co-stars been in shaping your career ?

I feel an actor's co-stars play an important role in his/her success. The success of a play depends to a large extent on a give and take between the actors. This needs a good rapport between them. I have learnt quite a lot while working with Vinay Apte (my first director), Dilip Kulkarni (the first established actor with whom I worked), talented actresses like Bhakti Barve and Vandana Gupte. I got some valuable tips on the importance of timing and punch in comedy from Vijay Chavan. Vijay Kenkre, an accomplished director also helped me a to improve my skills as an actor. Ashok Saraf and Laxmikant Berde, my co-stars in films, Sachin Pilgaonkar, my director in films, Mohan Joshi, Sudhir Joshi, in television serials and many others have been intrumental in polishing me as an actor. I look upto Vikram Gokhale as my idol. Vinay Apte is my mentor and god father.

How supportive have your family been in your decision to divert into this field ?

My family has always been supportive. They made me aware of the pitfalls of this field and also helped me to make the right moves. They have always stood by me through the thick and thin phases of my career.

How do you see yourself in the future ?

I am very much interested in direction and would definitely take it up in future. I had an experience, though amateur, as an assistance director during my college days when I was working part time with Vinay Apte. I would love to direct a film in future, rather than a television serial, and be involved in it right from it's inception to it's release. Simply because, no other medium gives me as much joy and challenge as a film. However I don't have any concrete plans yet. I'm waiting for a right idea, a right concept.