Marathi, Bollywood or Hollywood films, Govind Namdev leaves his mark on all. The versatile actor in an exclusive interview with Free Press Journal talks about his upcoming movies like ‘Solar Eclipse’, ‘Chapekar Brothers’, ‘Anna’ and ‘Project Marathwada’ and Marathi movies.
Namdev is more prominently known for his villainous portrayals in Bollywood. But talent has no boundaries, hence he excels in all roles and genre.
Some of his most notable work has been in films like JD, Raees, Main Gabbar, Dil Hai Tumhara, Ramaiya Vastavaiya, Yuvraaj, OMG- Oh My God, Heroine, Bandit Queen and Many more. In 1999, Namdeo awarded Filmfare best villain award for Satya and in 2009 best actor at the Osian’s Film Fan for Kabootar.
Tell us something about your role of Morarji Desai in Solar Eclipse?
‘Solar Ecilpse’ story was combined on Hollywood- Bollywood Stories. 75% actors are from Hollywood and 25% are from Bollywood. I have done role of Morarji Desai in ‘Solar Eclipse’. This story is based on the period when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. The movie depicts a conspiracy theory, blended with fiction, wherein three senior cops try to save Mahatma. ‘Solar Eclipse’ is a film that celebrates democracy and is based on a conspiracy theory on the plot to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi.
What was the most challenging job enacting Morarji Desai?
Due to lack of information, video or speech of Morarji Desai I had to face many problems. I had only heard person to person on that basis I played the role of Desai. I used to keep an image of a Prime Minister in my mind as at that time Home Minister’s image was totally difference. We faced problems on how we display all the character in the movie.
How many movies are you doing this year and which are the ones?
I am doing plenty of movies, with versatile roles. In ‘Chapekar brothers’ I’m playing the role of Lokmanya Tilak. Besides that I am also acting in ‘Project Marathwada’, a film based on farmer suicides in Maharashtra. I got to play different shades. I felt a sense of pride to portray Tilak. And whenever I have done such historical characters, like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, my maturity has improved. I have been educated. The human inside me has awakened. I felt very satisfied after doing this film.
There is an another movie based on the life of Anna Hazare movie named was ‘ANNA’. Anna Hazare’s role is played and directed by Shashank Udapurkar. I play the role of villian in this movie. Anna Hazare ki takkar mere saath, I have a hold on village, when he return from military at that time we both fight with each others.
‘Chapekar Brothers’, ‘ANNA’ will releasing this year. ‘Project Marathwada’ releasing on 3rd June 2016, and ‘Solar Eclipse’ in 2017.
You are also playing a role of Gautam Buddha in Amrapali?
Yes, but only two- three shoots has been done, due to some problem we have to stop shooting in that I am playing a very serious role.
So you are also working in Marathi cinema, what is difference between Marathi film and Bollywood movie?
I am also doing Marathi movie ‘Sur Sappata’ which was based on Kabaddi making for a festival. Now Marathi Film Industries is doing well and also we get nominees in film festival. Marathi movie also goes to Oscars. Marathi regional film like ‘Natsamrat’ and ‘Sairat’ . ‘Sairat’ has broken all the records of Marathi cinema within 3 weeks ‘Sairat’ earned Rs 70 crore. Marathi cinema growth has now gone on a higher level.
