Go an extra mile to succeed in theatre, films: Marathi actor Prashant Damle

NAGPUR: Noted actor Prashant Damle was in his element as he shared many incidents that he was witness to and part of during his chequered career spanning over decades that had the audience in splits, and at the same time, giving them reasons to brood over, at a programme held at Chitnavis Centre on Tuesday.


He was the only centre of attraction at the programme titled ‘Gappa, goshti aani gaane’, organized by SGR Knowledge Foundation in association with Chitnavis Centre.

Damle, known for his quick wit, said, “People often ask me do actors get bored by staging the same performances? I believe, performing on the stage is a lively affair as the audience responds immediately to the punch lines and puns intended. This acts as a tonic for actors who then keep adding their own ‘touch’ to the performance.”

“Play ‘Tur Tur’ was my first Marathi play which gave me a breakthrough and paved the way for my romance with theatre and films,” he said.

Damle’s pauses that he is famous for were in evidence as he narrated his life journey. It is very difficult to play a comic role (though people laugh) as it tests the calibre of an actor, he added.

“Sudhir Bhat of Suyog Productions cast me in the lead role in comedy drama ‘Brahmachari’. The play is immensely popular as it depicts the life of a bachelor and the comedy that ensues. My performance opened for me the gates of films and I got a role in ‘Pudhcha Paul’ and many more,” he said.

Commenting on the changing preferences of the audience, such as watching movies and shows on digital platforms and whether it is demolishing the good old theatre days, he said, “As far as today’s generation of 40 years old doesn’t turn 60, we are ‘safe.’ I believe the theatre would never die as people continue to enjoy going to auditoriums to watch classic plays.”

At the same time, he said, one has to work really hard while doing theatre and films. One has to go an extra mile to be successful in this profession. There are hidden techniques and aspects that go behind any theatre act which makes it successful one. said Damle.

The actor threw light on ideologies and team work behind a good theatre performance.

Damle has acted in numerous Hindi and Marathi plays with legendary actors like Laxmikant Berde, Varsha Usgaonkar and Ashok Saraf. It had always been a pleasure to work alongside these actors, he said.