Regional cinema and theatre make me feel alive, says actor Yashpal Sharma

RAIPUR: Famous for his role of 'Lakha' in the movie Lagaan, Bollywood actor Yashpal Sharma said that he loves doing theatre and regional cinema and does commercial films only to stay close to public.
Sharma, who was here to attend Raipur International Film Festival (RIFF) 2020 said “I enjoy cinema, it feels close to my heart, I feel like I am doing theatre.” Replying to a question on why he is drawn more to regional cinema, he said “It gives me a feeling of satisfaction.I get to work with people from different backgrounds. It is very fulfilling.”
He said," I do commercial films just to earn a little money and remain a part of the industry, but my heart belongs to theatre."
Talking to TOI on the sidelines of the film fest, Sharma shared his views on difference/challenges in commercial cinema and parallel cinema, the Lagaan actor said, “only very few type of commercial films can satisfy your heart. The only benefit is money and fame. I believe an actor should do commercial cinema to be alive among public and parallel cinema to feel that he is alive.” When asked what does he feel whether he is established in the industry or still struggling, Sharma said, “Struggle is for life long. Now I am more focused on doing work that I like. I am directing my first Haryanvi film which is now at post production stage.”
As many as four films starring Yashpal Sharma including a Bangladeshi movie Fagun Haway based on Bengali language movement in Bangladesh were screened at the film fest. Speaking about his experience on working with Bangladeshis, Sharma said "Bangladesh is a beautiful country and people are warm and friendly and cooperative. They even especially prepared rotis for me."
The actor who has attended RIFF for the second time said, “Audience here is very energetic, intellectual asking great questions and they understand theatre, which is very rare these days. This can be seen in very few places where audience is talking in a sensible way, watching parallel cinema, and giving their reactions like claps and laughter on the right moment.”