A godfather can get you a role: Girish

On a visit to Nagpur for his Marathi play 'Final Draft' noted Marathi writer-director and actor Girish Joshi speaks about how the entertainment industry has evolved over time and on Final Draft's nine year run!
Did you ever think that your play Final Draft will be such a commercial success?
When I wrote the play in 2003 I was teaching TV script writing at a media school and I used to observe a lot from students, the issues they used to discuss and the assignments they submitted etc.I thought why not write a play that reflects the thoughts that I am having and that's how Final Draft was born. When we did this play for the first time, it was for a festival and I thought we will have around 25 shows and that���������s that. But, it���������s been 9 years and yes we are happy that it���������s doing well.
How did you choose Mukta Barve for this role?
We had worked together even before this play and I thought that she will understand the character well and therefore she was cast.
The play is set against the backdrop of the media���������did you make changes in the play considering that media has changed immensely since the time you wrote it?
Oh yes, we have made changes, but they are minor. Like in this age of mobiles, nobody uses an intercom���������so these changes are done only because we felt that it would look strange to not do them. Also, we���������ve changed the look of the sets a tad bit. The basic script remains unchanged.
Apart from theatre, the number of Marathi TV shows and films being made are ever increasing. Has the struggle eased for newcomers?
It hasn���������t actually, simply because the channels of entertainment have increased. That means more number of people trying for the same job! With more opportunities comes more competition too, which is why you will see many actors doing serial, plays, films etc. It's also about survival.
Does having a godfather help?
A godfather can manage a role for you? How can he manage to get you love from the audience? Because ultimately if you audience ��������� whether in TV, films or theatre - does not love you or your work, how will you get more projects?