Friendship Day special: Akshay Tanksale and Siddharth Menon on their bond

It was a chance meeting at the Pittie Hall in Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce (BMCC) back during their college days that built the foundation of actors Akshay Tanksale and Siddharth Menon’s friendship. It’s been 18 years since then and their bond is as strong as ever. On Friendship Day, the young actors give Pune Times a peek into their friendship and tell us how, no matter what, they can always rely on each other.

That random appearance of Akshay at Siddharth’s play prep Sharing how they met, Siddharth tells us, “We were preparing for Firodia Karandak and Akshay had just walked in with our common friend Ruturaj Shinde. For the play, we needed to assemble a cycle on stage. We needed the cycle the next day and someone asked out loud how we would manage it in a day. Enter Akshay, who said - ‘I’ll get it’.” True to his word, Akshay not only managed a cycle for them but also an ice gola maker. On his part, Akshay adds, “I had watched a play called Loose Control, by Samanvay, and was fascinated by this world of theatre. But with no background or references, I wanted to just make my way into a space where I would get noticed. That happened with this incident.” The chance meeting laid a foundation for their long friendship as well as professional association on stage and screen. The two will be see together again in the upcoming Yerawada Return, which Akshay has acted in and is the creative director for. “Siddharth plays a cameo in it. He and Abhay (Mahajan) were there right away when I asked them if they would be part of the film,” Akshay adds.

It’s all about a friendly give and take For this entire group of young actors from Pune, predominantly alumni of BMCC and Fergusson College, including Amey Wagh, Alok Rajwade, Parna Pethe, Abhay Majahan and more, their journeys have unfolded very differently. Each has a strong set of skills. But for them it is also about being part of each other’s success stories. “We have never looked at this bond for the sake of taking advantage of someone else’s success. But we have been part of each other’s stories for sure. It comes naturally to all of us,” says Akshay. Siddharth adds, “Even our parents share this happiness.”

My friend, my inspiration The two actors take inspiration from each other too. Akshay tells us that he is in awe of how presentable Siddharth has always been. “He is stylish, well-dressed, well-mannered and so presentable. Even after waking up, Siddharth looks great, like you would see in a movie when a star wakes up. His presence and the way he carries himself is something I have tried to inculcate in my life too,” says Akshay. Siddharth, who will make a return to the big screen after eight years with an upcoming Marathi film soon, replies, “For me, Akshay’s never-say-die attitude and his solution-oriented approach is inspiring. I tend to get stuck thinking about problems, but he is always thinking about solutions. Another thing is his conviction. If he sets his heart on doing something, he will do it for sure. If he fails, he introspects and moves on, never to repeat that mistake again.”

‘Hope to collaborate on a big project soon’ The duo has collaborated in the past but Siddharth says along with them, their entire group of friends should come together soon for a big project. “When we meet, we talk about working together and I wish that happens soon,” he says. Akshay shares, “The climax scene from Avengers: Endgame has stayed with me and always reminds me of our friends. No matter where they are, they will appear when their friends need them.” Siddhart adds, “Today, friendship has become our safe space and we cherish that.”

Akshay-Siddharth's Friendship Day movie marathon suggestions: Dil Chahta Hai, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, RRR, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, Sholay, Manjummel Boys and Poshter Girl