Exclusive- From his looks to high-pitched voice, I've worked hard for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji actor Kashyap Parulekar on playing Sarsenapati Netaji Palkar

Notable Marathi actor and Mann Udhan Varyache fame Kashyap Parulekar is all set to depict an iconic historical role of Sarsenapati Netaji Palkar in the upcoming TV show Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji. The actor is quite excited about it. In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Kashyap spoke about playing Netaji Palkar on-screen, his preparation for the historical role, what changes the role brought in his life and much more.

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

Talking about getting the opportunity of playing Sarsenapati Netaji Palkar, Kashyap said, "Actually, we all know the contribution of Netaji Palkar to the Swarajya. It's history is also widely known. Netaji was a warrior, a dedicated person who was honest and dedicated towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. I consider myself fortunate that I've got the opportunity to play such a character."

Kashyap decided to do a historical TV show for the first time with Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji. He said, "We often see TV shows where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's character is the only lead character of the show, but in 'Jai Bhavani Jai Shivaji,' everyone is playing lead roles. I feel it is an opportunity that I don't get every day. So, I decided to do this project." (PC - Instagram)

Talking about his preparation for the character, Kashyap said, "Netaji Palkar's voice is usually high pitched, so I worked on that. Also, his language was different and he used to speak more loudly and clearly and according to that, I worked on the character. There was a mannerism and strict behavior of his, which attracted me. Also, the creative team also worked more on Netaji's looks and his physical appearance. I was familiar with horse riding and sword fighting because I have done it before for Panipat (Hindi film) and those skills helped me doing this TV show. From looks to voice to physical appearance, I have worked with dogged determination." (PC - Instagram)

First of all, I have become more emotional and sentimental ever since I have started essaying Netaji on-screen. I don't usually cry for an emotional scene in a movie but nowadays, I have become quite emotional. The character Netaji Palkar has brought so many changes in my life. (PC - Instagram)

This pandemic has taught us everything including some discipline. Like many, I've been affected by the lockdown - both mentally and financially. But I spent as much time as I could with my daughter Ira. She made my lockdown easier to survive because I forget everything whenever I am with her, but I was not depressed ever. I always try to stay positive and will continue to do so. (PC - Instagram)

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar