Exclusive - Rohan Pednekar on being successful enterpreneur - Can't believe that I had suicidal thoughts during lockdown

Marathi actor Rohan Pednekar, who rose to fame with popular Marathi TV show Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, was facing a major financial crisis due to lockdown. The actor, who is the only bread earner of his family, sold packets of dried fish and now has become a successful entrepreneur. Rohan also fought back with depression and suicidal thoughts. He now wants to inspire all young actors to think positively. Rohan, who played the role of Sahastrabudhe in the show, poured his heart out in an exclusive chat with ETimes TV. (PC - Instagram)

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

The actor started selling fish during the lockdown and has become successful in it. He said, "I sell dried fish and am happy today that I have become successful in that business. A few days ago I decided to step on another ladder by selling fresh fish also. I am developing new ideas every day, so I am proud that I am successful in this field too. I can't believe it that a few days ago I was dealing with suicidal thoughts and was facing a financial crisis. Today I have also taken a flat on rent to safely keep my products. It's all because of the hard work. (PC - Instagram)

The actor wants to improve his business technologically too. He said, "Right now I am keeping the notes of my orders in a notebook so it's becoming a little bit tough for me to maintain the records. I am planning to buy laptops to maintain the data and if it goes like this then in future I will also launch an app of my business. I am focusing to develop my business technologically too". (PC - Instagram)

Pednekar further said, "I am confident now because I have earned a good profit till now. But I will never forget that I was also selling umbrellas in the rainy season. I always wanted to face whatever I have on my plate. I had made up my mind and decided to never fail in life. I wanted to prove that I was never a loser and facing trouble is in my blood too. What others do is, they sell their home or property and return to their village or ask money from someone else but I am not like that. I never wanted to lose in my life. I always feel that a difficult situation can not destroy me and I will never ever fail. (PC - Instagram)

Talking about his new achievement he said, "I wake up at 3 am and go to the fish dock and manage everything. I am not focusing on acting now. I have also received a few calls for various roles but I want to focus on my fish business now and once I settle in this, I will concentrate on my acting. I want to keep my one side strong and lockdown gave me the opportunity to explore my skills. I used to earlier wake up at 10 or 11 am but now I have that much enthusiasm that I wake up at 3 am (Laughs). I am glad that customers are liking my products. A few months ago, I was worried about my future. Me and my mom sometimes think about us that how we could manage all these things and what if I never had started this. It's really horrible to even think about it." (PC - Instagram)

Rohan Pednekar says he never asked for any money or debt from his relatives. The actor feels it was the right decision. He said, "I am glad that I never asked any of my relatives for money. It's better to spend your hard earned money. I have a son and I celebrate his monthly birthday now by gifting him something every month. I am proud today that I am gifting him something from the money which I have earned from my hard work." (PC - Instagram)

Rohan has the responsibility of his family, he said, "I have also sold newspapers, rangoli and kandils. I have the responsibility of my family, my mother, my wife, and my little son. Whenever I sleep at night, the happy face of my son flashes in front of me and it energizes me and my inner strength forces me to think positively." (PC - Instagram)

Rohan Pednekar said people focus more on their social status. He said, "What I think is people focus more on maintaining their social status. No work is small today. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about. We have to break the barricades of life by becoming fearless. What are we going to do if Corona doesn't go away for the next 5 years? Are we going to sit idle? Obviously not. So these things people should obviously think about it and have to start working from the next minute. (PC - Instagram)

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar