Amruta Khanvilkar on learning Kathak at 38: When you love what you’re learning, age doesn’t matter

A well-known name in Marathi cinema, Amruta Khanvilkar views her growing presence in Hindi films and OTT platforms not as a shift, but as a natural progression. The actress, who is currently seen in Taskaree: The Smuggler’s Web, says, “The industry landscape is changing. The boundaries between regional and national cinema are dissolving. Today, actors are moving freely across languages, platforms and creative ecosystems, and that’s incredibly exciting.”

For Amruta, success has never been defined by scale, but by substance. She says, “I’ve always believed it’s not about how long you’re on screen, but how strongly your character stays with the audience. I want to collaborate with filmmakers who challenge me emotionally and physically. I dream big. Working with someone like Sanjay Leela Bhansali would be a privilege. Even if it’s just one powerful scene, I would do it in a heartbeat. For me, that’s what being an artiste is about, constantly evolving and pushing boundaries.”

That philosophy of growth extends beyond acting. At 38, Amruta began learning Kathak, something she had aspired to since her teenage years but could not pursue earlier due to circumstances. Reflecting on that decision, she says, “Dance has always been second nature to me, but learning Kathak was a deeply personal journey. I had wanted to learn it as a teenager, but life did not allow it then. When I finally had the time and space, I took it. During a quieter phase in my career, instead of panicking, I chose to invest in my art. Kathak gave me joy, discipline, and creative fulfilment. When you love what you are learning, age does not matter. And to anyone who feels they missed their chance, do not worry. If something truly belongs to you, it will find its way back. When the time is right, it will happen.”