From her first released Marathi blockbuster Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi to the latest sports drama Chal Dhar Pakad, Priya Berde has portrayed versatile roles on-screen. Her bold presence is what gives an edge to every character she has played.
From maintaining a family legacy and making a mark in the Marathi film industry to take on the challenge to start the second innings of her career while being a single mother wasn’t easy. “But it comes from within,” Priya says, “And I believe every woman has the confidence to face difficult situations alone, she only has to recognize.” This determination of hers has helped her throughout her life in glamour and beyond. As a French merchant Jacques Coeur had said, “For a valiant heart, nothing is impossible.”
The following interview with Priya Berde gives you a sneak peek of her behind-the-screen persona. Keep on reading to know about her journey in Marathi cinema, her views on how women can manage work-life balance, and about the biopic of legendary actor Laxmikant Berde.
What was your inspiration behind becoming an actor?
I entered the industry as a dubbing artist at the age of eight. I was fortunate to be nourished and nurtured as an artist in the presence of industry veterans at an early age. My father Arun Karnataki was a director, and my mother Lata Arun was a legendary theatre artist. Coming from a family of legends such as Bhalji Pendharkar and V. Shantaram was a blessing and a huge responsibility at the same time. And the audience and my fans have played a huge part in me maintain that family legacy and continue to live my passion for the cinema for over 40 years.
From Marathi theatre to films, you have left a huge mark in the Marathi entertainment industry. Please tell us about your journey of entering the Marathi film industry.
I was shooting an ad for Vaishali Ghanekar. At the same time her brother Girish Ghanekar, renowned film director was searching for a fresh face with rural innocence for his next film Rangat Sangat. That’s how they came to know about me, and I was cast in my first Marathi film. Later I got Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi, which became a hit. And then there was no looking back.
I recollect the fond memories of my first few films including Ashi Hi Banwa Banwi and Hum Aapke Hai Kaun. The industry has become more professional now but back then it used to feel more snug and homely. We used to mingle and chat during breaks and even play cricket on sets. I had a similar experience while shooting Hum Aapke Hai Kaun as not only most of the cast but the crew members from a spot boy to Make-up artists were Marathi-speaking. It created a comfortable and cordial environment on sets.
During my decades of presence in the industry what I like more about my work is the happy surprises. Every day brings new experiences, we get to meet and interact with different artists and technicians for different projects.
You have shown versatility through your on-screen roles, especially in the second innings of your career. What is your opinion about the change in the Marathi entertainment industry and its audience?
I have experienced a massive change in the films today from budget and stories to film promotions and most importantly the audience’s taste. Their interest is shifted from emotional films to more entertainment-rich content today. So, I as an actor have gotten a chance to portray grey-shade characters in the second innings of my career. My characters in Natarang, Jogwa, Full-3-Dhamaal, and Chal Dhar Pakad have been very well appreciated by the audience.
And I like to play roles I can give justice to, which is why I have been enjoying playing these roles. And people will get to see more of it in my upcoming movies.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has tested individuals and industries around the world including the entertainment industry. How has been Marathi entertainment industry dealing with the current pandemic situation?
Developing and maintaining hygiene safety habits outside is essential. And artists must learn to maintain it outdoor and at shoot locations. COVID-19 pandemic has been there for over a year now and the entertainment industry, just like any other industry, has been hit hard by the side effects of lockdown. Many artists were unemployed and are still struggling to make the ends meet. So, when the first lockdown was imposed in 2020, we took steps to help these artists to survive by distributing essentials to the industry and theatre artists.
Now that the government is slowly removing the lockdown restrictions this is the time to move forward with care and conscious efforts. We can’t stay locked in our homes due to the fear of contamination. Following precaution is a must for everyone to take the industry forward and out of the COVID shadow.
And I am glad that many production houses, organizers, and artists have started taking precautions by themselves. Wearing masks, regular sanitization, and maintaining social distance have been our routine on sets and play rehearsals. We also request the audience after plays to avoid coming backstage. While this might offend some people, but this is necessary during these trying times. Today, not hugs but keeping distance is the only way to show your care and affection towards your co-artists and fans.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put the entertainment in restrictions with theatres opening with less capacity. As a veteran actor, how do you see the future of the Marathi Industry post the pandemic?
Due to the uncertainty of the current situation, we can’t say how long it will take for the industry to return to its full-fledged glory. As of now, the government has allowed theatres and multiplexes to open with 50% capacity. And we are receiving good response or films as well as plays from the audience even in this difficult situation which is a sliver of hope.
The support and affection from the audience have been encouraging us to do our work with more passion and diligence. And we are doing so by raising the curtains of Marathi theatre in 2021. We are set to open ‘Dhananjay Mane Ithech Rahtat’, the first Marathi play in 2021 which is a huge step during this uncertain time. But we have to keep experimenting to attract Marathi audience to the theatre. Such risks will also motivate the industry to return to the work with confidence.
With the hectic schedule of shooting how have you been maintaining the work-life balance?
After I got married and had kids I chose to stay back at home. But after my husband and actor Laxmikant Berde’s unfortunate demise I decided to return to work. At that time Director Kedar Shinde was making a film Jatra and he asked me if I was interested in playing a role in it, and I said yes. That’s how I returned to Marathi cinema and started the second innings of my career.
As for work-life balance, I think every woman has her struggles. There are thousands of women who have been single working mothers and have to face difficult situations every day. But I believe you can’t choose between your work and life, rather you shouldn’t. Women should be able to find a balance between both, and they can. Because you never know what situations you might have to face ahead and it’s your financial independence that will give you more confidence and courage to deal with difficult situations or societal elements.
And I believe every woman has in it. It comes naturally to us, being emotionally strong, and everything else you learn from your experiences and mistakes and apply what you learned to make better decisions for yourself and your family.
One thing I would like to highlight here is that our perception of a woman as a society. People or rather women themselves think they are left without strong support to deal with life struggles and stares of society only after the death of their parents or husband. But I believe once you step a foot outside your home you are alone. Your parents, siblings, friends, or husband don’t accompany you to class or work.
Once you step out of your home every woman has to deal with the situations on her own. If women see that way from the start, they will feel stronger and more confident to be the sole support of their family.
Please share your future projects with us. Where would your fans get to see you next?
I am at a stage in my career when I would rather choose a role that is in my comfort zone. And the character I am playing in my next play was something I have aspired to do in theatre for a long.
We are also working on late Mr. Laxmikant Berde’s biopic. As much as it is exciting for us, there’s also a huge responsibility considering the magic of his characters and films that still remains on the audience. We are being more careful to give justice to his story on and off-screen without hurting his fans’ emotions. If everything goes well, we will be releasing the biopic at the end of 2022 or early 2023 for the audience to relive those fond memories again.
I am also working on taking my production house to the next level. I am focusing on bringing diverse stories to life under our banner giving chance to the young and aspiring talent in the industry.
What advice would you give to the aspiring Marathi actors?
Due to the reality shows and social media, young aspirants are getting early recognition and opportunities to show their talent. But it’s the experience and technique along with talent that nurtures the artist within. So, I would advise aspiring actors to get as much experience as they can before they leap to enter the film industry. Try taking part in college-level competitions, ad films, or any other mediums where you get experience and learn techniques.
I would also like to take this chance to caution these youngsters aspiring to enter the entertainment industry. Not everyone enjoys success here and should be prepared for the failures. One should always have a plan B; in case you can’t make anything fruitful out of your hardships in the entertainment industry. But never lose hope and zest of life. There’s always something you can do better.
