Well-known Marathi and Hindi film actor Sachin Pilgaonkar has shifted focus to reality TV. He is now hosting a crime-based show these days, cautioning citizens against criminal minds and asking civilians to fight back.
Though he has been accepted as an actor of considerable repute, a professional desire remains unfulfilled. He wants to play the role of a villain in a Hindi film despite having been in the industry for about 50 years as an actor and director.
“I am yet to know how to fly a plane,” swiftly replies Sachin, when asked what more is left to be done! He then laughs and continues, “No, no, just kidding. I have never been offered the role of a villain by any Hindi film director. That is something I wish to do.” Sachin started his film career as a child artist in the Marathi film Ha maza marg ekla in 1962 and since then has acted in several memorable films like Geet Gaata Chal with Sarika; Nadiya Ke Paar with Sadhana Singh; his cameo as Ahmed in Sholay; Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se with Ranjeeta; and as Amitabh Bachchan’s youngest brother Sunny in Satte Pe Satta, besides scores of other films.
He is also credited with many superhit comedy serials including Tu Tu Main Main, Rin 1 2 3 and Hudd Kar Di. In 2006, he along with his wife and actor Supriya, he won the dance reality show Nach Baliye.
Despite this diverse range of work, what drove him to host a crime-based show? “Being a responsible citizen of Mumbai and having been born here, I felt it was my duty to do it,” shares Sachin with Metrolife. He hosts Mumbai-based episodes of Savdhan India on Life OK. “Many a time we tolerate wrong things but there comes a time when one has to take a stand and fight back. And much before that, it is important to be on guard and take precautions so that crimes can be prevented,” he adds.
Off late many crime-based shows have cropped up on the small screen. When a show of one genre gets popular on TV, it is usually followed by other show with similar themes. Why? Commenting on the trend, Sachin, who appeared as a judge a comedy talent show in 2009, says, “This applies to films also. Any genre is not the copyright of any one director.”
Sachin got married to Supriya, whom he first directed in his debut Marathi film, Navri Mile Navryala in 1984. Since then the couple has been maintaining their professional and personal relationship very well. “I never get my sets home. On the sets, I am the boss and at home Supriya is the boss. If you have two bosses at one place, then you have problems,” says Sachin.
“I started acting with her when we were not married. Before marriage, she would listen to me, then like a perfect wife, she stopped listening to me after marriage. I enjoy working with her. She is a good artist and I am one of her fans and she knows it.”