Popular Marathi actor Lalit Prabhakar, who entertained audiences in projects like Medium Spicy, Smile Please, Anandi Gopal, Hampi, ventured into the digital space with Voot Select web series The Raikar Case produced by Bodhi Tree.
The talented thespian gave a smashing performance as the negative lead Eklavya and was appreciated by the critics and viewers. However, not many are aware that the soft and demure actor faced some challenges while delivering his best performance in the series.
In conversation with IWMBuzz.com, he reveals about his challenges and more. Excerpts…
How difficult was it for you to understand the intensity of the character?
I think the most important part is to understand how the director looks at the character or what he expects out of the actor as every director has his own perspective. Aditya sir and I had a lot of discussion on how to go about it. Also since this is the first time I portrayed a negative character on screen, initially it was quite a challenge for me to understand the depth of the character but with time and guidance, things went well.
How was your experience working with Bodhi Tree Productions?
Considering this was my first ever web series, it has been an overwhelming experience for me personally. Bodhi Tree team was involved right from the time of auditions to the final day of the shoot. They took real good care of us. Also, the creative team’s involvement helped me essay my role to my best ability.
You played an intense role, how did you prepare for it?
During the discussion, we understood that the character was very impulsive and therefore we decided to not prepare much for it. We thought of going with the flow while the scene is being shot because preparing a lot would have resulted in missing the impulsive aspect of the character. And I think that was the best part of the character as I got some freedom to do my own thing and we did manage to get some really good shots and moments.
Which was the most challenging scene?
Almost all the scenes were quite challenging for me since this was the first time I portrayed a negative character. Therefore, to keep in mind the intensity, maintaining the consistency, maintaining the shift of the character’s personality was mentally challenging. But if you ask me, the action sequence where I had to hit a girl was quite difficult technically and emotionally. Also, the last scene with Parul (Gulati) had lot many aspects. I think that’s the only scene where one understands how Eklavya thinks to keep aside his intense grey character. Hence, it was very important.
When you play such an intense character, how difficult it is to come out of it?
No matter how mentally involved I am with the character, honestly, it isn’t as difficult for me to come out of it. Yes, it would have been difficult if I was working on two characters simultaneously. But I don’t do that. I take one role at a time.
Who do you give credit to for your splendid performance in the series?
I give all the credit to our director, Aditya sir for sure. The way he explained the character to me and got the best out of me, I think he deserves all the credit. I was waiting for an opportunity that would challenge me as an actor and the only reason I agreed to this series was because of the character and the story.
Good luck!