I would like to do a show like Anil Kapoor’s 24: Amey Wagh

Actor Amey Wagh, who has worked in Bollywood film 'Aiyya', shot to fame with Satish Rajvade’s 2013 Marathi release, 'Popat'. This actor with a strong theatre background is currently seen on television anchoring reality food show 'Mrs Annapurna'. Excerpts of his interview where he talks about his journey so far and his dreams and plans ahead.
How has the experience of anchoring 'Mrs Annpurna' been?
Anchoring is fun and a different experience altogether as here I just need to be myself.
Does being on TV add to visibility and recognition value immensely?
It certainly does. The recognition that I have got by being on television is equal to the recognition I received through all my films and plays put together. In the Marathi industry, television actors enjoy more popularity and recognition as compared to the ones doing films and theatre. Television is the strongest entertainment medium, not just in Maharashtra but across the country.
You were offered quite a few Marathi daily soaps but you opted for anchoring instead. What is the reason behind it?
I started getting daily soaps offers when I was in college and back then I was not ready for such a long drawn commitment. While it was not a deliberate decision but I was happy doing theatre and films as there was more scope of experimentation there. I am not completely against doing daily soaps and if there is something exciting I will certainly take it up. But for now anchoring seems to be the better option to associate with television.
What kind of experimentation are you expecting on Marathi television?
In case there is a trendsetter Marathi show that comes up, I would like to be a part of it. For example the shows that are telecast abroad, — seasonal shows wrapped up in in limited episodes wherein you can’t wait for the next season to start. I liked the serial '24' which had limited number of episodes and if something like that comes up I would like to be a part of it. Marathi show 'Shriyut Gangadhar Tipre' was also an amazing programme that I would keen to be a part of. I believe when you do something daily there is a degradation of quality. Today Marathi television needs to be more experimental.
Any particular role that you are keen on doing?
I would like play a mythological character. I have not done something like that till now.
Many people feel that you debuted in the Marathi film industry with 'Popat'.
(laughs) Yes, a lot of people feel that as the film was made under a big banner and created a lot of buzz and was also well appreciated. My first film was 'Joshi Ki Kamble' which I did in 2007 while in college. Marathi films back then were not as big as they are today. I did a few more films like 'Agnidivya' etc after that but didn’t get noticed by the crowds. So for the audiences 'Popat' was my first film.
You are currently working in the Marathi remake of the Malayalam film' Shutter'. Are you happy with the way your career is shaping up?
I am happy with the kind of work I am doing. Fortunately, I have never had to go to anyone asking for work. The experience of working in 'Shutter' is as good as working in a South Indian film and while I don’t know the language but I would love to work in films down South.
What are the other projects that you are working on?
There are a few projects in the pipeline but I will speak about them once things are finalised.
Any Bollywood projects post 'Aiyya'?
There are quite a few offers but I am waiting for the right kind of role.
What theatre projects you currently working on?
Currently I am working in the Marathi plays 'Sangeet Maanapmaan', 'Gele Ekvees Varsha' and 'Dalan'.
Being from the theatre background, tell us of the difference between working in theatre, television and films and which among the three do you prefer?
By far I feel theatre has been most experimental and I enjoy doing theatre the most. Films are also very experimental these days so it is fun doing films as well. As far as television is concerned, as I said earlier, it needs to get more experimental.