Hrithik was very boy-next-door in Agneepath

National Award winning veteran actress Rohini Hattangadi spoke to us about her journey and success on Marathi television, her love for theatre and Indian cinema from a global perspective. Excerpts from the interview.
You have been a part of a record making show like ‘Chaar Divas Sasuche’ that was on air for 11 years. Your current show ‘Honar Sun Mi Ya Gharchi’ is enjoying the top rated slot for months now.Ready for another record?
I don’t mind one. But honestly speaking it is all a coincidence and a good one. When we started ‘Chaar Divas Sasuche’, we didn’t have any idea that it would go on for so long. Probably it did because the channel didn’t interfere with the show’s working at all and gave complete creative freedom to the
production house.
What are the Hindi and Marathi projects that you are currently working on?
Currently I am not working on any Hindi or Marathi project but I am considering a few offers and there are certain things in the pipeline.
Which particular work of yours is closest to your heart and why?
Films I did initially, like ‘Arth’ and ‘Saransh’ are really close to my heart. Marathi film Party that won me a National Award, too was fun to work on. In recent times I enjoyed working in ‘Pukar’ and ‘Munnabhai MBBS’.
You played Vijay Dinanath Chauhan’s mother in Amitabh Bachchan’s Agneepath. Did you see the remake?
I just couldn’t connect with it as I was continuously drawing parallels. The don portrayed by Hrithik Roshan was a very normal boy-next-door as compared to Amitabh’s impressive portrayal. It was the same case with Kancha Cheena. The remake changed a lot in terms of the story line too.
Having worked in all the three mediums, which is your favourite and why?
Theatre of course. Having trained in theatre, that is what I enjoy most as it gives the scope to grow as an artist with every individual performance.
Having worked in international films, do you think feel Indian cinema is on par with its international counterpart?
Our filmmakers need to be true to their culture to gain appreciation at international level. Though I don’t wish to generalise but do I feel that Indianness is lacking in most Indian films these days.
Indian actors are often roped in for Hollywood films. Do you think a reverse trend is possible?
Going by our cultural differences how many roles do you think can be generated for them? I did ‘Gandhi’ but post that how many roles could be generated in a Hollywood film for an Indian face? Similarly how many roles can be generated to accommodate Hollywood actors in Indian films?