Shreyas' nine-month-long bed rest

As his film Baji makes waves, actor Shreyas Talpade speaks to us about his Marathi comeback, physical makeover and expectations from the film in a chat.
Excerpts from an interview:
You are making a comeback in Marathi films after close to eight years. What prompted you to take this decision?
Frankly, I did not want to do the same stuff that I did in Hindi, in Marathi. 'Baji���s' script was completely new for the Marathi industry, something that I had never done before, and I felt that if I didn���t do this I will be missing out on something great.That is what prompted me to accept the film.
You play two different characters in the film. Was it a challenge playing the innocent Chidvilas and the brave 'Baji'?
I play three and a half characters, actually. But yes, playing each character was a challenge because they have different body language and voices. But I guess that���s the whole point of acting; to get out of your comfort zone and do something challenging.
Your stronghold has been comic and serious roles. With 'Baji' you are stepping into a different genre. How did you prepare for the role?
Preparing for the whole thing was more of a mental test. While I was mouthing Baji���s dialogues, I had to be convinced about the character. Post that, the physicality of each character was different so I worked on that as well.
Tell us more about your physical makeover.
I damaged my shoulder while working out and was told to rest for nine months but I started working out slowly after 3 months. Exercise and right food is the key to a good body. Now when people come and ask me for body building tips, I am surprised. I tell them John Abraham is the better person to ask this because even I did the same.
Nikhil pushed the boundaries with his first film 'Pune 52' and he is doing the same with 'Baji'. How did the film come to be?
It���s a completely fictional film based on stories that we heard as kids. The film is based on Nikhil���s imagination and has a different colour palette, costumes and makeup. I was drawn to the film after reading the first few lines of the script and was happy that someone dared to think out of the box and come up with something like this.
Though Marathi films are getting recognition, does the issue of budget constraint affect the technical aspects of filming?
There are certain compromises that you have to make and everyone makes them. But there are producers who have the guts to back you. Sometimes a certain action sequence might require five days to film but with a little more effort, it can be completed in three days as well. That way we save a bit on the expenditure.
'Baji' boasts of a talented cast including you, Amruta Khanvilkar and Jitendra Joshi. How was your experience of working with them?
Sometimes mere expressions from actors convey more emotions than dialogues and Amruta has transformed into that kind of an actor. Jitu and I have been friends for long and I can vouch for his innocence, honesty and integrity of work. He is someone whose energy has increased over the years and I am sure he will continue doing great work in the future.
Was direction a part of the long run since you will be turning director with the 'Poshter Boyz' sequel?
It was but I had never decided when to get into it. I didn���t want to act till I was 50 and then get into direction because by then the gap in my and the younger generation���s sensibilities would���ve widened. Right now when I know what they like, I thought it was better to venture into the field.
Lastly, do you think 'Baji' will set newer records at the Box Office?
I expect a lot but am afraid of speaking much about it. I am a little superstitious that way. But yes, this is the kind of film which is not made very often and will inspire a lot of filmmakers to take up unique subjects.