‘Nana is completely mad, crazy and fun’

Sumeet Raghavan talks about working with Nana Patekar in a Marathi film, and the lack of good roles in Hindi films

Sumeet Raghavan (left) is elated as he has signed a film with acclaimed actor Nana Patekar. Sumeet, who hashas been part of numerous TV shows, and Hindi and Marathi films, can’t stop praising Nana. He says, “I have grown up watching him, andand sharing a frame with him is aa big deal. He began with theatre. So, he has a certain discipline and zeal to learn and do better. He is 67. Yet, his focus on work is admirable. He still works out and sets an example for all of us.” The film is a who-dun-it based on a Marathi play. Talking about the perception that Nana can be a tad difficult, Sumeet adds, “I had heard that too, but I found him like a nariyal (coconut). He is hard from the outside but soft from the inside. He is eager to learn aand receptive towards suggestions. I was a bit intimidated initially but later realised it was for nothing. He is a completely mad, crazy and fun person on the sets. We have sung songs, danced on the sets and played cards often. You have to know him, to really know him.”

Sumeet is glad to be working with Ajay Devgn, who is producing the Marathi film, after their association in the latter’s directorial, U Me Aur Hum (2008). “It was great fun to work with Ajay as a director and actor. Kajol came for the mahurat shot and it seemed like ten years hadn’t passed. It was lovely to meet her again after U Me Aur Hum.” Sumeet is glad that Marathi films are looked upon with respect. “They are content-driven and are doing good business. People experiment in Marathi films, and with surge of young makers, the industry is booming.”

While Sumeet has worked in a few Hindi films, he rues that there haven’t been good roles coming his way. “I would rather be part of a good Marathi film that gives me a substantial role. I don’t want to miss out on them, which is why I am not doing any TV project right now either,” he

signs off.