Discipline comes from theatre: Shilpa Tulaskar

Shilpa Tulaskar, a well-known name in the Marathi entertainment industry, admits that the absence of compelling characters kept her away from regional television.

“The kinds of roles I was offered on TV, I didn’t want to jump at them. And I chose Hindi shows for the sheer roles that I was offered. I didn’t get anything exciting from the Marathi front,” rues Tulaskar, who is currently seen in a Marathi TV show.

The actor has been in the industry for almost 30 years and has seen showbiz evolve. Her latest observation is that the industry lacks discipline.

She elaborates, “I do feel a lack of discipline. I realised that for some people, it’s the new norm. I see a big change in discipline and schooling, which many have not received at all. For me, it was theatre. Even while doing TV, I tried my best to stay connected to the theatre.”

She continues, “Today, this step of starting with theatre is missing. Discipline, training, and chiselling come from that. These new people are not fortunate enough to have received that.”

However, that is not the only thing Tulaskar feels is amiss. The actor shares, “Seniors do not bother to train the younger lot. In our case, our seniors taught us a lot. I’m not sure the new ones are even open to suggestions. But this organic give and take in the ecosystem is important, which I feel is lacking.”

The 45-year-old goes on, “Also, people have forgot their original jobs. Your assistant director is supposed to do the lines with you, and your producer is supposed to be on the set to see if things are on track. I see a lot of directors hesitating.”

However, she isn’t bitter about these things. Instead, she is adapting to the new world. “Sometimes you get it all and sometimes you don’t,” she signs off.*

Seniors don’t bother to train the younger lot (now). Our seniors taught us a lot. But this organic give and take is important. SHILPA TULASKAR,