Priya Bapat: I am mostly offered Marathi roles only
Arenowned name in the Marathi film industry, Priya Bapat has also shown her merit with Hindi projects such as City of Dreams and Rafuchakkar. The actor credits the OTT medium for bridging the gap between Marathi and Hindi audiences for her. “When I thought of venturing into the Hindi entertainment industry, OTT gave me a platform, where more stories were made with better actors and lesser stars,” Bapat tells us.
The 37-year-old shares that being a Marathi actor, she is mostly offered Marathi-speaking parts in Bollywood. “One needs to look at an actor beyond the language barrier. Everyone should be given opportunities,” she shares, while asserting that it should not be called discrimination as “it’s too strong a word”. “I am sure there will be a time when people will see me beyond the place I come from,” she adds.
While the actor is managing work in both Marathi and Hindi industries, it’s been six years since she took up a Marathi film. Ask her why and she replies, “There was nothing challenging enough. On the other hand, Bollywood offered me some great shows to explore more genres.” Bapat also adds her observation of how Marathi industry is functioning. “Right now, in Marathi, I don’t think anyone is visualising a bigger story. There will be a time soon when they will.”
Currently, Bapat is working with Sumeet Vyas on his debut directorial show and has only praise for him. “I never felt it’s an actor who is trying to direct. It was always a director with a very clear vision. He has such a brilliant sense of humour and it just feels everything is going to be alright when you look at him,” the actor says.
As the conversation turns towards a recent interview where she was asked why she didn’t embrace motherhood, Bapat hits back and says, “People feel that I am like their friend or apne ghar ki ladki. So, you can ask me anything as I seem approachable. But why do you have to ask a woman when are you planning your baby? She will when she wants to, and if she doesn’t want, she won’t. It’s her choice.”
Everyone should be given opportunities. I am sure there will be a time when people will see me beyond the place I come from. PRIYA BAPAT, Actor