Versatile actor to debutant director

KOLHAPUR: Most people recognize Milind Shinde for his role as the lead character in the National award-winning film 'Babu Band Baja', the versatile actor has now donned the director's cap. His debut movie 'Nach tujhach lagin haay' was screened at the second Kolhapur International Film Festival (KIFF) on Saturday. TOI caught up with Shinde. Excerpts from the interaction:
Did you always plan a career in films?
Shinde: I never wanted to be an actor or a director.I was preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination while pursuing graduation in 1995. Just out of curiosity, I applied to the NSD and it changed my whole life. I studied at NSD till 1998 but was finding it difficult to get sustainable work in the film industry. That is when I decided to do an acting course from the FTII in Pune from 2001. Still, I had to struggle to get work in a film. The first prominent role I got was as a supporting actor in 2003 in the National award-winning Marathi film 'Not only Mrs Raut'. I won the state government's best supporting actor award for the film.
And yet, you remained unnoticed in the industry till 'Babu Band Baja' released in 2011?
Shinde: Yes, that was a tough phase of my life. But suddenly 'Babu Band Baja' changed the course for my career. It won the 58th National award for best first film of a director, best actress and best child artist. It was screened at Indian Panorama in International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa 2011. It was an official selection at International Film Festival of Kerala, 2011 and won the best film award at Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) 2011.
How did you decide to turn to direction?
Shinde: The directorial debut was not planned. Every actor, once in a while, thinks of directing a film. The view to look at a subject changes when you are in the director's seat. I got the idea for the movie 'Nach tujhach lagin haay' while watching news on TV. The film focuses on human emotions and trauma.
Which projects are you working on now?
Shinde: Right now, I am working with two different debutant directors. My upcoming project 'Jilebi' is directed by Pranay Telang and 'Chaurya' by Samir Pati. One would say that it is risky to work with an inexperienced director, but I enjoy working with newcomers. In fact 'Babu Band Baja' too was a debut film. They are enthusiastic and honest.
How was your experience at KIFF?
Shinde: I love the city for its beauty, culture and food. In fact, I had attended the first KIFF too. One should not miss the chance to witness such selection of films.
For actor Milind Shinde fame and recognition is not new. He believes in hard work and complete dedication in his work to enjoy the output. But the National School of Drama (NSD) and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)
too had to go through tough times and days of struggle to get what he truly deserved. Milind Shinde was in town to attend the screening of his debut directorial film 'Nach tujhach lagin haay' at second Kolhapur International Film Festival, where TOI had a chance to interact with him.