#Staroftheweek: Arun Nalawade: Theatre helped me grow as an actor

Veteran star Arun Nalawade is one of the finest and critically acclaimed actors in the Marathi entertainment industry. Nalawade is well-known for his movies like 'Shwaas', 'Akheracha Purava', 'Kaydyacha Bola' and many more.
In our third edition of #Staroftheweek, ETimes caught up with him to chat about his journey in the entertainment industry so far, directors he would love to work with, and more.
You have completed more than 3 decades in the industry. How has it been so far?
I think success doesn't come overnight. It requires focus and perseverance. I was more focused on doing theatres and was parallelly doing films. And theatres helped me to grow as an actor. Second, I got a chance to work with talented actors from the industry. I am still learning and I want to tell young actors to do theatres before entering movies because it helps them bring discipline in life. So, I want them to make theatre their base.
Do you remember the exact age while growing up when the acting bug bit you? How old were you?
I did my first play when I was in 5th class. I got this role because my friend was not well that day and I got a chance to play his character. The craze of acting developed when I started participating in the plays.

Marathi cinema in spite of having good content is not able to get the deserving platforms.
Marathi industry is doing very good when it comes to content. I think we are also technically advanced now. But when you ask me why people choose to watch Bollywood and Hollywood films over Marathi films, I think we don't create that ambience as other film industries do. That's the reason our dialogue, our direction and our screenplay appear fake.

Do you like this trend of films releasing on OTT?
I think Ott needs censorship because there are so many communities and religions that, if by chance, you hurt someone's sentiments. I got offers for doing web series but I didn't do it. Films are censored but OTT content is not, so people tend to take advantage of it. I think the broadcasting ministry should look after this and it's a serious matter.