Actor Ganesh Yadav has been acting actively for twenty-five years now and has been a part of some memorable films like ‘Mammo’, ‘Vaastav – The Reality’, ‘Bluffmaster’ and ‘Bajirao Mastani’, among others. In this interview, he talks about his web show ‘My Name Is Sheela’, journey as an actor and more.
‘My Name Is Sheela’ revolves around a female protagonist. What does your character add to the show?
They say, behind every successful man is a woman. Similarly, behind every successful woman, there is a man. My character Pandurang is married to Sheela. Sheela belongs to a patriarchal society. When he sees his wife is getting successful, he feels she will drift away from him. He feels extremely insecure. Sheela assures him by saying that her family is her first priority. It is actually a very complex character.
What kind of message does the show intend to give?
If somebody wants to do something in life, he or she should be supported. It is a simple thing but most people do not understand it. As human beings, it is our responsibility to help each other.
‘Mammo’ was your first film. How was the experience of working with Shyam Benegal?
I feel extremely fortunate to have got the opportunity to work with a legend like Shyam ji in my very first film. He supported me a lot. I also got to work with Farida Jalal ji .
You have worked in several Marathi films. What is the difference between working in Hindi and Marathi cinema?
Money is the main difference (laughs). Marathi films have a lower budget. I think Marathi cinema is going through an interesting shift right now. A lot of people are making films with unique subjects and a fresh thought. The only problem is that the distribution system is not in place. If a few people come forward and try to fix it up, Marathi cinema will reach out to a lot more people.
You have been working for twenty-five years now. Do you think you have received your due as an actor?
I played a lot of negative roles and I feel I got stereotyped because of this. In ‘My Name Is Sheela’, I am playing a very different character in this show. I got to play another interesting part in my first web show ‘Smoke’. The quality of content being made in the digital space is very good.
What are you doing next?
There is a film called ‘Online’. I am also playing an important in the Hindi film ‘Power’ which has been directed by Mahesh Manjrekar and stars Vidyut Jammwal and Shruti Haasan.
