Exclusive: Agga Bai Sasubai’s Soham Is Opposite Of My Personality, Says Ashutosh Patki
BollywoodThe actor plays Soham in Zee Marathi’s hit show Agga Bai Sasubai. Here’s our exclusive chat with him. Read inside!
Zee Marathi’s Agga Bai Sasubai is a show with a unique concept. The audience’s favorite serial sheds light on the stigma attached to the second marriage of an aged couple. In the show, Asawari, a middle-aged woman and a widow, falls in love with Abhijeet, a celebrity chef. Aswari’s son Soham, and father-in-law are against this match. But Abhijeet’s love for Asawari wins over Ajoba’s trust and he gives a go-ahead for the two’s marriage. Soham, however, is still against the idea of her mother choosing to start life afresh, with a new partner.
Soham’s selfish behavior and his negative persona are obviously not very well-liked by viewers. How does this affect actor Aashutosh Patki, who plays the character? We indulged in an exclusive, candid conversation with him, where he spoke about his role, his personal life and more. Read below.
We recently came across an interview in which you had revealed that people aren’t really fond of you, because of your role in Agga Bai Sasubai. How do you deal with this?
The thing is that people relate to the character so much, that they think the actual guy must be so much like him. They think Ashutosh is so much like Soham. They tend to get judgemental about it, but then I realise that it is a compliment for me. They hate the character so much, it is emoted so well, that they end up hating me. It used to hurt me earlier, but as time went on, I don’t feel anything now. I feel it is a part of my work.
Are you in any way similar to your onscreen persona in Agga Bai Sasubai?
No, Soham is completely opposite from my personality. It was actually difficult and challenging to play this role. But, the way Soham is pampered by Asawari, is how I am treated exactly, at home. I am grateful for being a Mumma’s boy and having such loving parents. I try to return their love in every possible way. In fact, in the beginning, at times when I have had to behave rudely with Nivedita Saraf (playing Asawari) during the shoot, I felt so guilty that I returned to my make up room and mulled over it. But everybody helped me grow over it and understand that it is my character. I also suffer from a health condition known as irritable bowel syndrome. So, in this condition, if you get upset over something, it upsets the stomach and I also end up feeling feverish. But I know I have to give my 100% even though it can affect my health and take a toll on it.
Your recent trip to Udaipur looked like a lot of fun. What was the highlight of this trip?
The trip was really fun. Prior to the shooting schedule, I thought that it was going to be very hectic. But we had enough time to wander and explore. But there was a particular scene where Soham had to act stubborn and pull Asawari with him. It was shot in a market, in a very crowded place. The cameras were placed far away and it was really funny because everyone was standing and staring at me, as I acted like a little baby! (laughs)
What have you learned from your experience of playing Soham in Agga Bai? Has it helped you as an actor?
Acting as Soham has helped me grow tremendously. I am still learning every day, I was very raw when I started acting in this show. Especially when everyone around you is so talented. They are all veteran actors and I get to learn so much from them.
Do you support second marriages?
Yes, I think everyone deserves a partner. It isn’t only about love, it is about companionship as well. Even if we live alone, at a certain point, we will realise that we need someone beside us-to share, talk and just to be with. So age doesn’t matter, everyone must find their partner.
Who is your favorite co-actor and why?
I would say Tejshri because she motivates me as an actor. She has helped me grow and think about what exactly acting is. She is experienced and professionally inclined. But, also as a person, Tejshri is a wonderful woman. She is very kind and I think we had instantly vibed and became friends because of her super friendly nature.
What do you do when you’re not acting?
I love clicking photographs. Apart from acting, which is a hobby I’m pursuing professionally, I am also learning how to play the guitar. I love everything about cars. I love going out with friends on long drives. I also love caring for wildlife and I am associated with an NGO as well.
What are your views about this kind-hearted and compassionate actor? Comment below!
Also, don’t forget to watch him in the show Agga Bai Sasubai streaming on ZEE5