Veteran actor Sharat Saxena throwback video has gone viral where he is heard speaking about the struggles he faced in the industry for 30 years. The actor in conversation with CINTAA host revealed he was mostly signed for a fighter or junior artist’s role for his fit physique and not considered for other roles. He also shared he did only action bits in the film for 30 years and was only given minimal dialogues and later how things changed for him.
In conversation with Ajay Bhargav he said, “Back in those days, in our whole country, whoever had muscles or someone who looked like a body builder, that person was put under ‘labour class’. He was not considered worthy of fine arts, finer feelings. He could not be an actor, a writer or anything. He could only be a fighter.” He also shared his father being an athlete which got him inspired and he maintained a fit physique. Thus, the actor ended up working as henchman in numerous films.
Continuing further he said, “Unfortunately, when I came to Mumbai, I was quite fit. My father used to be an athlete in Allahabad University. We got inspired by him and worked out. When Bombay’s producers or directors used to look at me, they never saw an actor but only a fighter or a junior artist. So for 30 years, I only did action. When it came to acting, I was given dialogues such as ‘Yes boss, no boss, very sorry boss, maaf kar dijiye boss (please forgive me boss)’.”
Later the actor was seen thanking Shaad Ali for giving him an opportunity to play a father’s role in Saathiya. He said, “There is a director called Shaad Ali. He gave me the father or the heroine’s role in Saathiya. The film released and the role was very small but people really liked it. After that role, I was finally classified from fighter to actor. It took 30 years for that to happen.” ALSO READ: Barun Sobti On TV Actors Not Getting Easy Acceptance In Bollywood: "They Typecast You By Saying, 'TV Wala Hai To Lenge Hi Nahi'"- EXCLUSIVE VIDEO
Speaking about being typecast he spoke about how the audience has preconceived notions about certain roles being played by the actor, giving an example of Lord Ram, followed by comparing himself for his not so good looks. ALSO READ: Mahabharat Actor Aham Sharma Aka Karna On Mythological Shows: 'I Fear Getting Typecast'- EXCLUSIVE
The senior actor said, “This is country of Lord Ram worshippers. The hero’s face should be a reflection of Lord Ram and one should see Ravana in villain’s face. In India, the concept was that Lord Rama was fair with straight hair and he was handsome. And me being a poor guy from Madhya Pradesh, there are no such men in my state. You find people like me there. So they made people like me a villain.” ALSO READ: Jennifer Aniston's Big Confession About Being Typecast After FRIENDS: 'Could Not Get Rachel Green Off My Back For The Life Of Me'
Image Source: Instagram/sharat_saxena