I never seek validation from others: Vaibhav Tatwawadi

The SonyLIV show Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi has garnered glowing reviews. Its leading man Vaibhav Tatwawadi has also received acclaim, earning a nomination for the best actor at the Dallas International Film Festival for his performance in the social drama.

Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi review: Poignant study of the unending cycle of prejudice and discrimination

The actor recently opened up to Cinestaan.com about the show, his career and the entertainment industry. Excerpts from the chat:

Why did you decide to star in Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi?

When director Rahul Pandey narrated this script to me, I loved it so much that I told him, ‘Even if I’m not a part of this, I wish this reaches a large section of the audience’ because his kind of storytelling is phenomenal. Then when I asked him which character he wanted me to play, he replied, 'Nirmal Pathak'. It was a no-brainer for me to say yes. It’s always special when the name of your character is the name of the project.

Is it considered a landmark when an actor gets to play the titular role?

I’ve never thought about it like that. I’m an engineer but I came here because I love acting and I love this field. I never decided my worth based on how others validated me. Even if you give me a titular role, I’ll do it if I like the team and content or I’ll not do it. I was very happy in the Marathi industry and I was sure that if I wanted to do something else, the strength of the role should be a replica of the roles I get in Marathi projects. I’m very sure that I want to work in industries only in the languages I speak – Hindi, Marathi, English and Telugu. But, that way I’m new to the Hindi industry, to be honest.

What impressed you the most about the show?

The director had so much clarity. He was sure about the’ sur’ of the character. When the director is so sure, it becomes easy for you as an actor. So, the quality of this character is that he doesn’t speak much but there’s a lot of depth to him. It’s a very layered character. Unfolding those layers was something challenging and I’ve given 100%. He might look like someone who’s chilled out but there are so many things in him; those things and reading between the lines excite me as an actor.

As an actor who’s largely known for his work in Marathi cinema, what are your thoughts on the success of regional films? For instance, the recently released Marathi film Dharmaveer has had a phenomenal opening weekend.

The content is always king and gradually, people will accept only content. Regarding different industries, I feel that we need to work together as the Indian film industry. This one-upmanship should stop as well as trying to be superior or having a condescending approach towards different film industries. The chances of growth then will be better. If we are trying to pull each other’s legs, it will be an issue. That’s my opinion. It’s the Indian film industry with different languages.

But a shift is slowly happening. Do you think over-the-top (OTT) services are responsible? Do you think they have been a boon for creative people in all industries?

200 per cent, it is a boon. Now I get to see different movies and actors from all film industries. Earlier, it was a give and take of technicians, now it’s of actors as well. OTT is also a boon because, as a filmmaker, you have the liberty of not thinking about your Friday opening.