Padmini Kolhapure: ‘In my days, there was nothing called as a selfie with an actor; social media has made it challenging for the current generation’

She started her career as a child artiste, but even after almost 50 years, Padmini Kolhapure is as passionate about acting as she was back then. Known for films like Prem Rog, Insaf Ka Tarazu, and Satyam Shivam Sundaram, among others, the actor, who has also experimented with other mediums like television, OTT, and the stage, says that her journey has finally come “full circle”. But, while she enjoys the non-film projects and admits that doing theatre has helped her evolve as an actor, for Padmini Kolhapure, films will always be her “first love”.

All set to perform her play Baap ka Baap in the capital as part of the ‘Laugh Re Laugh Theatre Festival’ by Kanupriya Theatre Company, the actor-singer in an interview with indianexpress.com, talks about her career, the changes she has observed over the years, why she finds it daunting to perform in front of a live audience, and the role of social media in today’s times. Read the edited excerpts below.

You started as a child artiste in films and went on to do many projects — including on TV, the stage, and OTT. How would you describe your journey?

My journey has come full circle — I have done movies, OTT shows, television, and theatre. It’s been just great… five decades and I am still learning. However, while the transition from films to television to OTT is still something one can work with, it is theatre that I find most challenging. That is because in films you are not the only person responsible and can retake shots with different lighting, angles, and dialogues — but theatre is very different. As an actor, your responsibility is much more; the onus is on you. But then, you also get immediate applause, unlike in movies where you have to wait.

I remember doing a play in Indore during which there was an electricity glitch. While the audience understood the situation, as an actor I had to immediately improvise to keep them engaged. I then knew that when on stage, in that moment, the power and responsibility is with the actor.

Of these, if you had to pick a medium you thoroughly enjoy working in, which would you name and why?

These are just mediums — an actor is an actor irrespective of them. Having said that, the biggest challenge is when you are performing in front of a live audience (theatre). It is extremely daunting, but then the connection you have with the audience is immensely powerful! In movies, once a scene or activity is completed, it’s over, but in theatre each time you act you can learn to emote differently. You can find newer nuances and learn to hone yourself better for the same act. And the best part is that the audience tells you instantly if they have appreciated it or not. As such, theatre has helped me grow and evolve as an actor. Movies, though, remain my first love.

 

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Tell us about your role in ‘Baap Ka Baap’. What about it made you sign the dotted line?

Baap Ka Baap is an out-and-out Bollywood-style family entertainer with songs and dance sequences. It’s a comedy but with an important social message. That’s what got me excited. I play the role of an independent widow who is successful but also has her vulnerabilities and struggles. Though lightheartedly, the play highlights how widow remarriage is still an issue in an enlightened society.

There is a lot of difference between shooting for films and preparing for a play. How challenging can it get for actors who are used to shooting in front of the camera?

Yes, theatre requires more commitment and focus — which is a prerequisite. But it must also be noted that today things are a lot different than they used to be in my time. Back then, we never went for acting workshops. We would reach the sets and just get into the character, but nowadays you need a lot more focus. These workshops make you meet your co-actors, initiate a working relationship and also better understand them. Hence, not much is left to chance. It’s somewhat the same in theatre today where there are people to help you work with newer angles. So even theatre has become as time consuming as films.

 

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You are aunt to actor Shraddha Kapoor. Has she ever sought tips and tricks and/or career advice from you?

When we meet, we chat and have casual discussions. Shraddha has evolved as an actor like every other and is very good at what she does. She is loved by all. I do give her my advice here and there, but that’s about it.

Owing to social media, things are very different for actors today. How different do you think your career would have been if you had started out today?

Social media has made it much more challenging and demanding for actors of the current generation. In my days, people would stand out in lines and wait for that one glimpse of an actor — and that was your only connection. There was nothing called as a selfie with the actor; a picture with an actor was a very big thing back then. You would have to wait for hours to get a single glimpse of actors like Rajesh Khanna. But actors today have to move around with a full team of stylists, makeup artistes etc., to look good. That is because today’s audience also demands more connection. While actors today can connect with the audience immediately and vice versa, I feel it is too much of a responsibility.

 

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What keeps you motivated to work even today?

Basically, I’m a workaholic. I started very young because of my passion for work. And when you start that early with something that you really are interested in, it becomes your life. Acting is my life and it is what drives me.

You are quite active on social media. Is it something you genuinely enjoy, or need to do to keep yourself relevant among your fans in this age and time?

While I am only on Instagram, I do enjoy being on social media. It allows you to interact with your audience and put out your thoughts and feelings to people who love you. It is also instant — you can take a picture of something you like, share it right then with people, and also get a reaction immediately.

One thing you wish you could have told your younger self.

The importance of reading.

Can we expect to see you more in 2024?

Yes most certainly. I have never planned my life and believe in going with the low. Right now, besides doing this play I am going through scripts for some marathon projects. So, you will see more of me.

Directed and written by Naveen Bawa, Baap Ka Baap will be staged on January 13 and 14 at the Kamani Auditorium, in New Delhi.

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