Exclusive - I never got to play a hero but I’m still the audience’s favourite: Nikhil Raut on his TV comeback

Actor Nikhil Raut made his smashing comeback on TV after five years with the popular TV show Yeu Kashi Tashi Me Nandayla. The actor, who has been in the Marathi film and television industry from the past 18 years, feels blessed for receiving so much love from the audience. In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Nikhil spoke about his initial days in the industry, his struggle, achievements, and much more

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

Nikhil Raut is winning everyone's hearts with his performance as Mohit Parab in the show. The actor, who is excited about the same, said, "I am so thrilled to receive overwhelming response from my fans and audience in such a short period. The best part is whatever role I play on-screen, people remember my performance. My character in the show is quite unique, and it has various shades. So, my job is just to entertain everyone.”

Talking about his decision to make his TV comeback after five years, the actor said, "I feel there is no work that has no low or high value. Every work is work at the end of the day. No matter how the character is, small or big for me, it's all about performance. So when I got this offer for Yeu Kashi Tashi Me Nandayla, I accepted it immediately.”

This COVID-19 situation has affected many including Nikhil. Talking about the same, he said, "I lost a big-budgeted film during the lockdown. The film director is also very popular, but they decided to shelve the project. I also rejected many projects just because of that one film. After thinking a lot about it, I slipped into depression. But later, I’ve realised life doesn't end here. There is always a ray of hope which leads to the sunshine, and I started to move on and work on myself. I feel we have to face everything that comes our way, and this situation was a mere example. I learned a lot during that period. Recollecting my initial days in the industry to where am I today, gave me a strength and rekindled hope.”

Talking about his shocking struggle, Nikhil said, "A very few know about my struggle before entering the entertainment industry. I used to sleep at the Dadar railway station, bathed at the Sulabh Sauchalay and head for auditions. This was my routine for a few months. In between, I worked as a spot boy for a TV show, and later, fortunately, I became the host of the same show. Later, I became the first runner up of the show Maharashtracha Superstar, and that's how it all started.

The fact that he was never offered the role of a hero pinches Nikhil and on the other hand, he feels blessed for still being the audience's favorite. He said, "After spending 18 years in the industry, I have no complaints and regrets but just a small feeling that I never got the opportunity to play a hero on-screen. I would like to remind the producers and directors that Nikhil Raut is also there. I have been in the industry for so long. So, it's just an only wish of mine that is still unfulfilled yet I am sure it's soon going to be fulfilled. I feel blessed today that even if I have never played a hero, I am still audience's favorite.”

- Interview by - Vaishnavi Gavankar