Exclusive: Playing a devotional role isn't easy, I walk barefoot in jungle and bath with cold water like Shankar Maharaj, reveals Sangram Samel

Marathi actor Sangram Samel is currently playing a devotional role in the show Yog Yogeshwar Jay Shankar. The actor is essaying the character of saint Shankar Maharaj. He spoke exclusively to ETimes TV about the response he is getting from the audience for his spiritual role, staying away from family, challenges he has been facing while playing Shankar Maharaj, and more.

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

Talking about playing Shankar Maharaj in the show, Sanrgam said, "I am playing the role of a Maharaj and the role has its own sacrifices and challenges. It is not easy to play a character that has devotees and followers. It was my responsibility to portray Maharaj better on-screen and finally after so much hard work, the audience has accepted me in this role. I am happy."

Sangram also said that people touch his feet and seek blessings whenever he goes out. He said, "People nowadays touch my feet and consider me as Maharaj. They ask me to bless them and I feel very awkward. I hug them often and ask them not to worry about anything."

Sangram further shared why he feels there is a big difference between playing a devotional role and a normal character. He said, "Yes, there is a big difference. The devotional character requires a lot of physical and mental activity and involves sacrifices. I remember there was a scene in our show where Shankar Maharaj walked barefoot in the jungle for their devotees and I did the same for the sequence. Shankar Maharaj also had a bath at night near the seashore and I had to do the same. Such scenes require a lot of physical and mental effort. In normal roles, we hardly face such situations I think."

Sangram spoke about staying away from his family and said, "I stay away from my family, and whenever I go to my home that happens once in four months, I sleep and only take rest. But, I want to give some credit to my family and my wife for supporting me. Because of them I am working peacefully and focusing on my work."

Sangram is thankful to the audience for showering love on his role and said, "I am thankful and feel blessed that I am playing this role. And that this opportunity came to me."

- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar