Pune: Renowned actor Saurabh Shukla shared insights into his childhood and illustrious career during a conversation at the inauguration of the Deccan Literature Festival. The event witnessed the presence of esteemed personalities such as senior playwright Vaman Kendre, Pt. Ram Dayal Sharma, Vasant Abaji Dahake, Suresh Kumar Vairalkar, Mona Singh, Salim Arif, Yuvraj Shah, and others.
Shukla, known for his versatility in the acting realm, reminisced about his early years, highlighting the freedom he enjoyed as a child to engage in various activities without parental interference. Drawing attention to the common dreams in Indian households, he revealed that while many aspire to become actors or cricketers, he chose the path of acting, steering clear of the extensive running involved in cricket.
“I used to watch one Hindi and one English cinema every week at my house. It built my taste for film and drama,” Shukla said, emphasising the influence of cinema on his life. Fondly recalling his childhood eccentricities, Shukla shared an anecdote of creating a film with a friend using his brother’s camera, showcasing their shared enthusiasm for the cinematic art form.
Emphasising the importance of writing, Shukla acknowledged that, initially, writing was not his forte. However, as time progressed, writing became a necessity, and now he dedicates time to it every day. Reflecting on his journey, he spoke about his debut in the film “Bandit Queen,” revealing that acclaimed director Shekhar Kapoor had spotted him during a play and offered him a role in the movie without uttering a single word.
Delving into one of his iconic roles as a judge in the film “Jolly L.L.B.,” Shukla explained that the popularity of the character stemmed from his meticulous understanding of every detail, allowing the audience to connect with it on a profound level. He expressed gratitude for the admiration received, emphasising the significance of portraying characters that resonate with people.
