Patralekha Reflects on the Emotional Voyage of Playing Savitribai Phule

Synopsis

Actress Patralekha discusses her emotional journey in portraying Savitribai Phule in the biopic 'Phule.' She reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of embodying such an important historical figure, emphasizing the transformative experience and support from her director.

Key Takeaways

Patralekha describes her role as a transformative experience.
She felt both excitement and anxiety upon being cast.
The director provided crucial support and reassurance.
Portraying Savitribai Phule was a significant responsibility.
The film showcases themes of courage and resilience.

Mumbai, March 27 (NationPress) Actress Patralekha has shared insights about her emotional journey in portraying Savitribai Phule in the upcoming biopic “Phule.”

She described it as a transformative and profoundly inspiring experience, highlighting the immense responsibility she felt to authentically capture the struggles, strength, and legacy of the pioneering social reformer on screen.

In an interview with IANS, she said, “From the moment I was approached for the role, my thoughts were clear. When I initially spoke to Anand sir, he sent me a rather thick script. I called him to express my surprise, saying, 'Sir, this script is huge! I have a lot to read!' However, he reassured me, telling me it was just the first draft and that they would polish it further. After a year and a half, I received the final script, and it was beautifully composed. It was a human drama, and I couldn’t turn it down. It felt like a journey I had to embark on.”

Patralekha also shared her initial feelings upon being cast as Savitribai Phule, admitting that she felt both excitement and anxiety about taking on such a monumental role. “Honestly, I was instantly captivated by the character. It wasn't merely about portraying a historical figure; it was about narrating her story—a tale of courage and resilience. When Anand sir and I first discussed it, I felt anxious about embodying such an important person. But he helped to ease my worries. He said, 'Let go of your concerns and just do it.' That reassurance instilled a lot of confidence in me. It was undoubtedly challenging, but once I stepped onto the set, my nerves faded away. The crucial part was to remain calm and present,” Patralekha revealed.

Regarding the challenges she faced while portraying Savitribai in the film, the 'City Lights' actress remarked, “Initially, I was quite anxious. However, having a director like Anant sir, who was exceptionally calm and confident, truly aided me. He provided the space I needed to figure things out and build my confidence. Portraying such a significant historical figure is no small feat, but with the support of the team, I found the courage to immerse myself in the character. It was a demanding task, but it turned out to be a profoundly enriching experience.”

The film, directed by Ananth Mahadevan, features Pratik Gandhi as Jyotirao Phule and is set to be released in theaters on April 11, coinciding with the 197th birth anniversary of Mahatma Phule.