Mumbai, April 21 (NationPress) Actor Subodh Bhave is set to take on the role of Neem Karoli Baba in the anticipated film “Shree Baba Neeb Karori Maharaj”. He believes that in the portrayal of a saint, it is not the actor who selects the character; rather, it is the character that selects the actor.

Bhave shared, “When Sharad ji embarked on this project, he had spent 4–5 years developing it. Previous attempts to assemble the cast and crew had fallen through. In January 2025, I learned from a writer friend that he wished to meet me.”

“During our meeting, he outlined his vision for the film about Baba and expressed his desire for me to play the part. Initially, I did not know much about him; I had only seen photographs and heard his name occasionally. It was only through Sharad ji that I was properly introduced to Baba and his life,” he added.

Contemplating the essence of portraying a saint, Bhave stated, “When creating a film about a saint, the actor doesn’t choose the character; the character chooses the actor. In my instance, I truly feel that Baba selected me for this role.”

Directed by Sharad Singh Thakur, the film, scheduled for release on April 24, explores the life, teachings, and spiritual heritage of Neem Karoli Baba, with the aim of conveying his messages of faith, compassion, and inner tranquility.

Bhave commended his director's thorough research and commitment.

“Sharad ji devoted years to understanding Baba’s life—engaging with those who knew him and even conversing with his family. He shared every detail and practice he had learned. With such a prepared director, one need not look further; you simply absorb and internalize everything,” he remarked.

As an actor, Subodh conveyed, “Often, one wants to perform, but in this case, you don’t need to do much.”

“Baba guides the process—you only need to remain devoted and surrender. Everything depicted in the film feels as though it has been achieved through me by Him. If the audience appreciates my performance, it’s Baba’s blessing; if there are flaws, those belong to me.”

The film also features actors Hiten Tejwani, Samikssha Bhatnagar, Mohit Gupta, Hemant Pandey, Aaratii Naagpal, Varsha Manikchand, Hardeep Kaur, Aniruddh Dave, and Garima Agarwal.

Produced by Balram Garg, Balvir Singh, Sharad Singh Thakur, Khadag Singh Gaur, and Neelam Singh, the film is presented by Anisha Films International in collaboration with PC Jeweller and BSR Film Productions. The film's all-India release will be managed by First Film Studios LLP.