Sushil Pandey Calls Portraying Jyotiba Phule's Brother a Unique Chance
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Synopsis
Actor Sushil Pandey enthusiastically anticipates his role as Baba Rao Phule in the biographical drama 'Phule,' a film exploring the life of the social reformer Jyotiba Phule. He expresses gratitude for this unique opportunity and reflects on the complexity of his character, who contrasts with his brother's ideals.
Key Takeaways
- Sushil Pandey plays Baba Rao Phule, Jyotiba's brother.
- The film explores themes of social justice and education.
- Baba Rao is depicted as an opportunist in contrast to Jyotiba's ideals.
- The film is directed by Anant Mahadevan.
- Phule features an ensemble cast including Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha.
Mumbai, April 17 (NationPress) Actor Sushil Pandey is poised to take on a pivotal role in the forthcoming biographical drama “Phule,” which delves into the life of the esteemed social reformer Jyotiba Phule.
Describing this as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,' Pandey conveyed his appreciation for the chance to portray Baba Rao Phule, Jyotiba's brother, who was a steadfast ally during his brother's transformative journey. Discussing his character, he stated, “In Phule, I embody the intricate and often contentious role of Baba Rao Phule, the sibling of the revolutionary Jyotiba Phule. While the narrative showcases the groundbreaking contributions of Jyotiba and Savitribai in their pursuit of education and social equality, my character offers a stark contrast. Baba Rao is an opportunist—he may seem average at first glance, yet underneath, he is propelled by personal gain. In a moment of treachery, he attempts to claim Jyotiba’s property during a time of immense turmoil.”
“What makes Baba Rao particularly intriguing is his vehement opposition to the principles his brother advocated. He openly denounces their reformist initiatives. Portraying this character enabled me to investigate how even the strongest familial ties can be strained when confronted with revolutionary transformations,” he added.
On the topic of preparing for the role, Sushil shared, “Upon meeting Anant Mahadevan sir, he had a clear vision for Baba Rao Phule. This clarity made my preparation much more manageable. He is also an exceptional actor, which made me feel confident under his direction. Honestly, I didn't have to over-prepare because his guidance was so effective.”
“For me, participating in Phule felt like an extraordinary opportunity,” Sushil remarked. “It’s a narrative that merits being told, and I’m privileged to portray the brother of Jyotiba Phule. I’ve had the fortune of being involved in impactful films, and I genuinely believe that meaningful stories find their way to me. This one is certainly among them.”
Additionally, the ‘Super 30’ actor shared insights about his collaboration with co-stars, stating, “I’ve known Pratik for some time—we both hail from theatre backgrounds, which gives us a similar acting approach. He is a true gentleman and a fitness enthusiast—we even worked out together nearly every day after filming! I met Patralekha for the first time on this set. She is not only a phenomenal actress but also a wonderful person. The atmosphere on set was fantastic. I was surrounded by friends—Amit Behl sir, Vinay Pathak sir, Jay Sengupta ji, Darshil Safari, our writer Muazzam Beg, and of course, Anant Mahadevan sir. It felt like we were all working together on something meaningful, rather than just acting.”
“One of my most memorable experiences was working under Anant sir’s direction. His one-liners were hilarious, and he maintained a remarkably disciplined set,” Sushil reminisced.
In a related note, “Phule” also stars Pratik Gandhi and Patralekha in lead roles and is helmed by National Award-winning director Anant Mahadevan.
The biographical drama chronicling the life and legacy of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule is set to premiere on April 25.
