In conversation: Raqesh Bapat talks about his debut with Marathi blockbuster - Vrundavan!

'Marathi Mulga' Raqesh Bapat (Vashisht) has entertained the masses with his sizzling persona and alluring charm through various television shows and Bollywood movies.

Now the actor is moving on to amuse the regional audience with his debut movie 'Vrundavan'. Promising to be a blockbuster featuring the star waltz of the Marathi cinema, Raqesh will portray Krish in the film.

In a tete-a-tete with Tellybuzz, Raqesh sheds some light on his debut and his expectations from the film.

Being a Maharashtrian, I always wanted to take up something interesting but no script excited me in terms of genre or the concept until Vrundavan. This movie is an action packed blockbuster which incorporates comedy, drama, love and a plethora of emotions. More than myself, my family is really excited because they reside in Pune and have always wanted me to be a part of atleast one Marathi film. It is a proud moment for me and my family and I hope things materialize only to take my career graph upwards.

Though I come from a Marathi family, we never really conversed in my mother-tongue given the fact that my father belonged to the army and we shifted base occasionally. We usually spoke in Hindi or English at home. So, though I knew the language, to present it on-screen was a challenge as I had to consciously make an effort to focus on the dialect. Here, ace actors like Ashok Saraf, Mahesh Manjrekar and other helped me as they knew the nuances and the impact a dialogue delivery would create. I observed them and learnt a lot.

The film has 40 minutes of rigorous action. I learnt different forms of the art and I have put in my best.

To tell you frankly, it doesn't matter because as an actor I am more interested to see my talent grow. I am driven by my passion for acting and the medium does not matter. Vrundavan has given me an opportunity to portray a character which actors would die to do! I will be seen essaying various shades - comedy, romance, and action; and will be a part of distinguished songs too. What more can I ask for?

I hate to say no to work when it comes my way. I have been offered television shows but I could not take it up because of time constraints. Vrundavan releases on April 8, on the auspicious day of Gudi Padva. I am busy with the pre and post promotions of the same and will then start shooting for my next Marathi film - Sarvamangal Savdhaan where I am paired opposite Manjari Fadnis.

Raqesh we wish you luck with Vrundavan and your future projects!