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We also spoke on a lot of other things. This is an interview which you cannot miss. Click on the video below to see it:
Excerpts from the conversation that transpired:
Do you recall the day when you were told that CID is being pulled off?
Of course. It was a Friday and we were told that Monday would be our last day. Even our producers weren’t in the know. Lekin haan, yeh zaroor tha that we were feeling different since nearly a year. We were being pushed- our show was down to 10:30 from the 10:00 pm slot. Then, it started coming late on air, say 10:40. Slowly, we were beginning to see light only around 11 pm. Whatever was happening was sad. We could sense that something is messed up. something is wrong. We started feeling unwanted. But then…
But what?
It was the channel’s decision. We couldn’t do anything.
In your lingo, aapko lagne laga kuch toh gadbad hai…
(Laughs) Bahut badi gadbad thi. It was like you and I are talking, like now for instance, and I suddenly get pushed out of the frame.
When did it start sinking in that ‘CID’ is not a part of your life?
‘CID’ can never not be a part of my life. I gave 24 years of my life to it- 22 years of telecast and 2 years while it was in the making. 24 years is a bulk of my life.
I stand corrected and rephrase my question. When did it start sinking in that ‘CID’ is not a part of your life any longer?
Not mine frankly, but the channel’s yes. It didn’t continue to be a part of the channel’s life any longer.
You mean people still run after you calling out ‘ACP Pradyuman’…
Not just that, you have to see the love and respect that I still get wherever I go. It is simply amazing. Like recently it happened when I went to Ranthambore. What a time we had. A large part of the cast and crew of ‘CID’ literally grew up on the show. I fail to understand how the channel is telecasting shows that have TRPs lower than that of ‘CID’.
Are you in touch with Daya, Abhijeet…
Yes, we all are in touch. We are in touch with even the spotboys; most of them didn’t go away from our set for 16 years.
You have been saying in sections of the media that you are not getting good work…
I want something that really touches my heart. Like I remember there was a show that Daya and Abhijeet were doing and I was also offered. I refused it politely. You cannot make another ACP Pradyuman with different people. Such shows don’t run.
So what are you doing these days?
Well, I am doing ads. I did a short film in Marathi. Then I have done Mahesh Manjrekar’s sequel to the film ‘De Dhakka’, again in Marathi.
Senior actors like Pankaj Tripathi, Sanjay Mishra and a few others are getting interesting work. Why aren’t you getting?
(Shrugs) I don’t know. How can I tell you the reason when I don’t know?
Is it a case of TV actors getting stamped?
No, else why would have I got Marathi films? I was getting many film offers in Hindi, back in the days when I was doing ‘CID’.
And then?
Well, surely you can’t do a cop’s role for just the fact that you are known as ACP Pradyuman on national television.
Is the remuneration being offered not enough?
No, that’s not the case. Frankly, I was paid handsomely in ‘CID’ as well, of course that didn’t happen from Day 1. But then, I certainly won’t work for Rs 2. I am not a fool to cling on to the same fees that I was paid then. But as I said, the work that comes my way should really touch my heart.
Talking about movies makes me ask, which is your most favourite Bollywood movie?
Pyaasa 3. Ganga Jamuna 2. Guide 1. I remember seeing ‘Guide’ in Kohinoor Cinema in Dadar, it was full of water as it was raining outside and rats were running all over.
Parting shot?
My elder son is doing well; he is producing Marathi plays and he is also into software business. My younger son stays abroad, he is a Special Digital Effects artiste- but he is in Mumbai for a month or two and I am enjoying spending time with him. I am reading books. I am playing with my grandson. But I am longing to get back on the sets in a full-fledged manner.
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