With her next film Mangalashtak Once More set to release on Nov 22, Mukta Barve is on a high. Shalaka Nalawade chats her up

Mukta Barve has shown her acting prowess in all three mediums of entertainment — television, films and theatre. Her last TV series Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta received great applause from the audiences and now Mukta is gearing up for her upcoming film Mangalashtak Once More with Swapnil Joshi. Here, she talks about her chemistry with Swapnil, her experience with the talented director — the late Rajeev Patil, her aspirations and more. Excerpts:

After Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai and Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta, once again you are teaming up with Swapnil Joshi for Mangalashtak… Why did you two choose another story based on wedding?

Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai was the first stage where two people meet. Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta took the story ahead with the actual wedding. Now Mangalashtak takes the story forward further.

As far as playing our parts for a longer time is concerned, we are not bothered about whether we look young enough to play those characters. You see, I grew up watching Madhuri Dixit’s films during college. I am a big fan and it does not matter to me that she took a break, got married and settled down. I still feel she looks the same. Madhuri is a phenomenon, an image set in my memory. Hope Swapnil and I can charm the audiences for years like her (smiles).

For an actor, how important is the producer of a film? Is it equally important to have a competent director and a good producer?

Everyone is equally important on the sets. What happens, especially in Marathi films, the producer gets exhausted during the making of the film and then good projects do not reach the audience. That’s what happened with Aghaat! The producer was financially drained by the time the film was completed and he didn’t have enough funds to promote it. When it was finally showed on television, many people told me that they were unaware about the film’s release. So, it’s very important to get a powerful and passionate producer.

Renu Desai, who is producing Mangalashtak…, is a sincere, hardworking and passionate producer. Many a time, you come across people who get into film production for fame, money or other reasons. But Renu is into producing films because she is immensely drawn towards the craft of filmmaking.

The first time we met, she said, ‘Look, I want my film to be a hit and I am ready to spend as much time, energy and money to make it successful.’ It is hard to come across such a dedicated producer!

Since we are talking about people who are passionate about filmmaking, can you share some of your memories and experiences of working with National Award-winning director, the late Rajeev Patil?

I worked twice with Rajeev. First was Blind Game and then three years later Jogwa. When we were working together in Blind Game, I was glad he knew about my previous work while casting me in that role.

We were not in close contact after our first film for almost three years, but Rajeev would make it a point to be present during the staging of all the plays that I worked in during that period. Later, he called me for a new script which was Jogwa. And the first question I asked him was: ‘How could you think that I was appropriate for this role?’ I was skeptical because I had never essayed such a role before.

I believe, every actor needs someone who believes in them and their ability. Rajeev believed in me. And Jogwa was a big mile-stone for me! I think, it takes a director of Rajeev’s calibre to turn a story full of pathos and negativity into a beautiful romantic series of paintings!

Would you like to direct a film some day?

I am a greedy actress (laughs). I still feel there is so much more I want to do as an actress. I won’t take up direction anytime soon because I alone would feel like essaying all the roles in my film!

Moving from films to your fitness fundas, can you share the secret behind your new svelte self?

Gymming! I have been working out every single day for two-and-a-half hours. I have also been following a strict diet regime. Earlier, I was a vegetarian but now with my new diet plan, I have started eating egg whites and drinking protein shakes.

I realise that if I want to look good on screen, I can’t follow unhealthy habits.

In fact, the whole industry has realised that fitness and diet are very important. Earlier, we actors met each other at launch parties and award functions, now we meet each other at gyms while weight training!