Veteran Marathi actress Usha Naik is all praise for new filmmakers for taking the regional film industry to another level.
Naik, 60, who worked with many directors in the past, has played the role of a widowed grandmother in Marathi film 'Ek Hazarachi Note' which is India's contender for coveted Golden Peacock Award at ongoing 45th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
The film is directed by debutante filmmaker Srihari Sathe.
"The tiniest things were decided before shooting of the film. He (Sathe) even used a different hair dye to give perfect look to the character. I am impressed with nitty-gritty of young directors. It was a very good experience and you can say it was memorable.
On working with Sathe, she said: "It was a different experience to work with him. I have worked with veterans like Jabbar Patel, Raj Dutt, Anant Mane and even with Shantaram (V Shantaram). Everyone has their own style of directing."
The actress, who played a subtle act in the film, observed the era of "loud acting" in Marathi film industry is ceasing after advent of current breed of young directors who have taken the regional industry to another level.
"Loud acting had to be done to involve the audience. For the first day of shooting for 'Eka Hazarachi Note', Srihari told me to tone down a bit. Then, I realised he wants very natural acting," she said recalling making of the film which was shot in 'Varhadi' dialect of Marathi language.
Naik said she was at the fag-end of her four-decade-old career and does not foresee getting such recognisable roles.
"I am proud to have done such a role where I get recognition all over at this age. At my age (other) actors must be jealous about it," she quipped.
