Recently, Netflix unleashed its first-ever Indian original series, Sacred Games , starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte and Sailf Ali Khan in central roles. One of the characters of this eight-episode soap that has fascinated critics and binge-watchers alike is Katekar - a not-so-ambitious but loyal constable – played by popular Marathi theatre and film actor Jitendra Joshi.
The story, adapted from Vikram Chandra's novel of the same name, is the story of a policeman Sartaj Singh (played by Saif Ali Khan) in pursuit of gangster Ganesh Gaitonde (played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui). The character of Katekar, Sartaj’s colleague, is flawed and yet real. His loyalty toward Sartaj is admirable and yet his dislike for a community, which eventually leads to his demise, is more than just a chink in his armour. In a telephonic interview, the actor spoke to The Hindu about his approach to the role and how life has changed post the massive success of the show. Excerpts:
Has this opened many doors for you in Hindi cinema industry?
(Laughs) I don’t go seeking work; in fact I am just busy living life to the fullest, and meanwhile circumstances create jobs for me. It’s too early to say. People in the industry might notice my work and more opportunities will come my way (like) just how Sacred Games happened. I took up the project because I was excited about working with Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane. I had no idea about Netflix’s existence until my friend Nikhil Mahajan (an established Marathi filmmaker) made me realise how big a deal this is. It’s (the online streaming site) a beast and I am overwhelmed by the number of messages and wishes I have been receiving from strangers and fellow artistes. But, I have no inhibitions about language or industry; I will take up whatever the best comes my way, doesn’t necessarily has to be Bollywood.
How did you approach your character? Did you improvise or the script was the Bible and no one was allowed to tamper with it?
I have seen many Katekars in life. I grew up in Pune where my neighbour was a police constable, so a few of Katekar’s traits come from there. Then I am friends with a few policemen in Mumbai, I have observed them very closely – their belief systems, usage of abusive language and other things. Even in a normal conversation, they use cuss words and especially at home. Katekar isn’t a typical hawaldar , I kept him very human and simple. It shouldn’t look like an act but just another real person in reel scenario.
Saif Ali Khan, Radhika Apte and Jitendra Joshi in 'Sacred Games'
Motwane is one of the best directors to work with; he knows where to set you free and to tether you down. So there are moments and actions that were improvised, for instance a few curse words were my own addition as I speak the language (Marathi). But again, the writers of the show have done such an excellent job that just scratching the surface of the script gives you the character arc. When you work with actors like Saif (Saif Ali Khan), who has zero insecurity as an artiste, you can take liberties. So, experimenting becomes easy when one is surrounded with a team of ace players.
If given an opportunity, which is the other character from the show you would like to play?
I love all of them, but you need guts to play Cuckoo. It will be very interesting to take on the role as a male actor, but it’s equally challenging for a female. Kubbra Sait is on top of her game and what a performance. Wow! But main Cukoo ka part karega (I would want to play Cukoo).
What is the next project in your list?
I have a couple of plays to work on. First is a play written by Amir Nizar Zuabi, a Palestinian play writer-director, which is called Mai Hoon Yusuf Aur Ye Hain Mera Bhai . It’s a translated Hindi play to be performed at the Prithvi Theatre in September.
You are a writer yourself. What do you enjoy most - performing or writing?
Writing is out of plain interest. I love music so much that I desire to pen down lyrics and it brings joy, but the true satisfaction I receive is through acting - it’s my passion. Having said that, acting is just a by-product of my life, it isn’t my entire life.
What is the best compliment you received about your performance?
A few people wrote to me that they will treat police constables with respect henceforth, which I think is heart warming. There is a deep contentment in touching lives and shaping opinions, even if it’s just one person.
