Famously known for his onscreen role as ACP Pradyuman in the popular TV series CID, Shivaji Satam is a veteran who has worked in theatre, television and films. Before taking up full-time acting, Satam worked as a cashier in Central Bank of India. His performances in many Hindi and Marathi movies have been appreciated. He has twice won the Maharashtra State Film Award for the best actor.

What does acting means to you?

Reacting. In the given parameters of the character and based on the inputs of the director, the actor ‘reacts’ to a given situation. Within the graph of the story there is an underlying graph of the character. This provides a base for an actor to understand and visualise his character. It is fun to explore the character’s economic, social and family background and nuances which will reflect his behaviour, body language, makeup, costume, etc.

The medium you enjoy the most: theatre, television or films?

I will forever enjoy theatre and dramatics.

Your most memorable role and its influence on your life? 

I have always related to the characters I have played. Somewhere it is a feeling of deja vu. All the characters that I have played so far on stage, films or TV have been those with which I have identified and that is why they all have been helpful in understanding relationships and behaviour, making me a better person. It is absolutely essential for me to like the story and relate with the character that I have to play. It helps.  

What role does an artist have in society? 

An artist symbolises all that is good and bad in society and has to feel and behave responsibly. Very subtly, he sets an example to the younger generation.

The greatest influence in your life? 

My father. His positive outlook, sacrifices for his family and fighting spirit made him my hero.

Does social and political climate of the country impact your creative expression?

It does not affect my creative expression. A creative person must feel responsible towards society and should neither say nor do anything that may hurt beliefs, feeling and emotions of people. 

What, according to you, are the major challenges the country is facing today?

Caste system, triple talaq and caste-based reservations in education and jobs. Irrespective of caste, creed and religion there should be one nation, one law for all citizens. Our neighbours have an evil eye on us. To counter them we have to be strong with a nationalist zeal, and a strong military defence and counterterrorism will double our might.

Your advice to aspiring actors?

Keep your eyes, ears and thinking open to the world of humans around you – to your family, friends, strangers and even a child. One must first and foremost learn to be a good human being. Analyse and empathise with different kinds of behaviours. This subconsciously translates into understanding the character one would get to perform and make you a better human being.

(The interview appears in December 31, 2018 edition)