Sai Tamhankar on Regional to Bollywood Transition Challenges

Sai Tamhankar opens up about the challenges regional actors face when transitioning to Hindi cinema. She believes both the industry and audience create the divide between regional and Hindi cinema. The actress emphasizes that actors should stay focused on their craft rather than worrying about perceptions. Her latest project is the show Matka King, set in 1960s Mumbai.

Key Points: Sai Tamhankar on Regional to Bollywood Shift

  • Sai Tamhankar discusses industry and audience divide for regional actors
  • Actress emphasizes staying focused on craft as solution
  • She is one of the highest-paid actresses in Marathi cinema
  • Her latest project is Matka King with Vijay Varma and Kritika Kamra
2 min read

Sai Tamhankar opens up on challenges of moving from regional films to Hindi cinema

Actress Sai Tamhankar discusses the challenges of moving from regional films to Hindi cinema, audience perception, and staying focused on craft.

Sai Tamhankar opens up on challenges of moving from regional films to Hindi cinema
"The only thing that an actor can do is really is to keep one's head down and keep working - Sai Tamhankar"

Mumbai, April 24

Sharing her two cents on the long-standing debate around regional actors shifting to Hindi cinema, actress Sai Tamhankar has said that the divide isn't just created by the industry alone but also by audience perception.

Asked if she thinks the industry still draws an unfair distinction when it comes to regional actors transitioning into Hindi, Sai told IANS: "Yes and no. I think not just the industry, it's the audience also that is responsible."

She understands that a sense of love and belonging towards one's mother tongue can sometimes lead to actors being boxed into a single space, but at the same time she feels the only way forward is to stay focused on the craft.

"They also, I mean, they also have to accept you working in both the industries and juggling between these two industries. Sometimes it's out of love for your mother tongue that they feel possessive about you and they box you like you belong to this industry only. That is surely out of love. But otherwise, yes, sometimes, sometimes not."

"The only thing that an actor can do is really is to keep one's head down and keep working. I think all the answers and all the solutions are hidden in your work," said Sai, who is one of the highest-paid actresses in Marathi cinema.

The 39-year-old star started her journey with television in supporting roles as she worked in Marathi series such as Tuzyavina and gained recognition with Ya Gojirvanya Gharat.

The actress later appeared in Hindi shows such as Kasturi and Anubandh. She made her film debut in 2008 with minor roles in Subhash Ghai's Black & White and Aamir Khan's Ghajini, followed by her Marathi film debut in the comedy Sanai Choughade.

Regarding her latest project, Matka King, the show also stars Vijay Varma and Kritika Kamra. It tells the story of Mumbai in the 1960s, where an enterprising cotton trader who craves legitimacy and respect, starts a new gambling game dubbed 'Matka'.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Honestly, the industry does create a divide too. Many Hindi filmmakers still treat regional actors as 'outsiders' and give them token roles. But Sai's point about audience perception is valid - we need to celebrate actors working across industries rather than saying 'don't leave our industry'. She's handled it all with grace!
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Rohit P
The real issue is that Hindi cinema's 'mainstream' label makes regional actors feel they must 'graduate' to Bollywood to be successful. Why can't we have thriving parallel industries without one being seen as superior? Sai is talented enough to work anywhere, but I wish we didn't have this hierarchy in the first place.
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Neha E
love her answer - 'keep your head down and keep working' - so practical! In the end, good work breaks all barriers. Sai has done amazing work in both industries and I hope more regional actors follow her path. Also excited for Matka King, sounds like a gripping story from Mumbai's past! 🎭
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Kavya N
But let's also admit that Hindi cinema's marketing machine often pushes regional actors into stereotypes. How many Marathi actors get substantial roles in Bollywood? Sai is right that audiences need to open up too, but the industry has a bigger responsibility to offer meaningful roles regardless of language background.
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Michael C
As someone from the US who follows Indian cinema, it's fascinating to see this dynamic. We have similar debates about actors moving from indie to mainstream. Sai's balanced view is refreshing - acknowledging both industry barriers and audience possessiveness. Her work ethic is something all actors can learn from.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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