Starting in the field of acting with an inter-collegiate competition, Sai Tamhankar did not know how far this journey would take him. Back then, it was just about young girls who earned decent money from acting but didn’t know what to do with it. Then came a turning point in his life. In a candid chat with us over a freshly brewed cup of black coffee, Sai talks about this change that eventually paved the way for his passion for work, how he is at a stage where he wants to create work balance, why counseling is a must for everyone, and apart. Quote:
‘I’m a very hygienic actor now’
When he started making films, his work ethic was not a focal point. But the gradual transformation resulted in a changed approach. “I’m not on time like I am now. I have consciously changed. Today, I am a very hygienic actor. If I have an 8am shift, I will make sure to go to bed early and get to the set on time. This change happens organically, certainly not overnight. I admit that you want to change is the biggest step in the direction,” he said, adding, “I have learned to channel my energy well. Learning from mistakes is the biggest way for me in this journey.
Sai Tamhankar
‘Know and acknowledge yourself well’
Actress Bhakshak acknowledges the importance of taking a break from work, but it’s not something she has made peace with. “As a person I have known and recognized myself well. That said, I feel that sometimes I do not reward myself as much as I would like, especially in terms of time,” he said. Essentially, it means not taking time for yourself. He added, “I have this approach that my professional life must be top class. Other things can take a back seat. This is exactly what I want to change. Work will continue to be the focus but after many years of slogging, somewhere I feel burned out .Not creative, but constantly thinking about work.
Ask him if he sees himself doing nothing, but he replied, “I would be lying if I said yes. Without work for a week, I would be like a fish out of water. I like to be a workaholic, but I think work and life can more balanced. If I take a long schedule, I’ll use it to do laundry or just relax. I haven’t got that balance yet -slowly approaching. Your brain needs a break. I know it’s a bit late, but I’m very happy.
Sai Tamhankar plays a cop in Bhakshak
Saying my mind has landed me in trouble in the past. But I have learned that my words have meaning and are taken into account by many people. So the responsibility is to give yourself a check now
Sai Tamhankar
‘I think everyone should take counseling to clear their mind at least’
Mental health is very important for everyone these days, says actress Mimi. “Be neutral, calm and now it’s like having a fertile soil. Whatever comes out of it is always good. I think counseling should be mandatory for everyone at least once a month. We do cleaning or physical exercise to stay fit. Counseling can help clear the mind ,” he said. They also show that people should not be ashamed to ask for help. It is what he not only preaches but also practices. Opening up about her therapy experience, Sai added, “I have also been in therapy. It started after my divorce, but the process continued due to many reasons. Therapy has helped a lot and opened up a new world for me. You do small things every day that disrupt your life. If you say with a professional, you know it’s not necessary and when the change starts. Once you open up to people, you feel great.”
Sai Tamhankar
The call that changed his life…
Sai has an interesting slate of projects to look forward to, including Firewhere he teams up with Pratik Gandhi and King Motherthrough which she ticks off the name of her director’s wishlist – Nagraj Manjule. The actress admits that it took her some time to understand the seriousness of her profession, but since she did, it was no more. “I was always interested in acting but as a youth, I was not serious about it from a professional point of view,” she said. That changed after a call from his father, who Sai lost when he was young. “I was probably 20 years old when I got a call from my father. After that call, I had the feeling that from here on I would be responsible to my mother. My mother was my weak point. That call was a turning point in my life and from then on, I never looked back,” he said, adding that now he had reached a stage where he thought he could relax and sit down for a while.
Sai Tamhankar as Samrindi in Manvat Murders
‘Faults are never hidden; they find a way out’
A few months ago, the Justice Hema Committee report created ripples in the south Indian film industry with its findings on discrimination and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry. Ask Sai how the #MeToo movement or the Hema Committee report has changed the situation in the field, and he points out, “I think it’s a process. It won’t change overnight. I think this development has been successful in helping lay the groundwork for rules and guidelines. Most importantly, they create widespread awareness. There may be other revelations in the future but eventually the point where it all stops. It takes time and patience to do things. But it will happen. Harvey Weinstein is the biggest example about their mistakes are not hidden. You can’t discount them. They find a way to move forward.” The actress added, “Of course I can tell women not to talk nonsense now from the position I’m in. But it’s easier said than done. I think recognizing the problem and giving back to the perpetrator in whatever way you feel is right is an individual decision.
Agni- Official Teaser | Pratik Gandhi Divyenndu
