Amruta Deshmukh is an actress. She has predominantly acted in Marathi language films and TV shows. She gained widespread popularity from freshers. She played Gauri in Tumch Amch Same Asta and has gone on to star in Devashappath, Freshers and the 2020 film, Sweety Satarkar.
The actress spoke with Team Storiyaan about her choices of roles, inspiration and journey in the industry so far.
Interview
Questions and answers
You made your debut on TV in the show Tumch Amch Same Asta (2015). But you had been working in theatres in Pune way before that. What made you turn to a different platform?
I always wanted to get into acting professionally. Before that, I had to make sure that I am trained enough at least to audition for new ventures. After completing my education, I decided that if I want to pursue acting professionally, then I need to travel to Mumbai. After shifting there, I started giving auditions. That’s when I got the first opportunity and started working professionally to get out of Pune; as the primary industry is in Mumbai.
Before turning to act, you studied journalism. What about journalism interests you? And why did you take up acting?
Journalism was my backup plan because the acting field is pretty unstable and mostly depends on your luck factor. It also depends on you getting the right opportunity. I had completed my graduation in psychology, after which I picked up journalism, thinking that it was related to the entertainment industry. That’s why I chose journalism as it covers everything like writing to editing.
Your most recent release is Sweety Satarkar. Your character was amazing to watch. What gravitated you towards the film?
After doing 2-3 shows, I was looking for some good opportunities. There were a handful of choices, though. I think they were passionate about the storyline and the characters, and I could see their planning. I could play a character which was the hero throughout. A female character is rarely depicted as the hero. I was fortunate to get the opportunity in the first place.
Your parents are both theatre artists, and your brother is also an actor. When acting came up, do you believe that it was already in the water?
I’m sure that is where I learnt acting; it was in my genes. I have always visited my parents’ theatres, sighted their drama and rehearsals. My mom said that I started performing in theatres when I was in her womb; whilst pregnant, she was performing a play in Delhi. Therefore, I was told that it was my first play. My family thus had a rich culture, which made me watch films, theatres and eventually shift Mumbai.
Tumch Aamch Same Asta is a relatable show about contemporary romance. What has been your approach towards bagging diverse roles?
My first show was not a complete success, and it wasn’t embroidered for a long time; like it was there for only 5 or 6 months. I was happy bagging the opportunity because it was Shreyas Talpade’s production affluence and it was their first-ever TV series production. I wasn’t playing any bumming scene, someone who suffers all the torture and such, I was not part of any kitchen-drama, so I was happy about it.
You gained significant attention for your amazing TikTok videos. But you deleted it before the ban was enforced. Can you tell us more about it and which app did you switch to?
My friend had guessed about tiktok being banned. I used to tell my friends that if it’s that bad, and affecting our nation, then the government will take some action and they will ban it. I also watched the interview of real-life ‘Funsuk-wangdu’ (Sonam Wangchuk, Engineer) of 3 idiots, and that’s when I was enlightened about all the facts and why our government banned certain Chinese apps. I decided to uninstall my app, and then I just googled whichever Indian app was in the market similar to tiktok, and then I was introduced to ‘Roposo’ app. Also am into Instagram Reels.
Would you like to talk to us about your show, Freshers?
Freshers is a serial because of which I received fame. Youngsters liked my performance and my charm and everything. I felt so enthusiastic and was very happy to play this role. The whole crew is responsible for my success. When I was in college, I had never experienced that kind of fun because I was always in classes or cultural activities. I was still busy in some creative practice. This film made me relive those days.
You also have an indelible voice. What has been the role of piano or music in your life? And is singing something you want to pursue as well?
I haven’t thought about it, like if I would ever pursue playing a piano or not. It’s just a pass time for me which I do enjoy a lot. I am learning new songs. I am trying to learn some Hollywood songs which are purely based on piano; like the songs from La La Land. They are tough, but I want to try those.
Who has been the greatest influencer in your life?
There isn’t just a single person; from time to time, I have met people who have influenced me in some or the other way. I used to do theatre where I had attended my first ever acting workshop. The workshop had the presence of my teacher, Yogesh, and I attended his workshop. He was very particular about all the aspects of acting. Yogesh was my first acting mentor. Over time, I have met other people, but there isn’t just one to be named.
Devashappath is a fantastic story about religion and belief. Can you talk to us about your faith and if that drove you towards the series?
I was playing Goddess Lakshmi in the film. I believe in positivity, and I won’t say I am an atheist, but, I enjoy when Ganapati is coming, I’d like to do all sorts of decoration. I feel a positive vibe when Ganapati is there around us. You can say that Ganapati is my favourite god among all. Coming back to the script, I liked it because they have started the serial on conflicts between your beliefs, and about God. That is precisely where I relate myself- if I am performing a job, I must know the reason behind it.
Has anyone ever given you advice that stuck with you and impacted you?
I can’t think of anything specific as I get some excellent advice on many projects. I guess it was my first project as a professional actor and then they told me and showed me many faults; like how tiny things can matter. These lessons from senior actors always remain with you and help you grow. Also, another thing I have been fortunate enough about is finding outstanding teams every time.
Quick 5
1.Gauri from TASA or Pari from Freshers?- pari from freshers
2.A favourite movie you’ve worked in- Sweety Satarkar
3.The first person, you call when you’re happy or sad- My Mom
4.One word to describe your short film, 1.43 FM- a sweet love story
5.Mumbai or Pune- Pune