Sameer Dharmadhikari: I never bothered about becoming a star, I was happy being an actor

At a time when popularity precedes everything else, Sameer Dharmadhikari’s approach towards his craft is like a breath of fresh air. The actor has never bothered about the perks of his profession but solely focused on his passion – acting. Sameer, best remembered for his portrayal of Gangadhar Rao Newalkar in Jhansi Ki Rani, is currently seen playing the title role in Ghar Ek Mandir Kripa Maharaja Agrasen Ki. While he has played the male lead in a few shows, he was only making cameo appearances in his recent outings.
Ask him if he feels that his journey as a hero in TV shows has been short-lived and he replies, “In my 12-year-long journey on the small screen, I have been fortunate enough to play versatile characters.It took me some time to understand the functioning and format of the small screen, but I am happy with the work I have done so far. Every part I have played has taught me something. I feel lucky about playing unsung heroes, including Gangadhar Rao, Bindusara in Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, and now, Agrasen. It seems I am destined to bring into light all these unsung heroes.”
The actor says that he never really had time to assess his popularity and just went about doing his work, which was enacting these powerful characters on screen. “My work has been my passion. Hamein pata hi nahi chala, hum sirf kaam karte gaye. I have never understood the TRP game. Main kabhi aankdon mein nahi phasa. I was only curious about whether the audience liked me in a character and appreciated my performance. I didn’t get time to assess my popularity at that time, because I was busy working. Isliye shaayad main star nahi bann paaya. Main insaan raha. But I don’t regret it. I never bothered about becoming a star because I was happy being an actor.”
He adds, “I would realise my popularity during chance meetings with someone who may have watched my show. With time, I was told about the importance of social media, but I can’t cope with the insatiable demand of posting every day, which includes inane information. I have seen people glued to their mobile phones. Sab mobile phone mein busy honge toh dialogues kaun karega? I have no regrets about not behaving a certain way.”
After acting in soaps back-to-back, Sameer has started taking it easy. Apart from focusing on regional cinema and shows, he likes to spend quality time with his family in Pune. The actor, who was previously seen in a cameo role in Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, says, “Doing a TV show is like being posted outside your city and after a point, with a limited amount of good work coming my way, I wanted to spend time with my family and work in projects in my mother tongue. While shooting for Agrasen, I am getting ample time to be with my family. I am doing several things simultaneously, which I feel I should have done earlier, but TV waqt lene lag gaya. So, I need at least 15 days in a month to pursue other projects. I like to spend more time at home than attending a party. Parties have never got me work. My work begets work.”