Subodh Bhave on ‘His Story of Itihaas’: Every Role Begins at Zero

Veteran Marathi actor Subodh Bhave has long been celebrated for his masterful performances—whether as the legendary 'Bal Gandharva', the passionate student Sadashiv in 'Katyar Kaljat Ghusali', or the iconic Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar. Known for immersing himself in roles that blend artistry with intellect, Bhave now steps into a contemporary narrative with His Story of Itihaas—a film that questions who gets to write history and why.In this exclusive conversation with ETimes, he shares insights on the creative process, the film’s message, and how it shifted his perspective on history and education.You’ve played a wide range of characters — from historical figures to artists. How did this role challenge or expand your creative process?For me, no role is big or small. I’ve done cameos and even characters with just 4–5 scenes, but if they’re well-written, they leave a mark. Every role I’ve done has shaped my journey. A biopic isn’t automatically more important than a present-day role. I approach each part as a fresh start—from zero—and I fully align with the writer’s and director’s vision.The title itself — His Story of Itihaas — is quite intriguing. How do you interpret its significance about your character and the film’s message?Yes, it’s a very unique title—His Story of History. Everyone who heard it found it unusual and compelling. It’s about one man’s journey through history—his search for truth and his fight for a more honest narrative. That individual's struggle becomes the soul of the film.Did playing a teacher questioning systemic truths change your outlook toward education or history?Absolutely. I learned a lot through this role—new facts, new perspectives. As Manpreet (My director) rightly said, reading history in textbooks is one thing, but truly understanding it builds a bridge to our ancestors. That connection is invaluable. This fil m helped me demystify many things, both as an actor and as a person.With His Story of Itihaas, Subodh Bhave once again proves that his choice of roles is driven by meaning and curiosity, not size or spotlight. His portrayal of Namit isn’t just about questioning history—it’s about owning the courage to ask why. Stay tuned for more such conversations with artists shaping cinema that asks deeper questions. Let me know if you'd like a version with pull quotes, social preview snippets, or image placement cues.