Actor Sachin Khedekar makes a theatre debut in Hyderabad with the Marathi play ‘Bhumika’

The Marathi play Bhumika, to be staged in Hyderabad on April 3, marks television and film actor Sachin Khedekar’s theatre debut in the city. Written by Kshitij Patwardhan and directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni, the play depicts the story of an actor and his family and what they go through when the actor gets a new role. Interestingly, the play that has completed 100 performances across Maharashtra also marks Sachin’s return to stage after 21 years. “The Marathi community in Hyderabad have seen me speak Telugu in films but have never seen me speak Marathi on stage. It will be interesting to see their reaction to the play.”

Back to roots

Versatile actor; in a scene from the play
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Often busy with travel and film shootings, Sachin returned to his theatre roots in 2025 for Bhumika. The idea, he says, was to revisit the integrated life of a theatre artiste, follow a disciplined life, rehearse for two months and stage a play. “Theatre takes you close to the craft,” he says. “Unlike films or television, where you wait for people to watch it to know their reaction, performing on stage is an instant gratification for your work. It is like magic which helps you to improve as every show changes with the audience.”

The actor’s come back to Marathi theatre is inspired by its ‘long tradition and fantastic theatre going audience’ who encourage diverse voices. “At any given point of time, we have more than 50 plays being staged in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and other places in Maharashtra. Be it a small or big theatre group, intercollegiate and state competitions or one-act shows, people do come and watch them.” he says to highlight how the artform is celebrated in the State. “Ït is not just the traditional Sangeet natak plays but social subjects too are widely explored.”

Tryst with Telugu films

Sachin Khedekar
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

A versatile actor with compelling performances in multiple languages, Sachin’s tryst with Telugu cinema began a decade ago with NTR’s film Janata Garage directed by Koratala Siva. From ‘not knowing Telugu’ to dubbing his own lines now in his latest release Chiranjeevi’s Mana Shankara Vara Prasad (MSVP), the actor has come a long way. As the crooked and interfering father-in-law GVR, who tries to create conflict in his daughter’s family, he gave a terrific portrayal. “Mana Shankara was such a successful film,” he says excitedly. “Chiranjeevi garu was supportive and humble. He actually worked hard for my performance and helped me with the lines. He’s been a true, mega star with a golden heart.”

The actor, who has done around 25 Telugu films in these 10 years is humbled by the experience of Telugu film industry and thrives on the spotlight. “People recognise me at the Hyderabad airport and are eager to click photographs with me. They are kind to have this affection for me and I love all the attention,” he says with a laugh. One of his favourite characters was his Kanuva maharshi role in Gunasekhar’s Shakuntalam starring Samantha. “I have done some remarkable Telugu films. Directors like Koratala Siva, Trivikram (Ala Vaikontapuram Lo) and Anil Ravipudi (MSVP) are writers too who know their craft well and deserve the success they have.”

A scene from the play ‘Bhumika’
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

He looks forward to his next big screen projects — Telugu movies with Gopi Chand and also teaming up with Dulquer Salman after Lucky Bhaskar and Sita Ramam. He is also part of Marathi-Hindi film Raja Shivaji releasing on May 1, his birthday month when he turns 60. “I hope to do a good Telugu film and also take the play Bhumika to other cities including Bangalore.”

Health League presents the Marathi play Bhumika to be staged at Ravindra Bharathi on April 3 from 6 30 pm onwards; Tickets: bookmyshow.com; Contact: 86393 92699