Pehchan kaun?

Pehchan kaun?

Laughter challenger Naveen Prabhakar turns Marathi film-star

Santosh Andhale

Navin Prabhakar, who became a household name with his act 'Pehchan kaun' in the Great Indian Laughter Challenge, on Star One, has just bagged the lead role in a Marathi film called No Problem. After winning the best comic-artist award on the popular show, Prabhakar was made a movie offer by debutant director Mandar Shinde.

Speaking with Mumbai Mirror, Prabhakar said that ever since he won the Laughter Challenge, he has been getting calls from Hindi film directors who've wanted him to play comic roles in their films. "I refused all the offers, since they were all bit-roles. I was looking for better roles even if they were meant to be cameos," he said. Meanwhile, Prabhakar was finally offered the lead role in a Marathi film. "I was convinced about the subject as soon as I read the script, and so I signed up for the film. It is a dream come true for me," said an elated Prabhakar.

However, after entering the film industry he wants to shrug off the 'pehchan kaun' tag as soon as possible. "This is the turning point of my life and I do not want it to stick to me for an entire career. I do not want to keep doing comic roles, but would like to explore other avenues too. As the director is also directing a film for the first time, I have consented to do a light-hearted role," he said.

But, before Prabhakar enters films, he has other professional commitments to honour. Shooting for three serials with Sachin Pilgaonkar, the stand-up comedian surely has his hands full at present. "I have the experience of performing on stage, and since my mother-tongue is Marathi, I should not have any problems (doing a Marathi movie)," Prabhakar said.

Guaranteeing total "paisa vasool" to the paying public, Prabhakar assured that he would be giving his 100 per cent when shooting for No Problem. "People will not forget my dialogues even after two days of watching the film, as it is a completely light script aimed to help audiences relieve their tensions," he said revealing the plot of the film. Apart from that, he mentioned the film would have a Hindi-Marathi song with Mumait Khan (Munnabhai 'item girl') as a high-point.

"I hail from Karmala in Solapur but I did my schooling and higher education in different colleges in Goregaon. Though I was not a bright student, I have won numerous awards in sporting and cultural activities," said Prabhakar, describing his days before he entered our living rooms recently as the Laughter challenger.