Veteran actor Sayaji Shinde has sparked a fresh wave of discussion regarding the conduct of actors in the Indian film industry, asserting that South Indian stars exhibit better manners compared to their Bollywood counterparts. An old clip of Shinde sharing his experiences is currently circulating online, drawing attention to the actor's observations on the differences in behavior between actors from the Hindi and South Indian film industries.
Shinde, a seasoned performer with a career spanning Marathi, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, English, Gujarati, and Bhojpuri films, has worked extensively in both Bollywood and South Indian cinema. He began his acting journey in 1978 with Marathi theatre, gradually building a reputation for his strong screen presence. Shinde is known for his diverse roles, ranging from menacing villains to comedic characters and emotionally nuanced performances. Some of his memorable Bollywood roles include appearances in films like "Satya", "Gangaajal", "Singham", "Omkara", and "Hungama". In the South, he has shared screen space with leading stars such as Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, and Chiranjeevi.
Shinde's remarks highlight what he perceives as a greater sense of humility and respect among South Indian actors. He recounted an incident involving Rajinikanth on the set of the film "Baba," where the veteran Tamil actor insisted that Shinde have fruit juice before commencing work. This anecdote, among others, has contributed to the widespread admiration for South Indian actors like Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, and Jr NTR, not only for their talent but also for their respectful demeanor.
Born in a small village in Maharashtra, Shinde's journey to becoming a celebrated actor was marked by humble beginnings. He faced numerous challenges, including financial constraints, while pursuing his education and breaking into the entertainment industry. Before making it big, Shinde worked as a night watchman to support his family, all while nurturing his passion for acting.
Shinde's career gained momentum through Marathi theatre, with notable performances in plays like "Zulva". His transition to cinema saw him take on diverse roles, earning him critical acclaim and awards, including a Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Marathi for his debut role in "Aboli". His work in Tamil cinema, particularly his portrayal of the poet Subramania Bharati in the film "Bharathi," further solidified his reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor.
While Shinde's comments have resonated with many who admire the simplicity and respectfulness often associated with South Indian cinema, they also invite a broader conversation about the work culture and interpersonal dynamics within the Indian film industry as a whole.
