Chinmay Mandlekar says Shraddha Pawar was cast on audition, not follower count

The new Star Pravah serial "Marathi Medium", which began on October 12, has drawn attention within 12 to 15 days of its launch. Reel star Shraddha Pawar plays the lead. She has lakhs of followers on Instagram and her reels often go viral.

Since her casting, a debate had been running. Many asked whether she was given the chance only because she is a reel star with many followers, and whether such reel stars were being taken in while genuine actors were sidelined.

The serial's writer, actor and director Chinmay Mandlekar has now addressed the matter himself. As remarks about Pawar's casting kept circulating on social media, he spoke plainly in an interview to Lokmat Filmy.

In the serial, Shraddha Pawar plays Saraswati, while Akshay Nalawade is seen as the male lead.

Mandlekar said, "That is not how it happens at all. To tell the truth, I learnt only later that Shraddha is a reel star. I am not very active on social media. How many followers she has was no concern of mine."

He added, "We auditioned about 35 to 40 boys and girls for this role. Shraddha and Akshay were chosen from them. They were not selected on the basis of what work they had done earlier or what they post on social media. We gave a script and had some scenes performed in different ways. The channel and the production house finalised them only after seeing their acting. So we should not diminish the value of this role, which they have won through struggle."

Mandlekar also gave his view on the present reels trend. He said, "For young people today, social media is a strong means of showing their art. This did not exist earlier. Even big artists make reels now. Will we say something to them too? There is nothing wrong in making reels. Many people make reels and show their talent through them. There is no sense in calling it bad."

Meanwhile, viewers are very curious about "Marathi Medium". One big reason is that the serial is directed by well-known director Mandar Devasthali, who is returning to the small screen after many years. It is therefore taken for granted that the serial will be of good quality.

Shraddha Pawar has also made full use of the opportunity. Viewers are liking her acting. She is proving herself not as a reel star but as an actress.