"Playing Sai Baba with shraddha has taken me places"

we saw him romancing Baa in Kyunki a few years ago. Now, veteran actor Sudhir Dalvi is back doing what he's good at - essaying the role of Sai Baba on Sony'sShirdi Saibaba- Bhakton Ki Sachchi Kahaniyan. And interestingly this is the fifth time in his career that Dalvi is playing Sai Baba. On a rather philosophical note, Dalvi reminisces, "In a way, it's my destiny and also my devotion to Baba that I've been offered this character so many times. Just a few months ago, I was sitting idle and hoping that some good work would come my way. I prayed to Baba and suddenly I got a call from Aushim, the producer asking me to play Sai Baba in a new show. I immediately said yes, since I don't really believe in living on the glory of the past." For the uninitiated, Dalvi first played Sai Baba way back in 1977 in Manoj Kumar's film titled Shirdi Ke Sai Baba. With an inherent that shines through his eyes, Dalvi recalls, "It was my wife who pushed me into it. She said you'll get name and fame after this, and I believe it worked. Playing Baba with a lot of shraddha has taken me places. Also, it offers me an opportunity to change people's lives and give them hope." As they say, Life comes calling. Later Dalvi went on to do Vikas Kumar's movie Shirdi Sai Baba (2001) and years later was offered another film by Aushim Khetarpal. After the big screen, he went on to do a Marathi serial on the saint's life. Throwing light on the new show, Dalvi says, "Shirdi Saibaba is not a mythological serial but it's based on true life incidents and chamatkars. In today's high stress environment, such stories help people to relax. Baba tried to break the caste hierarchy and spread the message of love, compassion and national unity. He did not teach blind faith and outdated customs. Here, our attempt has been to bring these real stories which changed people's lives." One finds a certain authenticity in Dalvi's portrayal as Baba. Along with an indepth knowledge of Baba's teachings, his mannerisms and demeanour speak volumes about the fakir's life. "there are some subtle nuances of the character which have been a bit challenging. Like, while talking to his followers, he would never bat his eyelids and Baba would suddenly go into a trance. Also, I have read a lot about the saint to understand his greatness," explains Dalvi. But is there scope to improvise? "Not really. What is important is that I need to remain 'in the character' all the time. Also, I am able to add my bit of `me'in the different stories that unfold. The episodes give me that opportunity." We're sure Baba is watching Dalvi!