Subodh Bhave: Every Indian should be aware of their own culture and heritage - Exclusive

Subodh Bhave, one of Marathi cinema’s most acclaimed actors, is known for choosing characters that leave a lasting impact. From the layered performance in 'Vaalvi' to the grandeur of 'Balgandharva' and emotionally rich roles in 'Ani Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar' and 'Katyar Kaljat Ghusli,' Subodh’s career is a tapestry of versatile and meaningful portrayals. His latest film, 'His Story of Itihaas,' sees him stepping into the shoes of a teacher—one who dares to question systemic narratives and probe deeper into the truths of our past. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Subodh reflects on how the film affected him personally and where it stands in his long, illustrious journey.“It was a learning experience for me as well.”When asked if playing this questioning, insightful teacher changed his outlook toward education or history, Subodh shared, “After playing this character, I learned a lot—many new facts and insights. It was a learning experience for me personally too.” He believes that there is a profound difference between reading history in school and truly understanding it. “As Manpreet says in the film, reading history is one thing, but connecting with it—really understanding it—makes us feel closer to our ancestors. That connection is very important,” he added. The role, he said, helped him “demystify a lot of things” and opened up new perspectives.“Every Indian should be aware of their own culture and heritage.”On being asked where he places this film in his career, Subodh was reflective yet clear. “At this stage in my career, every role is important—and this one is just as significant,” he affirmed. But he also acknowledged that this role is particularly socially relevant. “As citizens of India, we should know about these things. This film raises questions about our identity, and every Indian should be aware of their own culture and heritage,” he emphasized.Subodh also praised the recent move by the Government of India to include more aspects of India’s real history in school textbooks. “That’s a great step,” he said, hinting that cinema, education, and cultural introspection must walk hand-in-hand.With this film, Subodh Bhave once again proves that he’s not just a performer, but also a thinker—an artist who uses his craft to reflect, question, and engage with society’s deeper truths. Directed by Manpreet Singh Dhami, 'His Story Of Itihaas' is scheduled to release on May 25, 2025.