Will do this show till I fall down: Shivaji Satam

Shivaji Satam on his popular crime drama, publicity gimmicks, hair transplant, and why he is to ACP Pradyuman what Sean Connery is to James Bond

For a show to complete 16 years on television is quite a feat. And veteran actor Shivaji Satam couldn’t be happier to be part of that success. With a 1,000 episodes behind him, his popular detective series, CID, and ACP Pradyuman, show no signs of slowing down. Neither does the actor. In this interview, the 63-year-old talks about his journey so far:

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You are better known for your role in CID than your films. Does that bother you?
Not in the least. If for 16 years, I’m seen on the tube daily, the impact will obviously be stronger than any of my other roles. It’s like Sean Connery still being associated with his role as James Bond, even after doing other remarkable work. I take it as a compliment.

You have been noticed for your roles in films, but do you think you have got your due?
Yes. I have accepted roles in films because I wanted to do them. I did them with conviction and enjoyed them, be it Vaastav (1999), Pukar (2000) or the many others that followed. I have won awards, including three from the Maharashtra government. What else does one need? The audiences and the industry folks love and respect me. Wherever I go, kids meet me and tell me how much they love me and my character. That is my reward.

Was it a publicity gimmick?
We get pulled into (such things). CID doesn’t need that kind of publicity and we don’t need such gimmicks. It’s a straightforward show that people from all generations can watch together at home.

You have never done another serial. Why?
Being the lead, I am highly valued on the show, so I am not interested in being part of another show. Practically speaking, if I’d to watch one person in multiple shows, I wouldn’t be able to take him seriously. Overlapping actors and their roles can lead to the character losing credibility. I attainted popularity through this show and I will keep doing it till I fall down.

We heard you recently had a hair transplant. Is that true?
Yes, I did. I had a wonderful opportunity as a fan once asked me if I would like to go for it. So, I went ahead with it. What’s wrong with hair transplant? I am not one of those who shy away from admitting the truth. Life is short, live it to the fullest.