Felt a sense of pride to portray Tilak: Govind Namdev

Known for his villainous portrayals in Hindi films, Govind Namdev is now essaying the role of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the upcoming film "Chapekar Brothers" and the actor "felt a sense of pride" while portraying the freedom fighter.

"I got to play different shades. I felt a sense of pride to portray Tilak. And whenever I have done such historical characters, like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, my maturity has improved. I have been educated. The human inside has me has awakened. I felt very satisfied after doing this film," Govind told IANS in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.

Hailing from Pune, the Chapekar Brothers - Damodar Hari Chapekar, Balkrishna Hari Chapekar and Vasudeo Hari Chapekar - had a vital contribution to India's freedom struggle.

Asked about his experience while shooting for the film, the "Singham Returns" actor said: "The director (Devender Kumar Pandey) has done a great job although I wasn't expecting that as he is new (in the field).

"The shooting is almost done. I made suggestions (for the script) and then we improved the characters. Whatever we have shot is really appreciable. The film will most probably release in January," he added.

The role of Tilak was initially offered to actor Om Puri, however he had to opt out of the film due to unavailability of dates. That's when Govind's name came in the forefront and he was offered the role.

Talking about the era of India's freedom struggle, the actor said that the people during that time had an enthusiasm to do something great.

"The people of that time had a very strong enthusiasm to do something very important in life. That era when India was under the colonial role, Tilak used to feel bad about the fact that we were a slave nation and he wanted to give a message about it," he said.

Asked his opinion on concept-driven films such as "Manjhi - The Mountain Man", Govind said: "(Nowadays) inspirational, thought-provoking subjects are being written. It is not just entertainment that people are looking for."

Among his forthcoming projects is a film based on the life of anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare in which he is playing a negative character.

"I am working on a film based on Anna Hazare. Shooting hasn't yet started. I am playing a negative role," he said.

Being directed by Shashank Udarpurkar, it also features Tanishaa Mukerji.

He will be also seen in Manish Vatsalya's directorial "Dussehra", which is expected to release in November.

"The film is based on Bihar's backdrop and how politicians have exploited people there. My character is based on Lalu Prasad Yadav.

"Besides that I am also acting in 'Project Marathwada', a film based on farmer suicides in Maharashtra along with Om Puri and Dalip Tahil and in 'JD', a film which portrays the journey of a journalist," he added.