“I learned a few skills which are important for Bajirao’s character like Talwar-Bazi, Lathi-kathi,” reveals Kashibai Bajirao Ballal’s Venkatesh Pande

Kashibai Bajirao Ballalwhich premiered on 15^th November is the untold story of a woman who was an astute administrator and a benevolent leader holding the Maratha samrajya with grace, a sense of responsibility and a commitment towards the welfare of her people while her husband Bajirao, the great warrior went out on war and expanded the empire. Venkatesh Pande who will be essaying the role of Bajirao Ballal shares how his preparations have been to portray the great Maratha warrior. This will be Venkatesh’s debut show as a lead protagonist, he was previously apart of Zee TV’s DID Li’l Masters.

Q. Tell us about your character in the show. 

A. I play the role of Bajirao Ballal, who was a child prodigy and one of the greatest Maratha warriors to have led the powerful empire. Apart from enthralling everyone with stories of his impressive war craft, the show will bring alive Bajirao’s personality with all its valor, maturity and patriotism. I am excited to be playing such a strong character.While, I have heard and read a lot about Kashibai and Bajirao, there was so much more that I learned only through the show! I am sure it will be an inspiration to watch such a strong character for all our viewers.

Q. Is there any kind of research and preparation that you have done to essay this role?

A. Yes ofcourse I did. Before we started shooting, I had been training for this show. I had to gain weight for my part and hence, I started working out. I even learned a few skills which are important for Bajirao’s character like Talwar-Bazi, Lathi-kathi. I also had to learn how to use different kinds of weapons as I had to perform action sequences in the show. I even learned horse-riding, which has been the most memorable experience for me till now! I loved the movie – Bajirao Mastani, so I watched it again and observed how Ranveer Singh presented himself as Bajirao, I learned a lot by just watching him.

Q. How has your journey been from being a contestant in DID L’il Masters to playing Bajirao?

A. Dancing and acting are my passions and when I was younger, I was a part of DID L’il Masters and I am grateful to Zee TV for giving me that opportunity. It really changed my life, and I got several opportunities after that. While I continued to dance on stage, I was also interested in acting and started giving auditions. I gave a few look tests for Bajirao’s character and was so happy when I got to know that I will be playing a lead role.

Q. How are you juggling between studies and shoot?

A. My school authorities have been extremely supportive and with the pandemic, our classes are all online. So, I don’t miss my main subjects. I take my online classes in the morning and shoot for the rest of the day.

Q. How do you commute to the set? Are you staying in Karjat where the show is being shot?

A. We are currently staying with the entire crew in Karjat and shooting at the beautiful N D Studio where it feels like you have opened a history book and entered another era.

Q. How are you staying COVID-safe during the current times?

A. The entire crew is vaccinated, and we are shooting in a bio bubble, with minimal access to any outsiders. We also keep sanitizing ourselves and wear masks whenever we’re not shooting.