“I learnt Marathi and Sanskrit for my role in Kashibai Bajirao Ballal” reveals Aarohi Patel

Kashibai Bajirao Ballalwhich premiered on 15th 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. Moreover, it also depicts Kashibai’s childhood in detail, how she was a young, coddled child and the journey that made her into a Peshvin bai. Debutante actress Aarohi Patel will be essaying the role of Kashibai Bajirao Ballal and she shares how her preparations have been to portray the great Maratha leader’s younger self.

Q. Tell us about your character in the show?

A. I will be playing the role of young Kashibai, who is the daughter of a rich Sahukaar, Mahad Ji Joshi. She just wants to live a simple happy life with her parents without any desires to rule the world. She is a simple girl who is very helpful towards everyone around her. While she is quite pampered, she also has a very sharp mind. She uses her parents’ teachings in every situation that comes her way.While, I have heard and read a lot about Kashibai, 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. Do you relate to your character in real life?

A. Kashibai was a very pampered and protected young girl, just like my mother pampers me. I am learning a lot about Kashibai through this show. I am really inspired by Kashibai and I hope someday, I can be as kindhearted and strong as she was!

Q. How did you get this project / show?

A. I had auditioned for the role and, I thought I didn’t make it … but they called me back after a while and we did 3 or 4 look tests and then I was finalised.

Q. How are you preparing for the show?

A. The creative team spends a lot of time with me, takes me through the historical and cultural aspects of the Maratha empire and Kashibai’s journey. I have understood the character of young Kashibai, she was very pampered and protected as a child just like I am. The styling team has put in a lot of effort to make me look as close to the Kashi as we possibly could with zero make-up. Before we begin shooting daily, I sit with the director and the whole team shows me the typical mannerisms and gestures that will make my performance feel more real and natural. I learnt Marathi and Sanskrit for my role as Kashibai too and I got to learn more about their culture.

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.

Q. Did you know about Kashibai before you bagged the show?

A. Yes, I had watched Bajirao Mastani and loved Priyanka Chopra’s performance in the film as Kashi so I was thrilled to bits when I realised I was going to play the part.