PUNE: Actress Amruta Subhash expressed on Saturday that she draws the energy to keep moving forward in life from a lesson she has always cherished—the teaching imparted by veteran actor Nilu Phule: “See through whatever you undertake until its very completion.” She was speaking after being conferred with the ‘Nilu Phule Gratitude Honor’ (Krutadnyata Sanman), an award presented jointly by the Belvalkar Sanskrutik Manch and the family of Nilu Phule.
The ceremony, held at the S.M. Joshi Hall in Navi Peth, was attended by veteran actress Suhas Joshi, actor Prasad Oak, Sameer Belvalkar of the Belvalkar Sanskrutik Manch, and Nilu Phule’s daughter, Gargi Phule Thatte, among others. This marked the fourth year of the award’s inception. The award consists of a Gandhi cap, a traditional stole (Uparne), a citation, and a cash prize of ₹21,000. During the event, Samira Gujar Joshi engaged in a dialogue with Amruta Subhash. Speaking on the occasion, Amruta remarked that while receiving various awards brings joy, the ‘Gratitude Honor’ bestowed in the name of Nilu Phule gave her a profound sense of inner fulfillment and satisfaction.
“Nilu Phule and our family shared a very close, familial bond. I learned a great many things from him. Once, I was working on a specific project. Due to certain circumstances, a dispute arose there, and I had decided to quit the assignment. Even amidst the festivities of his daughter Gargi’s wedding, Nilu Phule took me aside and advised me that you should never abandon a task once undertaken; doing so can have repercussions on one’s career. He gave me the counsel: ‘See through whatever you undertake until its very end.’ I have held this teaching of his close to my heart ever since”, said Amruta Subhash.
“I constantly enjoy taking on new challenges. When I step into the role of a director, I tend to be very composed and calm. In the future, I aspire to build a career significantly focused on direction. I intend to pursue whatever work offers me an opportunity to learn and grow,” she clarified.
“When working, one should never remain within one’s comfort zone; it is when something significant is at stake that the very best within you emerges. While the hard work we put in may possess a certain glamour, the act of relaxing does not. Yet, rest is equally vital for us. For me, theater serves as a form of medicine. On occasions when I have developed a fever before a performance, it subsides while the play is underway, only to return once the performance concludes.” She remarked that, while performing, she never feels fatigued. She also shared how the invaluable advice given to her by Dr. Shreeram Lagoo that joining the National School of Drama would allow her to meet seasoned theater practitioners and gain insight into the diverse theatrical landscapes across the country proved to be immensely beneficial.
“It is crucial to determine the perspective from which one views social media trolling. Artists often become easy targets. When facing trolls, it is best to maintain a sense of detachment,” stated Amruta Subhash. Towards the conclusion of the interview, she performed the song “Ravi Ke Uspar Chalna.”
Speaking on the occasion, actor Prasad Oak expressed the sentiment that the appreciation bestowed upon their work by the late Nilu Phule was akin to receiving an Oscar.
In today’s times, it is vital to identify the ideals present within society and to highlight these role models for the public. In his introductory remarks, Sameer Belvalkar emphasized that it is a collective responsibility to encourage and commend artists who work with sincerity and integrity. The event was anchored by Rajesh Damle.