Addinath M Kothare knows that being part of the magnum opus, Ramayana, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. What he holds dearer is the fact that the two-part drama has given him the chance to work with filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari. The actor, who plays Bharat to Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Rama in the movie that also stars Sai Pallavi and Yash, says it was inspiring to see Tiwari lead the epic that’s undeniably one of the biggest Indian films of recent times. “The way he is so patient and in control of what he wants is awe-inspiring. He is absolutely clear about his vision. That makes it easy for him to communicate his needs to the team,” reflects Kothare.
Being a director, Kothare knows the pressure that accompanies filmmaking. It makes him appreciate Tiwari’s calm approach all the more. “I never saw the pressure of a big film getting to him. When the captain of the ship is so experienced, grounded, and humble, it’s a delight for any artiste to be on that side,” shares Kothare, who helmed the Marathi film, Paani (2024).
Equally delightful was sharing screen space with Kapoor. In his maiden collaboration with the superstar, Kothare has walked away impressed. “He is such a secure, sincere, and focused actor. It was inspiring to see him work. He was my senior in school, but I didn’t get to meet him at the time. Now it’s such a coincidence that I got to work with him! I mentioned this to him during our shoot.”
Director jodi
After working with Nitesh Tiwari, Addinath Kothare is shooting with the director and Tiwari’s wife Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari for her yet-untitled next, led by Jyotika and Sonakshi Sinha. In them, he has found his favourite real-life couple. “Within a year, I’ve had the privilege of working with both of them. I think they are the most talented couple I’ve ever met,” he says.