“Do Not Wait for Me, Doctors Have Told Me…”: Sachin Pilgaonkar Gets Emotional While Remembering Laxmikant Berde

In a recent interview, veteran actor Sachin Pilgaonkar opened up about his late friend and legendary actor Laxmikant Berde, sharing an emotional memory associated with the hit film Navra Maza Navsacha.

The friendship between popular Marathi cinema figures Sachin Pilgaonkar and the late Laxmikant Berde is well known. For years, the iconic duo ruled the hearts of Marathi audiences with their incredible acting and unmatched comic timing. Off-screen, the two friends shared an equally deep and affectionate bond. During a recent interview, Sachin Pilgaonkar recalled an emotional anecdote involving Berde. He had wanted to cast Laxmikant Berde in a significant role in his blockbuster film Navra Maza Navsacha, but due to Berde’s illness at the time, that wish remained unfulfilled. While recounting these memories, Sachin grew visibly emotional.

Speaking about Laxmikant Berde, Sachin Pilgaonkar shared, “Lakshya still lives within me; that is how close a friend he was to me.” He expressed that if Laxmikant were alive today, he would have done many more films and continued to entertain audiences with his remarkable acting.

During the making of Navra Maza Navsacha, directed by Sachin, Laxmikant Berde was hospitalized. Due to his failing health, his work had come to a halt, and he did not have any new films in hand. In such a situation, Sachin went to visit him and requested him to work in his movie.

When Sachin offered him the role, Berde expressed deep concern about his deteriorating health. However, Sachin comforted him, assuring his friend, “I will wait for you, do not worry at all.” Hearing this brought a spark to Laxmikant’s eyes. However, Berde later called Sachin aside and told him an important truth: the doctors had informed him that he would no longer be able to work as hard as before. Therefore, Laxmikant urged Sachin not to halt his film’s production for his sake.

The iconic role of ‘Babu Kaliya’ in Navra Maza Navsacha, which was ultimately portrayed by actor Pradeep Patwardhan, was originally envisioned for Laxmikant Berde. The character held great importance in the film’s plot, and Sachin noted that had Laxmikant played it, he would have elevated the role to new heights with his signature comedic style. Sadly, Laxmikant Berde passed away before the film’s release, leaving unfulfilled the wish to see him in that role.