Mahesh Manjrekar Speaks Out on ‘Aamne Saamne’ Controversy: Replacing Actors Overnight Was Unfair

Veteran actor and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar has offered a forthright response regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the Marathi play Aamne Saamne. Addressing the sudden replacement of lead actors Rohan Gujar and Ketaki Palav, Manjrekar stated that treating artists who stood by a production for seven years in such a manner was inherently unfair.

The controversy erupted after Gujar and Palav posted a social media video revealing their unexpected removal from the cast, which was followed by a response video from senior actors Leena Bhagwat and Mangesh Kadam explaining their side. Commenting on the situation, Manjrekar noted that he had watched both statements and felt the matter could have been managed with greater tact and foresight.

Acknowledging the history of the production, Manjrekar pointed out that Aamne Saamne had faced severe challenges, including early performance lulls and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While he commended Bhagwat and Kadam for sustaining the play through difficult periods, he emphasized that Gujar and Palav were equally instrumental during those seven years, remaining committed to the project through its toughest phases.

“My view is that you could have sat down with them and explained that a fee hike wasn’t feasible,” Manjrekar observed during an interview. “If they didn’t wish to continue under those terms, you could have reached an agreement where they performed a few more shows while alternative actors were cast. Telling them overnight not to return was completely unfair, especially when the play is running successfully with a lean four-member cast.”

While praising Leena Bhagwat’s exceptional acting caliber stating her performance rivals top Hindi talent—Manjrekar reiterated that the supporting pair contributed equally to the play’s chemistry. He concluded by urging both the producers and the outgoing actors to convene, discuss the issue amicably, and resolve their grievances through dialogue. Stay tuned to know more about it and others only with us.