Exclusive - Deva Shree Ganesha actor Pankaj Vishnu: Clothes and looks can't describe Mahadev's character on-screen, it's all about mental and physical preparation

Ganeshotsav special series 'Deva Shri Ganesha' has caught the attention of the audience within a short time. Marathi actor Pankaj Vishnu is a known face to the audience and has been in the industry for quite long. The actor is known for his performance in the Marathi and Hindi TV serials and films as well. The actor is now receiving a massive response from the viewers for his performance as Mahadev. Pankaj exclusively spoke to Etimes TV and shared his experience as Mahadev, his preparation for the character, how Deva Shree Ganesha TV series brought positivity in his life.

Pankaj Vishnu is very much looking forward to this legendary role. Commenting on this, he said, "I have never ever done any mythological character before on-screen. Mahadev is such a fascinating personality. I have earlier played the character of Morya Goswami who was the beloved devotee of Ganpati Bappa and Ganpati Bappa blessed Morya Goswami saying whenever people will take his name it will belong to him too and that's why we say Ganpati Bappa Morya. I feel I am blessed with this coincidence because I played the role of Shishya of Ganpati Bappa which was Morya Goswami and now his first Guru Mahadev so I completed a circle and I feel it was Bappa's choice".
Talking about what kind of preparation he did for the Mahadev's character, he said, "I obviously researched before playing Mahadev's character but I worked on my physique too. Your clothes and looks do not make you Mahadev but it's all about mental and physical preparation. Due to lockdown gyms were closed so I tried to build my physique by doing suryanamaskar, pushups, and all at home. I was always a gym person so it helped me now to develop my character".

The actor has a close association with the director. Pankaj said, "My director and I discuss everything on the set. We kept in mind that no weakness of Mahadev should portray on-screen for example I worked well on the standing position of him because obviously, we can't show off a personality like him weak on-screen."
Pankaj is missing his family Ganesh Utsav celebration and shared, "Me and family we both are spiritually connected. We welcome Ganpati Bappa at my home every year but now I am shooting in Gujarat so it was not possible for me to attend our Ganesh Utsav this year but I would say Bappa blessed me with his Prasad by allowing me to do the series."

Pankaj Vishnu is glad after learning about the response. He stated, "I am receiving a great response from the audience for playing Mahadev's character. Actually, I get emotional when people say I look almost similar to Mahadev. I am glad that people are liking my work and accepting me as Mahadev. I would be really happy if my Mahadev's character would remind people whenever they will think about lord Mahadev. As an actor, it was challenging so its a real blessing. Deva Shree Ganesha brought positivity to my life during the lockdown. Also, its a blessing of Ganpati Bappa that I got this wonderful opportunity to play Mahadev."
Also read: http://jeetbetwin.com/tv/news/marathi/bhagyashree-mote-leaves-fans-awed-with-stunning-look-from-the-upcoming-special-show-deva-shri-ganesha-see-pics/articleshow/77507798.cms