Life changed after Sairat, says Free Hit Danka actor Tanaji Galgunde

Those who follow cricket would know that in the limited over format, a batsman gets a free hit after a bowler bowls a no-ball. Sairat actor Tanaji Galgunde’s upcoming Marathi movie is titled Free Hit Danka. 

Asked who is the one who gets a free hit in the movie, the actor simply said, “It will be best to reveal that on 17 December. If we reveal it now, it would be no fun.”

Speaking about the film, Galgunde added, "Free Hit Danka revolves around cricket, love and the conflicts taking place in a village. Cricket is an important aspect of the film. It has an important place in that village too. I play a character named Andya."

Galgunde spoke to Cinestaan on the sidelines of a friendly cricket match he and the film’s crew played against a group of kids from a cricket academy at Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park. 

Though a few action scenes had to be shot outdoors amid the swelter, the heat wasn’t an issue for Galgunde. “We shot the cricket scenes for around two to four days in the sun,” he said. “We are born and brought up in villages, so this wasn’t a big deal. It was normal. We have toiled more in the sun than what we did in the shoot.” 

Free Hit Danka also sees Galgunde reuniting with his Sairat co-star Arbaz Shaikh. “It was great to reunite with him after Sairat. It’s always good to work with a close friend. We are also doing the TV serial Man Jhala Bajind together currently,” he said. Directed by Sunil Govind Magare, Free Hit Danka also stars Fandry (2014) actor Somnath Awghade and Apurva Shelgaokar. 

The young artiste was never into movies until Sairat happened by chance. “My entire life journey changed after Sairat. I started living a different life altogether. Before that, I was into farming. Without that film, my life would have been limited to being a farmer because I know what kind of a student I was [laughs],” he said. “Sairat showed a lot to me and made me come across very good people like Nagraj [Manjule] sir. I made new friends. I got to travel a lot.” 

Asked how ended up working in the blockbuster, the actor said, “Nagraj sir wanted a physically challenged boy hailing from a village who speaks with a specific rustic accent. He held many auditions for that character, even in schools for the physically challenged, but he didn’t get anyone who perfectly fitted the character.” 

He added, “Nagraj’s sir’s friend was our professor in our first year [degree college]. When he came to know about his requirement, he suggested me. I took a basic audition, which was good, and Nagraj sir called me to Pune. But over there, I became nervous because I knew nothing about auditions. I felt I wouldn’t be able to do it but people over there supported me.” 

Galgunde has a few projects lined up after Free Hit Danka. “I will be seen in the films Bhirkit and Ekdum Kadak. There are talks going on for other films too. I will also be seen in the Marathi comedy show He Tar Kahich Naahi. I have currently taken a break from Man Jhala Bajind,” he said. 

Free Hit Danka will be released in theatres on 17 December.