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As ‘Astitva’ completes 25 years, filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar revisits the film that continues to resonate across generations. A bold exploration of gender, identity, and morality, the 2000 National Award-winning drama remains one of his most powerful works. In this exclusive conversation, Manjrekar reflects on the film’s origins, Tabu ’s unforgettable performance, and why ‘Astitva’ still feels like a story of today.

‘Astitva,’ considered by many your masterpiece, completed 25 years on October 6.

‘Astitva’ completes 25 years, but it feels like just yesterday. Usually, when a film turns 25, it begins to age, certain issues that were relevant then might seem outdated today. But this is one film that still feels fresh. Even now, when I watch it, I feel it speaks to today’s world. Masterpiece or not, I genuinely believe ‘Astitva’ was a very, very important film.

It was indeed a significant film when it was released.

Not just then, even today, it remains equally relevant. I made ‘Astitva’ for my daughter. It was conceived after she was born. Her existence made me question identity itself. I named her Ashwami, which is a unique name, and I wondered, will she be able to carry this name with pride all her life as “Ashwami Mahesh Manjrekar”? That thought was the seed for ‘Astitva.’ To me, it remains one of my best films.

Would ‘Astitva’ have happened without Tabu?

Tabu was never part of the plan initially. She was 28 then, I wasn’t even thinking of her. I had approached several actresses, I don’t want to name them because that wouldn’t be right. I did narrate the script to Madhuri Dixit once, but she didn’t connect with it, and that’s fine. They were all young at that time, so I don’t blame anyone for saying no.

Then how did Tabu come into the picture?

Completely by accident. I met her at Feroz Nadiadwala’s place. I had gone to meet him, and she happened to be there. I narrated a few portions, and she liked it but said no initially. That night, I sent her a message saying something like, “You’ll never regret doing this film.” I don’t remember the exact words, it’s been over 27 years, but soon after, she said yes. Looking back, I feel even if I’d gone ahead without her, no one else could have done justice to Aditi’s role. Not in India, not anywhere in the world.

Is she outstanding in ‘Astitva’?

Tabu is phenomenal. I had never imagined the impact she would bring to the character. If I get credit for writing ‘Astitva,’ an equal share of that credit goes to her. She made the film what it is. Today, when I look back, I realize that if I hadn’t done the film with Tabu, I would’ve missed out on one of the finest performances by an actress.

The film’s theme, an extramarital affair shattering a marriage, remains relevant even today.

Exactly. And look at how relevant it still is. Even today, society allows men to do anything. Extramarital affairs remain taboo, but only for women. What can I say? This is how the world functions. Men will never change. Their ego and vanity continue to rule.

If you had to remake ‘Astitva’ today, would you change anything?

Not a thing. I’ve written another film about the man–woman dynamic that I believe is as powerful as ‘Astitva.’ But I’m facing the same challenge: finding the right actress. Nobody is ready to take that risk today. But I’m hopeful that someday, I’ll find the ‘Tabu’ of this generation.

Wouldn’t you like to know what Aditi Apte is up to now? Maybe an ‘ Astitva 2 ’?

That’s an interesting idea! Someone else suggested the same to me, to explore what Aditi is doing now. I haven’t seriously thought about it, but yes, it’s a fantastic concept. When I first wrote ‘Astitva,’ the story stayed in my mind for almost a year and a half before I cracked the screenplay. The diary element tied it all together beautifully. Maybe one day, I’ll find that one idea again and make ‘Astitva 2.’

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