Content Over AI: Khedekar and Kulkarni Inspire Indore Students on Theatre, Versatility, and Consistency

Stage, Screen, and Staying Real: Lessons for Creatives from Indore

At E.M.R.C., Devi Ahilya University, renowned actor Sachin Khedekar and National Film Award-winning director Chandrakant Kulkarni spoke to students about craft, career, and credibility. Khedekar, known for portraying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, shared how theatre keeps him sharp and honest. The session featured Professor Rajneesh Jain, former UGC Secretary, and was moderated by Dr. Chandan Gupta, Head of the Department. Students engaged deeply, asking about process, range, and resilience.

Theatre builds the person behind the performance

Khedekar credited theatre with developing an artist's personality end to end. Returning to the stage, he said, is his reset button-an ongoing way to refine instincts, presence, and timing. For creatives, stage reps translate into screen confidence and client trust.

Feedback is fuel

He shared how audience recognition-from being called "Singham's Gotiya" to praise for his Netaji portrayal-recharges the craft. This kind of real feedback is a mirror: it shows what lands, what lingers, and where to push further. Build systems to collect and study it.

AI is loud. Content is louder.

Even with AI getting attention, the message was clear: content quality still carries the weight. Tools can assist, but taste, judgment, and story are the difference-makers. Use AI for speed and options; rely on your eye for meaning and impact.

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Art film vs. commercial film: play both games well

Khedekar drew a line between art and commercial cinema, with a practical point: a versatile actor adapts to both without losing authenticity. Credibility is the asset. The audience should believe you-no matter the format, budget, or brief.

Consistency compounds

Kulkarni underlined the long game: stay consistent across media and formats. Keep showing up, ship work you stand by, and avoid short-term whiplash. That steadiness builds trust and career momentum.

What creatives can apply this week

• Book stage time or live reps (even small rooms). Presence comes from practice.
• Create a feedback loop: collect comments, reviews, and audience notes; act on patterns.
• Let AI assist with drafts and options; hold the line on concept, taste, and voice.
• Stretch across formats: one art piece, one commercial piece-both with credibility.
• Pick a consistency metric (pages, scenes, minutes on stage) and hit it for four weeks.

Event notes

The Q&A focused on process, challenges, and staying adaptable in media and arts. The session was graced by Professor Rajneesh Jain, former UGC Secretary, and moderated by Dr. Chandan Gupta, Head of the Department. Students left with clear guidance on dedication, versatility, and practical growth.

Key Highlights

• Theatre develops an artist's personality fully
• Audience appreciation inspires excellence
• AI cannot replace creative content quality
• Artists should master both art and commercial films
• Consistency and adaptability are crucial in media