Deepak Dixit left an impressive mark by his acting in films like Love’86(1984-85), Panah (1992), Khiladi (1991-92), Bedardi (1993), Zid (1992), Kyuki Hum Deewane Hai (2001). He’d also acted in television serials Dhola Maru (1995), Sanjog (1995) and Bhor ko Aana hi Hoga. He received an award of Best Actor in 1985 Nandikar Mega festival and Narayan Swami Award for his imperative performance and work in the field of acting and art. Bagore Ki Haveli, a famous tourist spot in Udaipur is perhaps grateful to Mr. Dixit’s contribution and dedication towards his development and promotion of Rajasthani folk art and music. From last 10 years he is connected with West Zone Cultural Center (WZCC) and presenting a musical evening “Dharohar” in Bagor ki Haveli. Mr. Dixit has done admirable work in showcasing Mewari Folk ritual Gavri and recently premiered his documentary movie The Gavri Ritual on 18 ^th of June at Vidhya Bhawan Auditorium. Below is an interview of Deepak Dixit which comprises of his personal and professional life and some rare moments he shared with us. Please shed some light on your family background and education I was born and brought up in Udaipur’s respected Brahmin Purohit family, my father Mr. Chatur Shankar Dixit was a government employee. I did my graduation in Biology from M.B College. Now, if you are thinking that after graduating in science stream how I came into a profession associated with arts then let me tell you that my whole family has a close relation with art and music. I studied just because I understand the value of higher education and the way it molded my thoughts with a wider perception. How did you act for first time, how was the experience? We had a family function and all of my relatives were ready to perform something or other on stage. I was merely 7-8 yrs old that time but was too excited to do something on stage, I chose to do a small mimicry, and fortunately it was liked by everyone out there. This first time appreciation gave me a boost to start my journey on stage, acting and entertaining others, it’s also because I myself used to enjoy it a lot and still enjoying. How and when you took acting as a profession? It is one of the most unforgettable incidents of my life. In 1979, I participated in our college youth festival, that time our chief guest Legendry theatre artist Mr. Qayyum Ali Bohra saw my mono-acting, (I played a character of Pandit Mote Ram) impressed with my performance he later asked me to join his group Disha, without any hesitation I accepted their invitation. Later working with Disha, in 1984 there was a play based on Gavri named Pashu Gayatri – By honorable Bhanu Bharti which we’d performed in Jaipur. I received Rs.200 or Rs.250 for that. It was my first professional performance for which I got paid and it was also my first encounter with Gavri. How you made your way to Bollywood? Now that was something most daring step I ever took in life. It was my Second Year Graduation Exams and one day suddenly I received a telegram from my brother in-law Mr. Krishankant Pandya asking me to come down to Mumbai, as he was working in Mumbai as an assistant director of Ismail Shroff and there was a role available for me in one of the films. I didn’t thought anything and skipped my exams. I went to Mumbai and did that role, in fact it was a double role. The film was Love’86 and coincidently It was mine and Govinda’s first released movie. Working for West Zone Cultural Center, how was the experience? WZCC was established in 1986, it’s combine 7 main cultural centers of India and Udaipur was chosen as a center. In the same year Late Rajiv Gandhi had organized a national event Apna Utsav in regard to promote folk art and artists from all over India. I with my team was also there in Delhi to present our show. That time director of WZCC, Aditi Mehta of Udaipur saw my performance and asked me to join WZCC as an employee. I felt blissful to get this job and was happier to get it because of my art and passion for acting. My family members were all surprised. I worked consecutively for 6 years in WZCC. What acting is all about, please share your views? Acting is something which I love from all my heart, I enjoy acting, I enjoy being on stage and I always try to perform my every program, role and show honestly. I never go running behind fame and money but yes, every artist expects a round of applaud from his audiences. It is my wish to die while acting. Please tell us about your documentary film Gavri The Ritual It is a religious festival of one of the main tribe of Mewar, Bheel/Gameti. The whole Bheel community is passionate for this festival. Their dedication, faith and vigorous bond with Gavri are indescribable. As I was connected with Gavri since long, I always wished to do something better to promote this most auspicious ritual of Rajasthan to the world.  Hence I decided to make a documentary dedicated to Gavri and named it Gavri The Ritual. It took me 4-5 years to complete the shooting, with a team of 5-7 people, it took all over 15 days to finish the documentary. Our team shot at Udaipur’s various locations like Kavita village, Faniyon ka Guda, Bhutala near Gogunda, interior of Savina village etc. Why you chose Gavri? As I told you that I was highly impressed by the immense love and passion I have seen in Gavri, I was keen to know more about the Bheel community and their hardcore love for this custom. I have seen them performing Gavri and was thrilled to notice that every gavri artist who is not from any professional acting or dance background performs so well. It’s because of strong faith, selflessness, uninterrupted way, which creates a beautiful fusion of body and soul. What is the most tragic moment of your life? I was broke by the death of my beloved mother in 1994, it took me more than 2 years to come back on stage but I was not completely recovered from the trauma, though I controlled myself well and never let my pain overtook my profession even though I was feeling lonely, sad and destitute from inside. Your views on importance of Theatre See, every actor who is passionate for acting need a stage and audiences, now even if his show is going in the corner of road or as a blockbuster movie, it doesn’t matter. Theatre if you are talking about then, I have utmost respect for theatres because I believe that it is the only best way to polish your art of acting. Theatre gives you opportunity to come face-to-face in front of your audience, theatre makes you realize that there is no re-taking and each of your dialogues and moves will be final. To be very true, I still feel little nervous while performing on theatre but it also gives me feeling of responsibility. Yes, theatres don’t make you rich but acting is best known profession today. Besides acting, what are your other interests? I love to write, I have written many articles, short stories and essays regarding art, environment and random thoughts of my life, I love to listen sufi music, I also like to read a lot. Your Message to our readers I am thankful to my family for their never-ending support in my happiness and pain. I am thankful to my team of The Gavri Ritual, I am also pleased by the support of Shivraj Somval, Maulik Sansthan and Group for organizing the premier of our film. Lastly but most importantly I am thankful to everyone who contributed in the making of documentary The Gavri Ritual possible, all villagers, tribesmen, shooting team and my lovely audiences. I am thankful to Zaheer Abbas of Udaipurtimes.com