Mumbai: At just 18, Bhargav Ratnakant Jagtap from Mumbai has achieved what many actors only dream of. His exceptional performance in Naal 2, the sequel to the widely acclaimed Marathi film Naal, earned him both the 61st Maharashtra State Marathi Film Award and the 71st National Film Award, an incredible feat for a debutant.
In Naal 2, Bhargav portrays the character of Mani, whose journey forms a critical part of the film's emotional arc. Exploring themes of love, relationships, and belonging, the film connects the stories of Chaitu, Mani and Chimi in a heartfelt narrative that struck a chord with audiences.
Bhargav Makes Stellar Debut, Bags Both State & National Awards
Bhargav’s performance stood out, earning him a special mention from the Maharashtra State Awards jury and the prestigious National Award in the Best Child Artist category. Directed by Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti and produced by Nagraj Manjule under Aatpat Production and Zee Studios, Naal 2 also bagged the title of Best Children’s Film at the 71st National Film Awards.
'Never Imagined Of Such Huge Honour': Bhargav
The young actor is still processing the back-to-back recognition. “I’m feeling absolutely amazing,” Bhargav said with a smile. “I never imagined winning not just one, but two such huge awards for my first film. It’s surreal,” he added.
Despite the accolades, Bhargav remains grounded. Speaking about his time on set, he shared that the final day of shooting was the most fun, full of laughter and bonding. But not all scenes were easy to shoot. One particularly challenging moment was when his character had to be scolded by actor Jitendra Joshi. “That scene made me feel really bad. It was emotionally tough,” he admitted.
Interestingly, acting wasn’t a childhood goal for Bhargav. His journey began spontaneously during the making of Naal 2. “I started acting only when the movie began,” he said. “It was during the process that I really started enjoying it. My acting workshops helped me a lot,” he added.
Looking ahead, Bhargav is focused on balancing his film career with education. “I want to continue acting, but I’m also serious about my studies,” he added. “Right now, I’m very excited about my next movie, Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy 2. It’s coming soon!”
Bhargav's Mother Overjoyed By Son's Unexpected Success
Back home, the atmosphere is filled with joy and pride. Bhargav’s mother was overwhelmed by her son’s achievements. “This is a huge moment for our family,” she said. “His childhood wasn’t the easiest, but despite everything, he’s achieved something that not many can. We’re so proud,” she further said in an elated voice.
The family has long-standing ties with the film industry. Bhargav’s father, Ratnakant Jagtap, has worked in the field for over 25 years and his elder brother, Omkar, has been an assistant director for the past seven years. Still, Bhargav’s entry into acting came as a complete surprise.
“It was never planned,” his mother revealed. “We were at the premiere of Dagdi Chawl 2 when a casting director took a short video of Bhargav and sent it to Sudhakar Reddy and Nagraj Manjule Sir. A few days later, we received a call saying Bhargav had been selected. We were shocked. Neither his father nor his brother had any idea. And the most surprising part? He didn’t even audition," she said.
She considers it a stroke of pure luck. “We never imagined he would act in a film, let alone win these prestigious awards.”
'Wasn't Aware How Important His Role Was Till The Release,' Says Bhargav's Mother
She also recalled how, during the shoot, the family wasn’t fully aware of the importance of Bhargav’s role. “We didn’t ask too much about the script. Just the chance to work with Nagraj Manjule Sir was a huge achievement for us. It was only after the release that we realised how pivotal Bhargav’s character was. The entire second half revolved around him. It was a big moment of realisation.”
Bhargav’s elder brother Omkar expressed his immense pride over his little brother's huge achievement. “My little brother has made us all proud,” he said. “He’s always been special to me, but now I genuinely look up to him. Winning both state and national awards at such a young age is extraordinary. Not everyone can do that, it takes something truly special.”
Since the announcement of the awards, the Jagtap family has been flooded with congratulatory calls. “Even senior actors from the industry have called us, saying how remarkable Bhargav’s achievement is,” his mother said. “They’ve worked for years, and here’s Bhargav, winning top honours with his very first film,” she added.
The 71st National Film Awards recognised outstanding talent from across India. Alongside Bhargav, this year’s honourees included Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan), Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) and Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway), making his win even more remarkable.
With a powerful debut behind him and new projects ahead, Bhargav Jagtap is clearly a rising star to watch.
