Goan actor and model Ashutosh alias Kartik Khandeparkar was part of ‘Niravadhi’, the opening film at the recent Goa Marathi Film Festival which had its world premiere. The film was also partly shot in Goa
ADITHI SHARMA | NT BUZZ
When the opening credits rolled for Mahesh Manjrekar’s ‘Niravadhi’ at the 14th Goa Marathi Film Festival, one of the faces on screen carried with it a journey that began far from the world of cinema. For Ashutosh, better known as Kartik Khandeparkar, the road to this point has been a steady climb from the small village of Khandepar in Ponda to the spotlight of Goa’s cultural stage.
Looking back, Khandeparkar describes his path as “hard to believe,” recalling how a fascination with the glamour of fashion shows set him on course. “My modelling career began in 2016,” he says, “but the real turning point came in 2019 when, despite my hesitation and even wearing braces, I stepped onto the stage for my first pageant and was crowned second runner-up of Mr Ingenious Goa.” That moment, he adds, gave him the confidence to chase his passion wholeheartedly.
Over the years, he has walked the ramp for major shows, collaborated with leading brands, and ventured into acting, with cameo roles in films such as ‘Madgaon Express’ and an appearance in the Netflix reality series ‘Social Currency’. His willingness to explore new opportunities led him to audition for reality shows like ‘Roadies Double Cross’ and ‘Splitsvilla’, as well as host the International Film Festival of India in 2024 as part of the Entertainment Society of Goa anchor team. Alongside this, Khandeparkar earned his MBA after completing a BBA in Travel and Tourism—credentials that, he notes, have given him “a stronger perspective on the business side of the fashion and entertainment world.”
His acting break in ‘Niravadhi’, he explains, came through persistence and self-learning. With no formal training, he learned by watching television and auditioning repeatedly. The boost from his 2019 pageant success pushed him to start applying for feature roles online and through Goa’s casting agencies. “That eventually landed me this role,” he says.
For Khandeparkar, ‘Niravadhi’’s selection as the festival’s opening film was an extraordinary moment. “It was an incredible honour… especially in Goa,” he says, adding that the recognition meant a great deal to him as a representative of Goan talent. While his appearance in the film was a cameo, he remained tight-lipped about its specifics, offering only that, “I play the cameo of an actor in the film, which is part of the feature cast and contributes to the narrative.”
And working with Manjrekar he states was a career milestone. “His direction, attention to detail, and passion for his craft are truly inspiring,” says Khandeparkar. As a seasoned filmmaker, Manjrekar’s wealth of experience “made the entire process smooth and enjoyable,” he adds.
Although this role did not demand overt expressions of his Goan cultural identity, Khandeparkar believes authenticity still lay at the heart of his performance. “The camera captures everything, so it’s essential to stay true to the character,” he notes. A particular scene at the historic Reis Magos Fort tested that resolve. “Filmed under harsh sunlight, with light bouncing off walls and reflectors, it was difficult even to keep my eyes open,” he says. Despite the challenges, he adds, it was a memorable experience.
The recognition from ‘Niravadhi’ added to a broader narrative Khandeparkar is building for himself in Goa’s creative space. “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve received. I am confident that audiences will appreciate my contribution,” he says, adding that he looked forward to sharing the film with friends and family.
Marathi cinema, he points out, holds a “significant influence on Goan households”. “I hope to continue contributing to both Goan and Marathi film in the years to come,” he says.