MUMBAI: Noted actor Sachin Pilgaonkar says Marathi cinema is growing because of its innovative content and not due to the presence of stars like Salman Khan,Riteish Deshmukh and Vidya Balan in its films.

Pilgaonkar has mainly acted and directed films in Marathi.

“Marathi cinema is not growing because of stars like Salman Khan, Riteish Deshmukh or Vidya Balan who have acted in films here. With all due respect to these stars Marathi cinema can grow on its own and it is growing,” Pilgaonkar told PTI. “Having stars will not make a difference. Stars will (only) help in pulling audience,” he said. The 58-year-old actor feels Marathi cinema is producing good content. “Content is what matters. Its because of the content that actors, producers and other cast and crew come on board for a film. Also audience comes to see a film only if they like the content. Marathi films are having good stories,” he added. Pilgaonkar will be seen next in Y-films web series “Sex Chat with Pappu and Papa”. He plays the role of a grandfather in the series that talks about issues like homosexuality and pregnancy. — PTI