The so called angry young man of Marathi films, Santosh Juvekar is in limelight today. At the beginning of the new year, he had two simultaneous releases and now by end of the first month, we saw two more releases simultaneously. In short, January 2012 was his month. His TV serial ‘Veig’ which is in its second run, is also inviting attention on Saam TV.
Marathi Movie World spoke to Santosh Juvekar, to know more about his acting career. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: When your acting career really took off ?
A: 8 years ago, I stepped into this profession with my debut in Marathi play ‘Aani Makarand Rajadhyaksha’. It was based on the real life incidences in the life of an actor Makarand Rajadhyaksha. At one stage during his downfall, a youngster- Naren Deshmukh comes to his rescue. I played the role of Naren Deshmukh. Having been associated with this play and well known artistes like Vikram Gokhale & Narayan Jadhav boosted my confidence. It was a great experience. The play was directed by Dilip Kolhatkar and presented by Lata Narvekar’s Chintamani Group.
Q: But, after that you shifted to Television or films ?
A: I shifted to TV serials and made my debut through ‘Police Panch’ followed by ‘Ya Gojirvanya Gharaat’, through which I reached every house of Marathi serial lovers. ‘Vadalwaat’, ‘Oon Paus’, ‘Kimayagar’ are some of the serials I was associated with, when I received offers from Marathi films.
Q: Which was your first marathi film ?
A: My first Marathi film was ‘Blind Game’ made by Rajiv Patil.
Q: How was year 2011 for you ?
A: Very fine. I had an opportunity to play different kind of good roles through films like ‘Jhenda’, ‘Morya’, ‘Fakta Ladh Mhana’, ‘Sharyat’ & ‘Ringa Ringa’. The biggest satisfaction was getting a chance to work in Mahesh Manjrekar’s banner. Each film had presented me in different characters and hence could get an opportunity to offer variety.
Q: What do you have to say about your recently released films ?
A: In the beginning of the year my two films ‘Shala’ and ‘Gol Gol Dabyatla’ were released and now last week two more films: ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ’31 December’ have been released. In ‘Shala’ a schoolmaster- Manjrekar. The film is based on Milind Bokil’s popular novel and Sujay Dahake, a young intelligent director has made this wonderful film. Actually, I had read this novel 7-8 times and was very eager to be part of this film. It was a good experience to work with him. He is one of my favourite directors. ‘Gol Gol Dabyatla’ is a tale of a poor father and his ambitious son, who keeps his parents away after moving to city. It’s about the conflict between father and son. In ‘Jana Gana Mana’, I play the character of Dagadu- an Adivasi and in ’31December’ I play a Naxalite who revolts against the system.
Q: What about your future projects ?
A: My two films ‘Matter’ and ‘Tendulkar Out’ will be released soon. ‘Matter’ is based on a Gangster. It’s about the journey of four friends on a wrong path and how they face the happenings in their life. ‘Tendulkar Out’ is a story of three friends and I play the character of Nair. These friends take a decision, which lands them into a problem.
Q: You have also tried singing in film ‘Matter’. How was that experience?
A: Yes, there is a song ‘Benchik’ which I have rendered along with Jitendra and Sushant. It was my first song and let’s see how audience react to it.
Q: But, are you really fond of singing?
A: I like to listen to songs. But, I am not a singer. I wouldn’t dare to sing again. However, if the situation demands, I would work hard and try to give my best.
