MarathiMovieWorld had adjudged her as the best fresh face of the year 2012 and was conferred with the award, for her noteworthy performance in her debut film ‘Shree Partner’ which was based on Va Pu Kale’s story. Shweta Pagar, who studied acting in Anupam Kher’s Acting Academy, is actually from Pune. She is at present doing three films; one of which is a multi starrer film ‘Charlie’ made by ‘Shree Partner’ director Sameer Surve and the other being that of his assistant turned director Santosh Mainkar.
Not many are aware that this Pune girl, who studied from St. Joseph’s school and Apte College, initially wanted to pursue her Engineering; but, later decided to study Arts and subsequently worked for an NGO, on an environment project in the city of Pune. When you talk to her on this subject, Shweta has many suggestions for the Pune and Mumbai Municipal corporations, for creating awareness about separating plastic from the waste, before disposal at the dumping grounds. She becomes very serious about this issue; and speaks through her heart. MMW spoke to Shweta, during the get together arranged by MMW – MarathiMovieworld, for the award winners of 2012, recently in Mumbai. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: Tell us, how you actually got into acting field ?
A: Actually, during my Jr. College days, I had done a theatre workshop in acting. And then, totally forgot about acting, as I took admission for engineering studies. Later, I left Engineering and joined Arts and after completing my studies, I did an Environmental Waste Management Course. Thereafter, seriously worked for an NGO in Pune – The National Society For Clean Cities, an Umbrella body for Mohalla Committees in Pune. I was so actively involved in this project that I even organised a protest march of young college students from Shanivarwada to Municipal Corporation office, to invite the attention of the local body on their process to dispose the waste at Urali Devaji, without segregating the waste. All that I felt that it was improper and the authorities were even exploiting the poor farmers, by grabbing their lands there and not providing them proper compensation. This inspired me to stage a play on this issue, which was finally staged at Balgandharva. And, looking at the response from audience, I decided to switch over to acting and joined Anupam Kher’s academy in Mumbai, for acting course.
Q: And, how was the struggle thereafter?
A: My struggle as an actress is still on. But, after finishing my acting course, I started trying for auditions. However, did not receive positive response. I even gave the auditions for ‘Maharashtrache Superstar’ programme and reached up to second round. Not very happy with the selection process, I returned home and told my mother that I would like to return to my job related with environment. One day, I saw an advertisement in newspaper, wherein the makers of ‘Shree Partner’ had called for an Open audition for Mumbai and Pune. My Mother, who always supported me and knew my abilities, suggested me that it was a good chance. So, I gave my audition and got selected for the female lead in this film.
Q: After ‘Shree Partner’, what’s next?
A: After ‘Shree Partner’ I signed a multi starrer film ‘Charlie’, made by the same director Sameer Surve , which is now through its first schedule. This is a very ambitious project by the makers, as it is the first Zombie type of film, starring Bharat Jadhav, Neha Pendse, Vijay Chavan and Tinu Anand, who is making his debut in Marathi, through this film. This film has technical support coming from many Bollywood experts like Vidyadhar Bhatte in make up, Madhusudan Shree in camera and so on. It’s a pleasure to work in this project. Then, there is a film ‘Laadki’ where I am playing lead. In this film Ashok Saraf plays my father and it is a comedy film. The third film I am presently shooting for, is Santosh Mainkar’s film ‘Prem at first sight’. Santosh selected me, as he was assisting Sameer Sir, for his projects ‘Shree Partner’ and ‘Charlie’.
Q: What was the reaction of your parents, when you signed your first film?
A. A My mother was very happy. Initially, my father was slightly reluctant, about my joining films; but, when he saw my performance, he was convinced. Actually, his uncle Mr. Yashwant Pagar was associated with Marathi stage and my uncle Sagar Pagar had also shown a lot of interest in post production work of films. Actually, there is good communication between me and my parents. I would say that my parents are my best friends.
Q: With so much of knowledge about environment management, would you like to be associated with such a project, in near future?
A: Oh, yes. Surely, If I get a chance, I would really want to do a film on my favourite subject, to create awareness about its importance in day to day life.
