10 years ago, he was a child artiste, having won the state award for his performance in his home production ‘Raju’. Eight years later, he made his debut through Mahesh Kothare’s film ‘Zabardast’ and a new star was born. Pushkar Jog, in spite of the success of ‘Zabardast’ did not receive as much response as expected from the traditional film makers. But, the dancing star with multi talent, did not sit quiet. He performed on TV in a reality show- ‘Maharashtracha Nach Baliye’ and went on to prove that he was a star to be reckoned.
Pushkar accepted a TV serial ‘Vachan Dile Tu Mala’ and also proved his acting talents through a role that was filled with emotions. Besides that he also performed in a prominent role in Bollywood film ‘EMI Liya Hai to Chukana Padega’ along with Sanjay Dutt and others. In the meanwhile, his own film ‘Satya’ based on social awareness, was also released. Two of his Marathi films in lead role ‘Mission Possible’and ‘Dhoom To Dhaamaal ‘and a Hindi film, ‘Don’t worry Be Happy’ are set for early releases.
For the past few months, Pushkar was busy with his home production ‘Mission Possible’. Besides playing the lead opposite Saie Tamhankar and Manisha Kelkar, Pushkar will also be directing this film. He has also given his own voice for a song in the film. This will be a big budget film and Pushkar has worked very hard for his home production, as per the repots coming in from his co -artistes.
Marathi film industry need to change the look to suit the modern times and with due respect to all those great film makers for the past 104 years, I have taken up this challenge, says Pushkar confidently. When I meet some of my college friends, they always say that there is no Hrithik or Shahid style of heroes in Marathi and hence they don’t feel like watching Marathi films. I want to change the perception of these youths about Marathi cinema. Watch the song picturisation in Ladakh and you will surely notice the change,he adds.
Marketing and distribution play a very important role for the success of a Marathi film, hence Pushkar has opted for Percept Pictures, to distribute his film. With their own creative ideas, he is very much sure about their marketing strategy during film’s promotion, which begins 15 days before the film’s release (15th July), which is also the birthday of Pushkar. I expect a new audience, besides the regular film goers, in the form of youths for this film and to achieve that I will be personally touring different places of Maharashtra along with Percept team. says Pushkar.
While shooting this film, Pushkar hasn’t compromised on his budget, wherever the situation demanded for additional expenditure. He has shot a song in picturesque Ladakh, where no Marathi film has been shot so far. The film is an action packed thriller, which is very uncommon in Marathi films. One thing is sure that Pushkar certainly has a surprise package for all through his ambitious venture Mission Possible which itself speaks about his positive attitude through the title. “Percept Pictures who are marketing and distributing this film, are also confident about the success of this film. This film would not only be well appreciated by the masses but also be a trendsetter taking the Marathi Film Industry altogether to a new high.” says their marketing executive.
Rewinding to his childhood, Pushkar was a great fan of dancing stars like Govinda and Mithun Chakraborthy and did almost 200 stage shows, until popular Actor-film maker Sachin Pilgaonkar spotted him and offered him roles in the films ‘Azmaish’ and ‘Aisi Bhi Kya Jaldi hai’ directed by him. He also casted him in his TV serial ‘TuTu Main Main’. Pushkar also played as child artiste in Nana Patekar- Rishi Kapoor starrer film ‘Hum Dono’; after which his father Dr. Prof. Suhas Jog launched him in their home production ‘Raju’. It was for this film that Pushkar received his first state award as a child actor.
After ‘Raju’, there was eight years of break for Pushkar, who concentrated on his education and even completed his Dentistry. But, as someone has said, Destiny has other plans.
Pushkar was back into acting with ‘Jabardast’. Today, he is on his own; all set to offer his own ideas and creativity through ‘Mission Possible.’
This year has been mixed with ups and downs. It began well with the great success through ‘Maharashtracha Nach Baliye’ but soon thereafter I lost my beloved father, who was always there behind me like a true motivator. My parents always offered a great support to me, whenever I needed it. The release of ‘Mission Possible’ is like paying tributes to my dear father, he concludes, a little before he starts his promotion campaign. Hard work and determination always pays dividends.
MMW wishes Pushkar all the best and rates him the ‘Star of the Month’.
