Tag Archives: Spotlight

Shweta Mahadik, actress

“I am more keen on doing Marathi projects”- Shweta Mahadik

Shweta Mahadik, actress
She is more popular today, as a Hindi serial actress. Thanks to her performances in the serials like ‘Meri Bhabhi’ and ‘Balika Vadhu’. But, she has also performed in popular Marathi serials, including ‘Devyani’. Last year, we saw her playing an important role of Satyabhama , wife of Lokmanya Tilak, in the Marathi film ‘Lokmanya- Ek Yugpurush’. However, not many people could recognize her in this period film, because of her particular get up in this film. It was a big transition from glamour to a simple housewife ,as noticed 100 years ago.

Shweta Mahadik, found her life partner on the sets of her serial, when she met today’s award winning cinematographer Prasad Bhende, few years ago. Soon the friendship turned into marriage and now the couple has a little son. Now, Shweta is back to acting, as we noticed her recently, in ‘Lokmanya’ in a totally different non glamorous role.

MarathiMovieWorld spoke to Shweta recently. And, in this exclusive interview, she did speak about her transition from glamorous to non glamorous roles. “I was already looking for that change. Though I was doing glamourous roles in TV serials, they were negative roles. The role of Satyabhama was a blessing to me. And, when it was offered to me, I immediately said, Yes.” said Shweta.

Surprisingly, many people who knew her personally, could not recognize her in that character of Satyabhama. And, that was the achievement of the costume designer and make up artiste of ‘Lokmanya’. A talented actress that she is, Shweta is currently in talks with a Hindi serial maker. But, she seemed to be more keen on taking up Marathi projects.

“After ‘Lokmanya’, I am looking forward to take up more Marathi film assignments, where I will have more scope for acting. In ‘Lokmanya’, I didn’t have much to do with dialogues. It was to do more with my facial expressions and body language. Today, Marathi films are more subject oriented and I would certainly love to be part of it.” she remarked.

With both husband wife, belonging to Marathi film industry, we asked Shweta, as to how both of them managed time for their little son? And, she said, “I can manage it, as whenever I am shooting, it’s in Mumbai. It is Prasad, who has to go on tour sometimes, with his assignments. But, still, we make our son happy, enjoying family functions together and on few other occasions, adjusting our schedule.”

By the way, Shweta is also the daughter in law of veteran actor , film maker & renowned painter Prakash Bhende and former actress Uma, who received Lifetime achievement award last year, from Maharashtra State Government.

khushbu Tawade

“I consider Marathi theatre, as the base of acting” – Khushboo Tawde

khushbu Tawade

We have noticed her talent in Marathi and Hindi serials, since 2011. Last year, she also made her debut in Marathi films, opposite Rajesh Shringarpure. She already has two films in hand; but now she will be seen in Devendra Pem’s play ‘All The Best -2′, which will be launched on 1st May 2015 .

27 year old Khushboo Tawde from Dombivali, is certainly a bright prospect in Marathi entertainment industry, having already won Mata Sanmaan in 2013 and recently, the Dadasaheb Phalke Foundation Puraskar for ‘Best actress on debut’ in Marathi films of 2014.

We have seen Khushboo in the lead, in two Marathi serials ‘Dharmakanya’ and ‘Ek Mohor Abol’; but she has also performed in Hindi television with famous serials like ‘Betaal aur Sinhasan Battisi’ & ‘Tarak Mehta ka Oolta Chashma’, offering variety.

Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented actress. Excerpts from an interview:

Q. Tell us about your background and how you landed in acting?
A. I’m a graduate in hotel management and have done my B.Sc. To be frank, I had never thought about acting. I haven’t even participated in drama competitions, during my college days; but, as we know, it was all my destiny.

Q. Why you were not seen in Marathi Television for long time?
A. From the beginning of my career, I have given preference to variety of roles. I was not interested to do similar type of roles again. I consider Marathi theatre, as the base of acting. I was also waiting to work in a good commercial play. Fortunately, I got an opportunity to do theatre. Now, I’m playing lead role, in Devendra Pem’s commercial Marathi play ‘All the Best 2′; which is a sequel to super duper hit play ‘All the Best’.  And, I’m very excited about it.

Q. Last year, you made your debut on big screen with ‘Love Factor’. What about your other ongoing film projects?
A. Thanks to those filmmakers, who have given me an opportunity. Recently, I completed two Marathi films, ‘Chandri’ which is a different genre horror film and ‘Olakh’ which is based on a social issue. In coming months, theses films will be released back to back. Looking forward to audience reaction, on my performance.

Q. But, how was your experience?
A. It was very good learning experience, while doing rehearsals with Devendra Pem and all team members of ‘All the Best-2′. We had a great time. I think, this play will be surely rock, as the previous one did; and create another record on Marathi stage.

Q. Have you taken any training for acting?
A. No. But my idol is Smita Patil. I’m a die hard fan of her. She was really a gem of Indian cinema. We can’t compare anybody with her. I respect her acting a lot.

Q. What is your comment of current Marathi Cinema?
A. I really feel proud and happy that our Marathi films are getting maximum national awards.

Q. How was your experience working in Hindi?
A. Major difference is that, once you get a break on hindi television, you receive name & fame at national level. That is the major difference.

Shilpa Purushottam Koyande

Shilpa Purushottam Koyande – A promising costume designer, with a difference

Shilpa Purushottam Koyande

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” This Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, inspires her and she has proudly displayed it proudly on her blog. Since her childhood Shilpa Purushottam Koyande has been taking interest in designing her own costumes. Soon, the interest grew larger during her college days, and Shilpa started designing costumes for others. “Now, my hunger is bigger… Wanna achieve it for my profession, my passion…my work.” she said, when spoke to her recently, to know more about her professional work.

“I always wanted to become a costume designer and work for Marathi film industry to improvise the costumes of different characters, giving them a glamorized look. Basically, the role of a Costume designer includes everything from deciding the right costumes for the right character. It also includes their hairstyle, as well as the accessories like jewellery, purse, shoes etc. which they are supposed to use in the movie.” explained Shilpa.

Speaking about the importance of costumes in films, she feels, “Costume plays a very important role in presenting a person, by his or her pattern. The colours we use, presents their attitude or shades of that particular character.” Shilpa is very much happy that the face of Marathi cinema is changing day by day. “Now, the Marathi artists are also much more cautious about their looks on screen and off screen. Hence, they give priority to it, as much they give it to their fitness.” she added.

Surprisingly, Shilpa’s journey began in the Film Industry, without any godfather. Marathi film ‘The Strugglers- Amhi Udyache Hero’ was her debut film in 2012, as a costume designer; which was Directed by Vijay Shinde, starring Chinmay Mandlekar. After that, she worked as a costume designer for another Marathi film ‘Mahanayak Vasanta Tu’ again starring Chinmay Mandlekar.

“In 2013 I got a opportunity to work with renowned director Girish Mohite for his much talked about Marathi film ‘Guru Pournima’, starring Sai Tamhankar and Upendra Limaye, Sulbha Arya,  which was produced under banner of Srihit Productions and released in September 2014.” recalls Shilpa.

Shilpa’s excellent costume designs in ‘Guru Pournima’ were noticed and appreciated by film critics; thus bringing her into limelight. Immediately after this film, she designed costumes for another Marathi film ‘Kalakendra’, directed by Vijay Shinde, starring Lokesh Gupte, Priya Gamre, Priya Berde. The film is focused tamasha culture. At present, she has four Marathi film assignments in hand; out of which 2 films are produced by Satish Motling productions. Recently, Shilpa was in Bangkok, along with the team of this film, for their shooting schedule there. Other assignment is of director Shantanu Rode’s upcoming film, which revolves around the humour filled relationship between father and son.

Besides Marathi films, Shilpa has designed costumes for commercial ads and has also worked on designing of costumes for a parallel hindi cinema, ‘Dhobi Ki Dulhan Pyari Hai’ directed by Sharmila Sankar , which was basically, an International film festival project. There is also one regional movie ‘Mortoo’ produced in Konkani language, which was screened at Melbourne international film festival and international film festival of Goa in 2013/14.

Besides film industry, Shilpa also designs costumes for the Five Star Hotel like Tunga Reganza, Vashi. And, last but not the least, she has worked as costume designer for the Dance Events of Shaimak Davar, Anand Mujumdar, Deepali Mandavkar and for other national competitions of Ballroom dance.

Isn’t that something to be appreciated. Only way, we can describe her is that she is a promising costume designer, with a difference.

Actress, Smita Gondkar

“I am waiting to play non glamorized roles- Smita Gondkar

She can be termed as one of the glamorous heroines of Marathi movie industry. Smita Gondkar, is probably the fittest heroines in recent times. She had been around for a while, but one music video did wonders and brought her into limelight.

“I am thrilled with the response ‘Pappi de Paru la’ music video received. It brought me closer to the audience.”  Smita was reminiscing and continued, “I was working in USA with Disney Cruise Line alongside people from 55 nations. On one of my yearly India visits, I decided to travel and explore India with backpack and hitch-hiking. In the meantime, I did some modelling and was offered a marathi film, which was supposed to be completed in 3 months. But, the film got delayed and I was offered few other films, which extended my stay here. And since my acting hobby turned into passion, I said Good bye to USA.”

Actress, Smita Gondkar

Smita debuted through ‘Mumbaicha Dabewala’ with Bharat Jadhav and later did a film with Ajinkya Deo, titled ‘Vasudev Balwant Phadke’. She was lucky enough to have started her film career with two big names in Marathi.

She has acted in films like ‘Vijay Dinanath Chouhan’, ‘Hip Hip Hurray’, ‘Ashi Fasli Nanachi Taang’,  ‘Premacha Jholjhal’, to name a few. “It’s a coincidence that most of my films have been comedies. I do like doing comedy roles, but I sincerely crave for other roles too . Recently, I refused a couple of films, because of the very reason” confessed Smita.
Smita Gondkar idolises exceptionally talented actress, late Smita Patil. “I am, at present, doing a very interesting role in a film on a social issue of family planning. And interestingly enough, I am doing an item song in ‘Wanted Baiko No.1’, despite playing the lead role”. She said.

Being glamorous all her career, costumes do play pivotal part. Smita admits and says “I am very particular about what I wear on screen and to be on the safer side, as a standby, I always carry a few of my personal costumes, according to the scheduled scenes. I do not want to stall the shoot, just for the sake of clothes’. “And most of the time I end up wearing my own stuff”she added with a smile.

Speaking about her slim figure, she said, “Neither I exercise, nor do I follow any diet plan. I belong to a ‘sporty’ family. I used to train very hard, during my school and college days, for 8 to 10 hours daily as I was into swimming, Kayaking & judo in a big way. And thankfully, it’s helping me now.” Incidentally Smita has represented State in Kayaking (she was the captain of the team), Swimming and Judo. She is also an avid biker and indulges in ‘style and adventure biking’ and adventure sports like sky-diving, in her spare time. As per Smita, ‘These activities satisfy my soul.’

Smita Gondkar can be seen in forthcoming movies, ‘Gappa Bais Ani Aiik’, ‘Janavhi’, ‘Full To Dhamaal’,  ‘Wanted Baiko No.1′,  ‘Ek Aadat’ (Hindi), ‘Just Gammat’, to mention a few. “My films ‘Gadbad Gondhal’ with Santosh Juvekar and ‘Chi. Sau. Ka. Mary Fernandes’ with Bharat Jadhav are ready and I am waiting for the promotions to start” Smita informed.

This glamorous actress, has also done Hindi and English movies (The Awakening) but enjoys doing marathi movies and is eagerly waiting for her dream to play ‘non-glamorised’ role.