Every Marathi actress aspires to see huge posters of her Film or TV serial, at prominent locations in city. Till now, very few Marathi artistes have been fortunate, to see it happen. But, for newcomer Amruta Deshmukh, it is like dream come true. Few months ago, she was playing the role of Mayuri Wagh’s sister in law, in the serial ‘Asmita’ on Zee Marathi. Today, she has bagged a lead role in Shreyas Talpade’s debut TV serial ‘Tumcha Aamcha same Asata’ on Star Pravah.

This being Shreyas’ home production, there is lot of marketing done, for its promotion. At every prominent spot in Mumbai city, you find the huge posters of this serial displayed. While travelling in Local train, you get to hear the advertisement of this serial .In fact, the ad of this serial has set this new trend of advertising . And, the person who has been benefitted the most, is young actress Amruta Deshmukh. Today, she is the talk of the town.

Amruta who is originally from Pune, completed her BA with Psychology from S.P.College and later did her Post Graduate Course in Mass Communication & Journalism from Ranade Institute affiliated to Pune University. Amruta has been active with acting field, since her college days, and has also bagged a silver medal for best actress, in a prestigious inter collegiate drama competition. When Amruta first came to Mumbai to give audition, she couldn’t find suitable roles. So, she worked as intern for two months with TV 9 channel. So, we have another actress, after Prarthana Behere, who has worked a s a TV Journalist.

When we spoke to Amruta, we did ask her, as to why she took up a job in TV channel as a Journalist, when she came to Mumbai to become an actress. And, Amruta was frank enough to admit that she gave auditions for some film productions, but wasn’t getting selected. “I actually wanted to play a village girl, as Marathi films these days are rural based . But, couldn’t get through the auditions. At that point, I thought that I was not meant for such roles. So, I decided to take up job in Media house, as I had already done my course in Journalism. It was a question of my survival, in this city of dreams,” she explained.

Amruta first found a role in the serial ‘Pudhcha Paul’ and later in detective serial ‘Asmita’. These were not prominent roles; but, were enough to make her presence felt. But, Amruta was very positive, that one day, she would get a lead role. Perhaps, the popularity of the serial ‘Asmita’ proved to be lucky for Amruta, though she played a slightly negative role.

Now that she is playing the lead role of Gauri, in the serial ‘Tumcha Aamcha Same Asata’, Amruta is very delighted. She is playing a Psychologist in this serial. Incidentally, Amruta has done her graduation with specialization in this subject. “Yes, I am happy and also glad that the serial is being promoted in a big way, so as to reach maximum people. This role of Gauri, is a dream come true for me. But, at the same time, there is a lot of responsibility on me. I have to deliver my best, to fulfill the expectations of the home viewers,” She concluded.

The popularity of ongoing TV serial ‘Dil Dosti Duniyadari’ has increased, due to presence of the character of Aashu, played by Pushkraj Chirputkar. Aashu is not only popular among today’s young generation, but, also among other age groups. This was clearly noticed, when he was surrounded by young and old, present during the recent promotional event of Sanjay Jadhav’s film ‘Tu Hi Re’ at a Mumbai multiplex. All of them, were more keen on clicking photos with their favourite TV artiste. That particular day, he turned out to be the real hero of the day, much to the surprise of Sanjay Jadhav, his mentor.

Marathi Movie World spoke to Pushkraj , and this talented actor was more than happy to speak about his past days. “I did my engineering from Pune’s Pimpri Chinchwad Engineering College and like a typical Puneite was totally focused on my studies, during the first two years. In the third year, I joined a theatre group and that’s how I got associated with acting. We performed at competitions and also did some short films. Though my interest in acting grew further, I decided to complete my graduation and in the final year, passed by Engineering Degree with good marks. It was only then, I became serious about acting and decided to pursue as a career.” he said.

Like any other actor, Pushkraj had to struggle to find good opportunities. But, that did not deter him from his goal. In fact, to earn some money for his pocket expenses, he even worked as a consultant, to prepare an engineering project for his friend. He was confident that he would find a suitable role, to prove his mettle. And, finally, he landed as Aashu in ‘Dil Dosti Duniyadari’. Among all others, his selection seems to be the perfect one.

Neatly dressed up in a designer Pink Kurta , trimmed bear and well set hair for the occasion, Pushkaraj really looked smart & trendy. So, obviously, could not resist the temptation of asking him about any similarity between Pushkaraj and Aashu. And, he quickly reacted with a broad smile on his face, ” I am not like Aashu in real life. I believe in cleanliness and like to wear tidy clothes. But, like Aashu, I am helpful to my other friends.”

Finally, when asked about his co stars in the serial and his friendly relationship with them, he said, “We are all good friends. In fact, we knew each other, even before the start of this serial. And, this helped us, to co ordinate with each other better , while working on the sets.”  “It’s more of a fun, than shooting. And, I really enjoy working with them.” he concluded.

You may call it a family marriage drama, or a love story. ‘Ase He Kanyadaan’ on Zee Marathi, shows  the challenges taken by a youngster, to win the heart of his would be father in law; only to marry his daughter. This character of  Kartik , the young dashing businessman, belonging to a high profile family, is played by Prasad Jawade.

Incidentally, Prasad came into reckoning, during the Maharashtracha Superstar talent hunt show , organized by the same channel, few years ago. He was among the last five contestants; but, his talent was noticed by Balaji Telefilms, who casted him in their serial ‘Majhiya Priyala Preet Kalena’ in a negative role.

Generally, an actor beginning with a negative role, gets branded as a villain in his next projects. But, that did not happen in the case of Prasad. He received some good offers from his next TV assignments, including lead role in ‘Arundhati’, where he played a blind young man. When the auditions for ‘Ase He Kanyadan’ were  going on, they were looking for an actor with some experience. And, that helped Prasad, to prove his mettle. Today, Prasad has proved his selection right . He has that spontaneity of  changing his expressions quickly, like a button artiste, the skill required from any good actor, to prove his ability. MarathiMovieWorld spoke to Prasad during a function recently.

Very polite and jovial, as observed in our first meeting, Prasad was kind enough to share his experience, as an actor.  The very first thing, he spoke, was about the city of Mumbai, which has offered him scope in this acting field. “I shall always remain grateful to this city of Mumbai and people living here. At every stage of my progressing career, well wishers have come forward to help me. This has happened , since my days of struggle.” said Prasad.

Actually, Prasad who is a stage actor from Pune, made his entry into films, as an assistant to well known cinematographer of Bollywood and Marathi films Umesh Kabre. It was during this period, he learned the technique of  facing camera with confidence. “In fact, I became more camera friendly. My appearance in the  serial, ‘Majhiya Priyala Preet kalena’, only  boosted my confidence .So, when I played the lead role of a blind hero,  in my next serial ‘Arundhati’, I worked harder. Before the beginning of the shoot, I actually visited a blind school, getting the feel, by closing my eyes. It was the most challenging role for me.” he added.

Prasad did perform in recently released film ‘Classmates’. One wonders, as to why he is not getting prominent roles in Marathi films ? Looking at his caliber, he is a hero material. But, Prasad believes in destiny. “All my friends are doing well in films and I am happy about it. Let me wait for my turn.” he reacted with smile on his face.

When asked about his role in ‘Ase Hey Kanyadaan’, Prasad expressed his satisfaction for finding the lead role in this serial. “Here again, I am thankful to Subodh Bhave, who recommended my name, as the makers, wanted an experienced actor, to play the role of Kartik.” he said.

Kartik loves to watch something entertaining at the end of the day. He feels that Marathi serials should attempt new subjects, other than the traditional Saas-bahu dramas. “Sometimes, we as artistes, are compelled to accept roles in serials, with traditional subjects. But, now the change is noticed. I like the fresh subject taken up in ‘Dil Dosti Duniyadari’. It is refreshing!. Instead of watching routine serials, I prefer watching  Comedy shows like ‘Chala Hava Yeu Dya’.” he added.

Finally, when asked, whether he would like to direct a project, considering his previous experience as assistant, on the sets of films; he remarked with a smile on face, “Every actor has a wish to become a director.”