‘Gandha Phoolancha Gela Sangoon’ – Biography of Late Uma Bhende released
Not even one year passed, since veteran Marathi actress Uma Bhende said good bye to this world. Since then, her husband and film maker 77 year old Prakash Bhende was feeling the vacuum in his life. But, for the past 10 months he spent his time writing a book about the couple’s life journey. And, the result was publication of 228 pages coffee table book titled ‘Gandh Phoolancha Gela Sangoon‘, a perfect tribute from husband to his wife on her birthday 31st May 2018.
This book was officially released on the occasion of Late Uma Bhende’s birthday at ravindra natya Mandir Mini Auditorium in presence of many dignitaries from Marathi film industry like, Ramesh Bhatkar, Mrinal Kulkarni, Jayshree T, Jayprakash Karnataki, Sushma Shiromani, Varsha Usgaonkar, Kanchan Adhikari, Hemangi Rao, Sanjeev Palance & Ashutosh Ghorpade. Many media persons, well wishers of Umatai and entire Bhende family were present on this occasion, when a short film on her film career and video messages from well wishers were shown.
Uma Bhende had acted in more than 50 Marathi films, besides doing Telugu and Chattisgarhi language films. In 1964 hit Hindi film ‘Dosti‘ she performed an important role, with a famous song ‘Gudiya hamse Rooth Rahogi...’also picturised on her. After marriage, she turned producer with the home banner ‘Shreeprasad productions‘ and offered opportunity to many newcomers.
Mr. Nitin Gadkari Hon. Minister of Road transport Central Government , who was close to Bhende family, through his elder sister was supposed to release this book, but could not make it due to urgent meeting with P.M. So, Mr.Prakash Bhende, released this book at the hands of his two little grandchildren, who were very close to Umatai. But, little before that he presented special painting made by him in just few minutes, to all the special celebrity invitees . Speaking on the occasion he turned emotional going down memory lane .. but recovering thereafter, he thanked one and all who stood behind him and his family during difficult times.
‘Gandha Phoolancha Gela Sangoon‘ is certainly a worth reading . It is like watching a film on the life of late Uma Bhende. Cost of the book is Rs. 300/- and is published by Anil Raghunath Phadke for Manorama Publications.
Veteran Marathi celebrities pay homage to Late Uma Bhende
Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chittrapat Mahamandal had arranged a prayer meeting for Late legendary actress Uma Bhende at the Mini Auditorium of Ravindra Natya Mandir on Tuesday evening. Many veteran personalities from Marathi film industry were present on this occasion, including stalwarts like Ramesh Deo, Shubha Khote, Viju Khote, Jayashree T, Jayprakash Karnataki, Rajdutt, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Ramesh Bhatkar, Varsha Usgaonkar , Meghraj Bhosale & Vijay Patkar. A video film covering the achievements of Uma Bhende was also shown on this occasion, after homage was paid to the late legendary actress.
92 year old grand old man of Film industry Ramesh Deo recalled his association with Uma Bhende during 60s, when he played her hero in films. He called her as the most beautiful and wonderful person. Sachin Pilgaonkar also spoke good about the actress and recalled his association with her during the shooting of Rajdutt directed hit Marathi film ‘Madhuchandra‘. Sachin had played a child star ion this film. “My mother who used to accompany me during the shooting of this film had become a very good friend of Umaji and she also helped her in her dress up, as her character demanded modern type of sarees. I used to respect her a lot, as I learned so many things from her. Since then, we became good family friends,” said Sachin. Further, Sachin also praised Prasad Bhende son of Prakash and Uma Bhende, who was present there, for his excellent work as cinematographer and wished him all the success.
Varsha Usgaonkar, Jayashree T, Shubha Khote, Viju Khote, Jayprakash Karnataki, Ramesh Bhatkar, Rajdutt also recalled some memorable moments in the company of Uma Bhende. They all called her a humble woman, who always welcomed them with a smiling face and never hurt anyone. Finally, Prakash Bhende turned very emotional while narrating how his arranged marriage with actress Uma turned into post love marriage.