Vaidehi Parshurami invites all the attention in Rohit Shetty’s new Web Series
Vaidehi Parshurami is a talented Marathi actress who made her debut through Mahesh Kothare;s film ‘Ved Lagi Jeeva (वेड लागी जीवा)’ 13 years ago. But, thereafter she did not receive much attention from Marathi film makers for the reasons best known to them. In the meanwhile Vaidehi, who is well educated, paid more attention on her other skills like Classical dance, to present herself a complete actress.
Vaidehi did receive some good offers from Marathi films like ‘Kokanastha’, ‘Vrundavan’, ‘Zombivali’ and Rohit Shetty’s ‘Simba‘ in Hindi, where she played an important character of Aakruti Dave. And now, Rohit Shetty has offered her the best suited role of Nafeesa in his debut Web series ‘Indian Police Force’. In this series Rohit has exploited her full potential as an actress. In this 7 episode series which was released this Friday on Prime Video, Vaidehi plays the wife of Zarar alias Haider a terrorist played by Mayaank Taandon.
Vaidehi has played this most difficult role with complete understanding at different stages, paying more attention on her emotions throughout this series in all the seven episodes. Her innocent character of Nafeesa is not aware of the real activities of the person she loves and whom she finally marries. But, when she comes to know his real face, she has plenty of scope to display her acting skills and she has done it with with full confidence.
It will not be surprising to see her flooded with more offers from Hindi, as she deserves it the most. Rohit Shetty should be thanked for offering this talented Marathi actress the most important character in this web series, which is Rohit Shetty’s debut as a Creator and director on OTT platform.
MarathiMovieWorld spoke to Vaidehi to congratulate her on her wonderful performance in this series and she was more than happy to express her gratitude, being the most modest actress in this industry. When asked whether she was the first choice for this role, she politely said, ‘Could be’. Vaidehi’s next film Varun Narvekar’s ‘1234’ in Marathi is due for release.
Incidentally Vaidehi is not the only Marathi actress, who has been offered an important role in this series. The list is big, which includes another talented actress – Mrinal Kulkarni, who plays the mother of lead actor Siddharth Malhotra. Suchitra Bandekar, who plays Farida- the mother of Vaidehi and Sharvari Lohakare who plays the mother of terrorist who disowns her son, after coming to know about her son’s involvement in terrorist activities. Sharad Kelkar has also found an important role in this series, but he arrives in the concluding part. In short, Rohit Shetty has opened the doors for talented Marathi artistes on Hindi OTT platform.
“Whatever I am today, is all because of my maternal uncle”- Prithvik Pratap
To think about making an acting career that too in a situation when are dependent on others, is like a dream. But, for Prithvik Pratap it was like accepting a challenge. Prithvik lost his father when he was only one and half years old. His maternal uncle looked after all his needs and therefore, Prithvik shall always remain grateful to his uncle, for whatever he is today. Since his college days , he could find time for his experimental plays, besides doing a job.
Today, he has achieved something what he aspired for in the acting field. From small roles to bigger roles, his journey goes on to expect something big. Having done few Marathi films like ‘Premache Side Effects’ , ‘Pyarwali Lov Story’ , TV programme like ‘Maharashtrachi Hasyajatra’, & ‘Jago Mohan Pyare’, Prithvik slowly came into limelight. And now, he is playing lead role in a web series on Netflix. Marathi Movie World spoke to this ambitious actor. Excerpts from the chit chat with him.
Q: How your acting career started ?
A: While in college, I was associated with One act plays. During those days, I got an opportunity to perform in three Hindi films, where I found small roles. Later, while doing a job, I had an offer for audition in a play and that’s how was my entry as an actor.
Q: You got a break on television through ‘Jago Mohan Pyare’. How did this happen?
A: Actually, I had given audition for Manya’s role in this serial, which was going on for a month. Though I was rejected for this role, I was asked to give audition for the character of Rahul and I was selected in just one day’s time, to make my acting debut on television in a Marathi serial.
Q: Whom do you consider your ideal in this acting field ?
A: Nana Patekar and Shahrukh Khan are my ideals.
Q: You are also performing with Shahrukh Khan in a film. Could you please tell us about it ?
A: It was my dream to meet Shahrukh Khan personally and also perform with him. And through this film my dream was fulfilled. This film will be released on Netflix and my character is of serious type and not a comedy .
Q: Having done web series, how was your experience there?
A: When I did the web series ‘Back Benchers’ it turned out to be my favourite film. It has found a place in my heart. I am receiving a lot of mails from people especially from Aurangabad, Jalna, Dhule regions. So, I formed a what’s app group of these people. In the second part of this series, I have decided to invite all these people.
Q: At present how busy are you with Serials and stage plays ?
A: I am doing an experimental – ‘Je Je Hoil te Pahave’ and three shows of this play have been performed. But, there will be shows of this play only for next 2- 3 months.
Q: How do you spend your free time ?
A: I love to watch English films. Besides, I play cricket and keep myself busy playing video games.
Q: Last but not the least, tell us something about your family background?
A: I live in Vikhroli with my family comprising of Myself, My mother, my brother and my sister in law. When I was one and half year old, my father passed away. My maternal uncle looked after me. Today, whatever I am, it is all because of my Uncle. I am grateful to him.
It’s ‘Slow and Steady Success’ for Samidha Guru
Some talented artistes don’t attain success quickly. For them, it is ‘Slow and Steady Success’. Samidha Guru is one of them. Having proved her mettle in the past through successful Marathi plays like ‘Get Well Soon’, ‘Talyaat Malyaat’ and ‘Wada Chirebandi’ , she should have received many good offers from Marathi films. Her play ‘Get Well Soon’ along with Marathi superstar Swapnil Joshi received overwhelming response. It may be recalled that both of them received best artistes awards from MarathiMovieWorld.com in the past.
Samidha Guru was seen in films like ‘Kapuskondyachi Gosht’, ‘Laal Ishq‘ , ‘Mogara Phulala’ and ‘Panhala’ in important roles. But, her love for Marathi stage hasn’t diminished. Sameedha will be seen soon in forthcoming Marathi play ‘Thoda Tujha Thoda Majha’ opposite versatile actor Sanjay Narvekar and this play will be Suyog Productions 88th offering. Based on husband and wife relationship this play is written by Abhijit Guru and directed by Swapnil Baraskar. With this new play, Sameedha’s long time wish of working with ‘Suyog productions’ has been fulfilled.
Marathi Movie World spoke to Sameedha Guru, to know about her role in this play and she said, “This play presents the humour rising out of husband and wife relationship in different situations. It also focuses on their viewpoints about each other and their way of facing the abnormal situations coming in their family life. I am playing Sanjay’s wife in this play and I am working with him for the first time. But, I am really enjoying this role. Though this is a family subject, there are many humorous situations to entertain the audience of all age groups. At the same time there are some thought provoking moments. Every couple will relate with our characters in this play.”
According to Samidha Marathi audience is very sensible and they have been responding very well to a well presented subject. She feels that it is very important to attract the new generation towards Marathi stage. And therefore, she takes her little daughter along with her to watch Marathi plays.
When asked about her future projects in the coming new year, Sameedha disclosed that she will be seen in one Hindi and one Marathi film . In Marathi film she will be haring the screen with renowned Marathi actor Vikram Gokhale. In short, she is excited about these two projects. But, for the time being let us wish her a grand success for her new play ‘Thoda Tujha Thoda Majha’.
Medical Professional & T T Champ turns Marathi film producer
He is a busy medical practitioner from Solapur city, who is specialized as an Intensivist , running his own Chest Hospital. Dr. Nitin Toshniwal a multifaceted personality ,has spent almost two decades in this field of medical specialist in Critical care medicine. But, the game of table tennis had always been his passion. He participated in almost all the state veterans table tennis championships for the past few years and has even won many of them. His application of mind while playing table tennis has almost been the same, as he uses it while treating his patients in hospital.
Dr.Nitin has one more passion and that is watching good films. He has watched ‘Sholay‘ almost hundred times, only to understand the technique behind making of this film. To make his own film had always been at the back of his mind. And, last year he decided to make a Marathi film, when he found a good script he launched his own banner of Ultimate Film Makers Pvt. Ltd and handed over the responsibility of direction to debutant Amol Lahande, though creativity part in this film seems to be handled by Dr.Nitin himself, which is clearly indicated, when he talks about his film and the presentation part.
Keeping in mind the importance of music in Marathi films, Dr.Nitin paid more attention on music and engaged Rohan –Rohan to compose music of this film. He also engaged top singers like Suresh Wadkar, Vaishali Samant, Siddharth Mahadevan, Mahalaxmi Iyer & Rohan Pradhan for playback and he found good results. While Speaking to Marathimovieworld, Dr.Nitin was more than happy to share the videos of the songs and explained how the song were picturised, to create an impact on the audience. This certainly displayed his knowledge about film making. So, the obvious question was as to why he himself did not direct this film. But, being a modest person, he admitted that he had full faith in the work of Amol Lahande, whom he knew very well.
Now, less than a month left for the release of his film, Dr.Nitin Toshniwal is making all efforts to reach out to maximum people to spread the timely social subject through his film which has the coating of entertainment, which is so necessary to see a big turnout at cinema halls. “My film ‘Jagavegali Antayatra’ which is all set for release on 23rd March 2018, will certainly inspire all and at the same time offer entertainment and I appeal to all film lovers to watch this film in theatres.” he concludes.
We at Marathimovieworld wish him all the best.
All eyes on Virajas Kulkarni in his debut film ‘Hostel Days’
Marathi film ‘Hostel Days‘ is getting ready for release soon and all eyes on Virajas Kulkarni, as he has special recognition as son of renowned Marathi & Hindi film & television actress Mrunal Kulkarni. And, we personally feel that he is not just another actor in Marathi films. He is making his debut in Marathi films, at the most appropriate time, when Marathi cinema has received appreciation worldwide for offering sensible subjects.
A graduate from Fergusson College, Pune, Virajas did his schooling from Pune’s renowned S.P.M. High School. Acting has been there in his blood but he groomed himself in this field in the company of right people in the city of Pune, the cultural hub of Maharashtra. He has already written and directed multiple plays, out of which the critically acclaimed English play ‘Anathema‘ and Hindi play ‘Bhanvar‘ are presently running successfully in Pune and Mumbai. Virajas Kulkarni has also bagged many prizes at Festivals like Aahan 2011, Springfest2011( IIT Kharagpur), banshee 2011, Detour 2011, Kshitij 2012 etc. besides winning awards in writing and direction in Raja Paranjape Karandak 2016. Above all , he is a voracious reader like his mother and also performed as an amateur magician throughout the world, wherever he visited.
MarathiMovieWorld spoke to Virajas to know more about his acting debut in films and his background in the theatre field.
MMW: When you actually got attracted towards acting field?
VK: Right from my school days, while I was studying in 1st standard, I was associated with stage and performing in plays. And, when I developed more interest , I started performing with the children who were passionate about acting.
MMW: We understand that you have your own theatre group with the name ‘Theatron Entertainment’. Tell us something about it.
VK: When I developed more interest into this field, I along with my friends thought of offering our own plays with our choice of subjects. And that’s how ‘Theatron Entertainment‘ was launched to present our ideas. And, we are doing well.
MMW: So, you feel that the right environment of Pune helped you to develop yourself in this field ?
VK: Yes, that’s right. I would say that I was with the right people in the best environment. Pune is such a lovely place for theatre artistes and script writers. But, I further studied in screen writing and also graduated from Whistling Woods International to brush up my knowledge further.
MMW: How did you get into this film ‘Hostel Days‘ and that too in the lead role?
VK: It so happened that I met director Ajay Naik at an event and he asked me whether I was interested to work in this film. He explained me the role and also the story. I liked the story and also my role and agreed to do this film, which is my debut Marathi film.
MMW: Wishing you all the best for this film.
VK: Thank you very much.
“I was very keen on doing a film on the subject of river” – Sandeep Sawant
Some film makers are so passionate about a particular subject that it does not matter for them, how long it takes to make a film on this subject. Sandeep Sawant who made his debut as a producer and director through his Marathi film ‘Shwaas‘ not only won the National Award for the best film, but found his film’s entry from India for the prestigious Oscars. This happened exactly after 50 years for Marathi cinema, as earlier Marathi film ‘Shyamchi Aai‘ had earned this honour. ‘Shwaas’ was ranked 6th in the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film category. And, this was certainly a big achievement for Marathi films and maker of this film Sandeep Sawant.
Now, after 13 years Sandeep is returning with his 2nd film ‘Nadi Vahate‘ , which is all set to release on 22nd September 2017. Sandeep Sawant has really worked hard in making this film on this most relevant social subject. Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented film maker, to know more about his work.
Q: ‘Shwaas‘ was released in 2004 . So, it has taken almost 13 years for you to release your next film ‘Nadi Vahate‘ . Why it has taken so long ?
A: Though ‘Shwaas‘ was released in 2004, I remained busy with this film till 2006, because of film’s participation at different places and post release formalities. It was after that I focused on my favourite subject of ‘River’ and then began the work on extensive research, script on this subject, screenplay etc. to give this subject a perfect cinematic look. Then, it was the question of raising finance, as there are very few producers who come forward to make a film on such subjects. Finally, when myself and my wife Neeraja were ready with our budget, we actually began the work on this film.
Q.: Your wife Neeraja is also art director and costume designer of this film. So, her involvement in this film was from the very beginning. Isn’t it?
A: Yes, Neeraja’s actual involvement into the film started from the beginning, with research and other work.
Q: You have many new artistes in your film. How was their selection done?
A: All these artistes may be new to Marathi film audience, but they are very good artistes. We selected them, after holding several workshops at different places. Priority was given to those, who could speak with that particular accent required in the film. And, they have proved themselves worth.
Q: You completed ‘Shwaas‘ with total 30 shooting days. Did it take the same time for ‘Nadi Vahate‘ ?
A: It’s not the question of number of shooting days. The time period between the shooting schedule gets stretched over a period of time, according to different locations and other requirements. For ‘Nadi Vahate‘ it took me 11 months, as I had to capture different seasons to meet the requirement of my script.
Q: What is the major change you observed in last thirteen years, after you changed the tradition with your path breaking film ‘Shwaas‘ ?
A: Certainly, the quality of films has improved. Now, you find many new subjects attempted by new directors. But, there are very few producers coming forward to release such films on different sensible subjects.
Q: Now that your film is complete with distribution network, what is your strategy to promote this film?
A: We are visiting different places in various districts and holding sessions with shows and talking to people over there, about this film and importance of this subject. Then, there is continuous promotion on social networking sites like facebook and others. And, we are getting good response.
Feature films gives better scope to the character played by an artiste – Akshaya Hindalkar
Marathi Television has given scope to many new artistes. With four big channels presenting variety of Marathi serials, many newcomers are selected for suitable roles after auditions. But, not all of them take a big leap to find lead role in feature films. Akshaya Hindalkar made her presence felt through Marathi serial ‘Saraswati‘ on Colors channel. It did not matter much for her, though she was not playing the lead role. But, whenever she appeared on screen, she invited all the attention of home viewers, with her remarkable acting skills.
However, instead of remaining happy with her popularity among home viewers, Akshaya wanted to progress further, with her focus on big screen. Her wish was soon fulfilled, when she was selected for the lead role in forthcoming Marathi film ‘Rocky‘. And, this was certainly a big leap for a young artiste like her. Marathi Movie World spoke to Akshaya Hindalkar to know about her and her ambition. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: How did you get into acting filed?
A: I have not taken special training for acting, but since my childhood I am doing theatre. In children’s theatre, I have worked with my Guru Mr. Pednekar and have performed in his plays. When I thought of doing serials, I started giving auditions, so as to get the knowledge of facing camera. And, this helped me to find role in Colors Marathi’s serial ‘Saraswati‘. Later, I also directly gave audition for a Marathi film.
Q: Now that you are also selected to play lead role in forthcoming Marathi film ‘Rocky‘, how is the feeling ?
A: I am very happy. I had not expected that I would be selected for the lead role in this film. It was a big surprise for me. After hearing about my selection, I first asked my mother to get confirmation, whether I was really selected.
Q: Will you please tell us whether you enjoy working on television or in films?
A: Both these mediums offer different experience. In a TV serial, you keep performing the same character for years, while in films you get a chance to play variety of characters one film after the other. I feel that working in serial is a good source to earn money, but in films an artiste gets better scope for the character played. Frankly, I love to perform in films.
Q: What type of film is ‘Rocky‘ ?
A: It is a family drama with combination of love story and action. In short, it’s a package of full entertainment.
Q: What is your role in ‘Rocky‘ film?
A: I am playing the female lead role of Sanjana, who is in love with her hero but at the same time also loves her family. Sandeep Salve is playing the hero opposite me in this film.
Q: Who are the other artistes in this film?
A: Besides myself and Sandeep, there is a big team renowned artistes like Ashok Shinde, Yatin Karyekar, Kranti Redkar, Ganesh Yadav, Vineet Sharma, Swapnil Rajshekhar, Deepti Bhagwat and Rahul Dev.
Q: Tell us something about the story line of this film.
A: As I have said earlier, this is a family film with a love story filled with action. There is a twist in the climax. In short, this film is good entertainment package with a good story.
Working in Films is like exploring myself – Deepti Devi
Till last year, we knew her as popular television actress Deepti Shrikant Devi, who found place in the hearts of many television serial lovers, in Marathi as well as Hindi. But, ever since she changed her name to Deepti Devi, it has turned out to be lucky for her, to find lead roles in films.
Now, Deepti Devi has not only found a prominent lead role through this Marathi film ‘Conditions Apply’, but has also found a creative director like Girish Mohite to exploit her acting potential on big screen. Met Deepti during the press meet arranged by the makers of this film, to introduce the artistes of this film, besides unveiling the first look of the film. Dressed in white designer wear, she looked gorgeous with her charming smile, which added radiance to her slim and fit looks.
Excerpts from an exclusive interview :
Q: Tell us something about your educational background.
A: I have done my M.Com. and also done specialisation in graphic designing.
Q: How your specialisation in Graphic designing is helping you in your acting career ?
A: Well, it helps me in my creative thinking even in this field.
Q: We understand that this is a big opportunity for you in this film. Can we call this role of Radio Jockey, a major breakthrough in your acting career?
A: I wouldn’t say so, as it will be like giving a full stop to other characters played by me so far. Instead, I would say that it was a big opportunity for me, as far as the big screen is concerned. I would like to call it a turning point, which is more challenging.
Q: So, you feel that Films are going to help you a lot in exploiting your potential?
A: I feel that our Marathi films are known for good content, offering more scope for the artistes. Their visuals are strong and highly creative. In short, working in Films, is like exploring myself .
Q: How did you prepare yourself to play the character of Radio Jockey Swara Haldankar, in this film?
A: Actually, this type of role needs lot of energy and therefore it was more challenging to perform this character. Script was not given to me. The director wanted every reaction from me to come spontaneously. So, I used to hear RJ Shonali of Radio City, before preparing for this role; but, did not copy her.
Q: We understand that ‘Conditions Apply’ is also a love story of a young couple almost on the lines of the current trend set by few films released in the recent past. What do you think?
A: I feel that every writer or director has to convey his subject in a different way. When you watch this film, you will notice the difference.
Q: Do you yourself believe in ‘Live in relationship’ or ‘Proper Marriage’?
A: ‘Marriage’.
‘Phulpakharu’ has offered me a finest opportunity – Hruta Durgule
Today, every lead character of TV serial gets instant popularity. One such character is that of Vaidehi from the ongoing TV serial ‘Phulpakharu‘ on Zee Yuva channel. Hruta Durgule who plays this character was seen in the mega serial ‘Durva‘ on Star Pravah channel. Student of IES VN Sule Guruji English Medium School, Hruta Completed her bachelor’s degree of mass media in advertising from Ramnarain Reuia college.
In an exclusive interview to marathimovieworld, Hruta spoke about herself and her acting career.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: During your school and college days, were you associated with acting ?
A: “No”, but before entering acting, I had done an acting workshop with Madhur and Prabhul Sir.
Q: Then, how did you get into serials?
A: I had given audition for Producer Nitin Vaidya’s serial ‘Durva‘. Rasika Deodhar was the casting director. Those days, I was doing internship for the serial ‘Pudhcha Paul‘ where being a Mass media student, I had to work as assistant director. After getting selected in ‘Durva‘ I did 1164 episodes and later gave audition for ‘Phulpakharu‘ and got selected here.
Q: We are watching your character of Vaidehi in ‘Phulpakharu‘. But, tell us how is Hruta in real life?
A: Vaidehi is very strong and thinks very practically. But, Hruta is very emotional and is not so strong .
Q: How has been your journey so far, as a television actress?
A: Very nice. And, I am getting very good response. Basically, this is a good opportunity for me. My serial ‘Durva‘ achieved grand success. And, within two months I found this role in ‘Phulpakharu‘. In ‘Durva‘ I played a politician and in ‘Phulpakharu‘ I am playing the character of my age. Therefore, enjoying a lot.
Q: Tell us something about ‘Phulpakharu‘.
A: It’s a love story. The theme is different and suited to modern times. In this serial there are two love stories. One is about young lovers and the other is about a couple, 10 years after their marriage, picturised on artistes Prasad Oak and Purva. My character of Vaidehi is of a college girl, who is very strong and is an atheist. Having lost her mother, her relationship with her father, her grandfather and younger Her maturity level is very high. In short, this serial is a well presented love story, with emotional touch.
Q: Is there anything else, besides love story, in this serial?
A: Yes, there is a major twist in this serial. There is still long time for it. But, at present, I don’t want to reveal anything about it.
Q: What are your hobbies and how you spend your free time?
A: I take interest in dancing, driving , reading and calligraphy. I read English books and very fond of Chetan Bhagat’s stories. Love to watch English and Marathi films. I want to develop my Marathi. Ever since, I got this serial ‘Phulpakharu’ I have taken interest in poems too.
Q: Last but not the least, what is your career goal ?
A: As an actress, I would like to do Drama theatre.
“I am very excited to know viewers reaction on my performance”- Prajakta Mali
After playing a sober character in her previous serial ‘Julun Yeti Reshimgathi‘ , Prajakta Mali has now returned with her new serial ‘Naktichya Lagnala Yaicha Ha‘ in which she plays the central title role and the story of this serial revolves around her character.
While speaking about her role in this serial, Prajakta Mali says, “This role is totally different from my role in ‘Reshimgathi..’. It’s of different genre. Moreover, the difference is so much that if the previous role is called ‘Kashmir’, this one is ‘Kanyakumari’. And therefore, I am very excited to know the reactions of home viewers. Highlight of ‘Naktichya Lagnala Yaicha Ha‘ serial is that every week a celebrity will visit my place to see me and that’s a big surprise for the viewers“.
Speaking about the offers received by her, Prajakta Mali says, “Till now, I have only received offers to perform in family dramas. And, if I have to talk about this role, I would say that anybody would have accepted this role, as the concept is so good“. Prajakta Mali loves to perform in films. She has done two films recently, but the names of these films haven’t been announced yet. But, one of them directed by Prakash Kunte and Sachin Darekar will be released this year. Having performed on stage and television, Let’s hope that she too succeeds in films like Mukta Barve.