Category Archives: Interviews

Ila Bhate
Interviews

Success can be achieved through hard work and patience – Ila Bhate

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Twenty five years ago, she was running her own science laboratory in Mumbai after doing her graduation with Microbiology and acquiring a Post Graduate Diploma in Laboratory management. But, at that stage, she felt that she was not meant for this job. The glamorous field of acting invited her attention. And that’s how Ila Bhate turned an actress, with her first commercial appearance through Marathi play ‘Apradhi’. Today, she is the popular stage and TV actress. With the success of ongoing productions ‘U Turn’ and ‘Eka Lagnachi Doosri Goshta’, Ila has found the place in the heart of stage and Home TV lovers. Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented actress, who has devoted herself to the field of acting for a little more than 25 years now. Excerpts from the interview:

Ila BhateQ: Who encouraged you to take up career in acting ?
A: At a time, when I could not focus on my lab work; my husband realized that my attention was somewhere else. He had spotted the talent in me; during the debates, where I took active interest. With his support, I just tried my acting skills through Arun Johglekar’s marathi play ‘Apradhi‘.

Q: Was that your acting debut ?
A: yes, you may call it so; as I had never acted at professional level before that. Our entire team comprising of Pradeep Velankar, Sunil Shende, Ramakant Deshpande, Mohan Munge, Rajani Velankar and others were from our Vile parle area. I had a small role, but it was effective one. Soon after that in 1989, I had a role to play in a film ‘Vazir’ starring Ashwini Bhave, Vikram Gokhale & Ashok Saraf. In the year 2000, I made my debut on television through DD’s popular serial ‘Damini‘.

Q: In the recent past your play ‘U Turn’ has received a grand success. What you have to say about that ?
A: The success of ‘U Turn’ is its team work. Like the way, a good recipe is planned with proportionate ingredients for a tempting dish; the excellent team work worked in favour of this play. Actually, Anand Mhasvekar had very cleverly presented this subject based on friendship between two opposite sex people in the second half of the life. Mr. Govind Chavan dared to produce this play on a different subject and our theatre audience and critics welcomed it. I would say that the hard work put in by two of us and the technical team was supported by destiny, to attain success.

Q: According to you, how important is the timing and response of the co-artistes ?
A: I always try to attain comfort level with my co-artistes. Be it the mother-son, Husband-wife, Mother-daughter relationship; I am always at ease. It is always necessary to react with required expressions or body language, when the other artiste is delivering his or her dialogues. This helps in making the play or serial popular, with your indirect participation. I don’t perform for my own self; but for the effective presentation of that scene involving others in my presence. I have been fortunate to work with comfort, in the company of popular actors like Vikram Gokhale, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Mohan Joshi, Dr. Girish Oak, Ashok Saraf, Ramesh Bhatkar & Sanjay Mone,

Q: Do you think that training at acting workshops, help in building a career in this field?
A: I wouldn’t like to comment on acting workshops. According to me, acting needs to be in your blood; but, you need to brush up that talent. Success of Workshops will depend upon the capacity of the trainee. The purpose of attending the workshop should not be to attain quick results. There is a lot of hard work is required with patience, while learning other technical matters besides acting. Success will come, but a lot of word work and dedication is required for the same.

Q: Say something about your ongoing popular serial ‘Eka Lagnachi Doosri Goshta’ .?
A: Here again, it’s a good team work. Thanks to Shrirang Godbole, Chinmay Mandlekar and Rajiv Patil, the people behind the screen. But, I would specially like to mention about Lata Ravindra, who has penned the dialogues. Each one of us is so much involved with this serial that we enjoy every moment during the shooting. And that is the success story of this serial.

Q: Among the recently released Marathi films, which one in particular, invited your attention?
A: I like the film ‘Kaksparsha’. It is a well presented film, which takes you almost into that era of pre independence. It has a story, which is serious with tragic end; but that was necessary to respect the original story. All the artistes have given their best performances. The other two films, which have invited my attention are ‘Masala’ and ‘Khel Mandala’; but I have yet to watch them.

Hemalata Bane
Interviews

My selection for ‘Lavu Ka Lath’ was itself a memorable moment – Hemlata Bane

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The release of new Marathi film ‘Lavu Ka Lath’ has brought into limelight a talented actress Hemalata Bane. Hemalata is not new to Marathi entertainment industry, as she has already performed in few Marathi films, as a dancer, performing item numbers or as a character artiste. Her selection for the lead role in this film was purely luck. But, in the lead role of Surekha the Lavani performer, she has proved that her selection for this role was a perfect choice. Marathi Movie world had a chit chat with this talented actress. Excerpts from the discussion:
Q: Today is the biggest day in your life. YouHemalata Baner first film in the lead role, is releasing today. How do you react ?
A: Yes, ‘Lavu ka Lath’ is a big film for me. But, before that I did perform in the lead. However, those were small budget films and went unnoticed. In fact, the day I was selected for this film, itself was a big day in my life. Now, it all remains to be seen, how the audience will approve my performance.

Q: Tell us, how it all happened ?
A: Actually I had worked with Mr. Vijay Patkar before, in a Shemaroo company produced play ‘Hawaldar Bhola Baikovar Dola’. So, he was well aware of my acting and dancing skills. In fact, during the making of ‘Chashme Bahadur’ I had approached him. But, at that time, he suggested me that I was very thin . When he was all set to make this film, I was told about it by Narendra Panditji, who was associated with him. Further, I also had the advantage of knowing the writer of this film Rajesh Bamugade . further, Mahesh Muley also recommended my name. I even knew that the leading lady was finalized for this film. Yet, I contacted Mr. Vijay Patkar, who called me at Santacruz studio, where the other co-producers were also present. After speaking to me, he suggested me to go to Ghatkoper to try out dresses at the fashion designer’s place. Soon after that, he informed me that I was selected to play lead role in this film. That was a great news!

Q: How hard have you worked in this industry, to make a career in acting ?
A: I have been learning dance since my 7th standard, while I was studying in Shree Bal Govind Vidyalay , Andheri. When I was studying in 11th class, I started performing shows with Avinash Hande’s group. Soon, I realized that I needed to brush up my skills and later joined Maya Jadhav for advance training. I continued with her for little more than 3 years. She is still my Guru. Later, I did many video albums like ‘Retiwala’ and others for Krunal Music Co. As regards feature films, I first began with ‘Aamhi Satpute’ and later performed few character roles. Also performed an item number in ‘Tata Birla aani Laila’. My dancing skills were noticed by many, through my performance in ‘Ekapeksha Ek’.

Q: Wishing you a bright future in this field.
A: Thank you very much.

Interviews

“Tomorrow is a big day for me”- Hemant Dhome

Few years ago, he was in UK doing his Masters in ‘Wild Life Conservation’. The feeling of loneliness brought him back to India and he really started thinking seriously about ‘acting’ as his career. Hemant Dhome was not new to this field, as he had performed at the Inter collegiate level before, while he studied in Garware College, Pune.
Besides acting, Hemant was also passionate about writing. His association with friends like Sameer Vidhwans and Kshitij Patwardhan, prompted him to do a play ‘Nava Gadee Nave Rajya’ which became a hit within six months of its release and won many awards. Hemant was also adjudged the best supporting actor, for his wonderful performance in this play, which also brought him into limelight. It may be recalled that Hemant was also part of the film ‘Kshanbhar Vishranti’ where he not only played the role of one of the four friends, but was also involved into screenplay writing of this film along with Sachit Patil, who directed this film, besides acting. Hemant was also part of writing, for the film ‘Satarangee Re’.

Now, we find him in the lead role in Gautam Joglekar’s new film ‘Jai jai Maharashtra Majha’ opposite Anusha Dandekar. The film is all set for release on Friday.

25th May all over Maharashtra. Marathi Movie world spoke to Hemant, a day before the release of this film. Excerpts from an interview:
Hemant Dhome
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Q: First of all, hearty Congratulations! We heard the good news of your marriage to Kshiti, who also belongs to your field.
A: Oh! Thanks a lot.

Q: So, how do you feel today, Hemant ? Tomorrow , your film ‘Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha’ is all set for release.
A: I am excited. But, at the same time, I am little nervous, thinking, as to how the audience would respond to my performance. It is a big project of Gautam dada and I am glad to be a part of this film, that too in the lead role.

Q: Tell us, how you got selected for this role ? Did you know Gautam Joglekar before?
A: Yes, I knew Gautam Joglekar for the past four –five years. To tell you about my selection, one day I received a phone call from Gautam da, asking me where I was. That day, I was in Pune. He asked me to immediately come to Mumbai. When I met him, he narrated me the script in brief and offered me this role. I was thrilled, as it was not only a lead role, but was a challenging role.
Q: How was your experience, working in this film ?
A: Oh! It was a great experience working with a director like Gautam and other artistes. Siddharth has been a good friend, but it was a pleasure working with senior artistes like Mahesh Manjrekar and Mrinal Kulkarni. Even Anusha has done very well. It was a good team work.

Q: We did watch you promoting this film on television, offering Anusha her favourite dish ‘Varan-Bhaat’ ( Rice and Curry) . But, which is your favourite dish ?
A: I too prefer home made food, be it simple Chapati and home made vegetable and Varan-Bhaat made by my mother; I just love it. But, I also enjoy Non-Veg food, occasionally. I also love to cook the food, with my own recipe.

Q: You are also a good cook. Isn’t it?
A: I had to learn cooking on my own, while I was doing my Masters in UK. While you are away and lonely, you get into this habit of cooking, to avoid outside food.

Q: Now that you have found your better half in Kshiti, who is also from your field of acting; tell us, how it all happened?
A: Kshiti had watched my performance in ‘Nava Gadee Nave Rajya’ and since then she approved me. Later, when we did the play ‘Saavdhaan Shubhamangal’, it brought us more closer, only to help our ‘Shubhamangal’ happen in real life.

Q: Now, you are a full time actor and also a writer. How do you look at Marathi cinema?
A: In Marathi cinema, ‘script is the hero’. Stronger the script, better and effective the presentation.

Q: You are not associated with television serials, but you were part of the entertainment show- ‘Fu Bai Fu’. Did you consider performing in such show, more challenging?
A: Yes, in such shows, you can offer variety. There is a good scope to test your ability.

Q: After the release of ‘JJMM’, do you have other projects ?
A : Yes, there are two films in pipeline. I am associated with their script too.

Q: Okay Hemant. Tomorrow is a big day for you. We wish you all the best.
A: Oh! Thanks a lot.

Interviews

“Talent, attitude and PR should go together to attain success”- Magesh Desai

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After the release of latest Marathi film ‘Khel Mandala’, Mangesh Desai has shot into limelight. For the past 17 years, he has been struggling to establish his identity as an actor. Only last year, he established himself as a comedian, through a TV reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’ on Zee Marathi channel. With rich experience of stage and television, Mangesh did enter Marathi films few years ago, but he was branded as a comedian. Now, the character of Dasu, he played in ‘Khel Mandala’ has made a big difference to a committed actor within him. Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented actor. Excerpts from the interview:

Q: Today, you are a recognized actor; but, when exactly you realized that you could make a career in acting ?
A: Actually, I took this decision, while I was studying in 12th standard. At that time, I had won the Best actor’s award in the preliminary rounds of Purshottam Shield, held in Aurangabad. But, since my father insisted that I should first complete my graduation, I obliged him and came to Mumbai after that to make a career in this field.

Q: Did you struggle those days?
A: Yes, there was struggle initially. But, when you jump into the sea, you have to swim according the flow of water.

Q: For the past how many years you are swimming in this sea; I mean into this profession and how has been the experience?
A: I have completed 17 years in this field; during which period I have performed in 10 Dramas. The most popular was ‘Jaoo bai Joraat’. Thereafter, I did many TV serials, but those which are still fresh in my memory are ‘Political’, ‘Vasudha’, ‘Sanj Savlya‘, ‘Oon Paus’and ‘Avantika‘. Then, it was
‘Fu Bai Fu’, followed by more films. I have done about 42 films since 2004, out of which in 24 films, I have played lead roles. In other films, though I played character roles, they were all important, like the ones played in ‘Huppa Huiyya’ and ‘Topi Ghala Re’.

Q: Tell us something about ‘Khel Mandala’.
A: I started working on this film in 2010. At that time, myself and Viju Mane were doing another film. He felt that instead of comedy, I should perform a serious role. When he decided to make ‘Khel Mandala’, and narrated the script to me; he had no other hero in his mind, besides me. He told me clearly that for 2 and half months I should not be working on any other project and I agreed to it, as I felt that it was the best role offered to me so far. The kind of feedback I received after the release of the film from people was, “It was so natural!”.

Q: What are the projects in hand at present ?
A: At present I am busy working in a film, to which I had committed long back. It’s a political satire. It’s the story revolving around two Village Sarpanch. I am one of them and Resham Tipnis plays the other. There are also other popular stars like Santosh Juvekar & Neha Pendse.

Q: Where are you more comfortable. Playing comedy or serious roles?
A: Playing comedy is difficult. Because, you have to keep in mind several things like perfect timing and not to overdo the act. Even performing serious roles is equally difficult, to ensure that it does not become a melodrama. It is very important to see that the audience is totally engaged into the act performed. I am more comfortable with serious kind of roles.

Q: To enter this profession and then survive here, what you consider the most important ? Talent or Good public relations ?
A: First of all, the most important requirement is talent. But, if you can combine it well with your attitude and PR, it works better. Other important thing is destiny. If, destiny is not in your favour, nothing is possible.

Kavita Lad
Interviews

I wish, I were part of films like ‘Shala’ and ‘Deool’ – Kavita Lad Medhekar

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For the past ten years, kavita has been associated with a marathon serial ‘Char divas Sasuche’ on E-tv. In the recent past, she also hosted a popular reality show ‘Jodi Jamali Re’ on Star Pravah, besides presenting a popular cookery show ‘Mejwani’. Recently, Kavita also made her presence felt through films like ‘Sukhaant’ , ‘Anolkhi Hey Ghar Majhe’ and a suspense serial ‘Kashala Udyachi Baat’. At present, she plays the mother of little Yamuna alias Ramabai in the period serial ‘Unch Majha Jhoka’ based on the life of social reformer Mahadeo Govind Ranade who marries little Yamuna.

Kavita LadMarathi Movie World spoke to kavita Lad Medhekar, to know more about her present activities and past projects. And the versatile actress known for her good PR, immediately found time to speak to us. Excerpts from an interview:

Q: Having worked with so many great personalities from Marathi entertainment industry, how do you look at those Golden moments, at the beginning of your career ?
A: I have been actively associated with acting since my college days. It was a passion that drove me to this field. I began with stage plays and got my first professional assignment through ‘Sundar Mee Honar’ Luckily for me, I found all good people to encourage me and help me find suitable roles. Working with people like Dr. Shreeram Lagoo, Dr. Girish Oak, Mr. Purushottam Berde, Vandana Gupte, Prashant Damle was a great experience. I could learn so many things from them. From Dr. Lagoo, I learned punctuality. He always used to be ready before the second bell of the drama. Prashant Damle with whom I did about 1700- 1800 shows, influenced me with his versatility. It is very difficult to name all, but whoever I worked with, had something special in them.

Q: Your TV serial ‘Char Divas Sasuche’ has completed 10 years. How do you react to this success? Have you come across anyone, who has been a great admirer of this serial ?
A: Yes, it’s a great achievement. Working on the sets of this serial, has been almost like meeting people from my extended family. I have noticed the same kind of enthusiasm on the face of Ms. Rohini Hattangadi, as I had seen at the beginning of this serial. Being a senior and most experienced actress, she certainly inspires all of us. Now, as regards popularity of the serial, unfortunately no one known to me has complimented for the success of this serial; but when I visited the district places like Kolhapur and Satara, I came across the regular viewers of this serial, who complimented me personally. This indicated that people from district places in Maharashtra are more fond of this serial.

Q: Today, we find a big change coming in Marathi films, with new subjects. Since, you have been in this industry for past so many years, how do you view this change?
A: I am really happy to note this change and also proud to be part of this industry. I am highly impressed by the subjects handled in films like ‘Shala’ and ‘Deool’. I only wish that I were part of these films.

Q: You have already had to your share films like ‘Sukhant’ and ‘Anolkhi Hey Ghar Majhe’ in the recent past. How do you react to your performance ?
A: I would say that performance wise, in ‘Anolkhi Hey Ghar Majhe’ I had a better role. I was told about the script, which was a remake of Bollywood film ‘Sansaar’; but, since it was closely connected to our Maharashtrian culture and family values, I enjoyed doing that most important character in the film, who plays a key role to bring the joint family together.

Q: You also presented a cookery show and anchored a reality show ‘Jodi Jamli Re’. How was that experience? Were you able to match any pairs?
A: Both the shows were presented by me, as I enjoyed playing the host. It’s a great pleasure, learning new dishes. As regards the match making show, we succeeded in matching two pairs . You can call it the success of this programme.

Q: Do you yourself believe in such arranged marriages with horoscope matching ?
A: No, not really!

Q.: So, you are of the opinion that in love marriages, one need not see horoscopes ?
A: Yes, I agree.

Q: You have also played the character of Revati a middle aged woman in the suspense serial ‘Kashala Udyachi Baat’, where her characteristics and past history matches with the horoscope of a young college going girl . Did you yourself, believed in such happenings?
A: No, not at all. I only looked at the script as a fiction.

Q.: Today, we find you playing little Yamuna alias Rama’s mother in the serial ‘Unch majha Jhoka’. But, you were not seen during her marriage scene. What was the reason?
A: This was as per the script. The mother didn’t attend the marriage of her daughter. She meets her daughter later. There was no other reason for my absence. In fact, I was told about it earlier, when I was signed to play for first 50 episodes.

Q: Whom you would like to thank for helping you in your career?
A: There is not one person, who helped me or encouraged me. All those with whom I worked, have been good to me and encouraged me from time to time. I have already mentioned about them. Now, I take this opportunity to thank them all.

Sai Lokur
Interviews

“I would love to work in more and more good films” – Sai Lokur

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Born on 5th September 1989 in Belgaum, Sai Lokur completed her school education from Divine Providence High School and later finished her Jr. College from Gogate College of Commerce. It was after that she decided to take up career in acting and shifted to Mumbai, so that she could also complete her graduation from Ruparel College. Sai paid attention to her studies and acting simultaneously, as per her mother’s advice. Incidentally, Sai’s mother Veena Lokur is a producer- director of Marathi films.

Sai LokurSai’s father is into poultry business and is busy marketing the eggs in South India, with Belgaum as his headquarters. Her mother keeps on shuttling between Belgaum and Mumbai for her work, while Sai lives with her sister, in Mumbai. Sai made her debut in Marathi films, through her mother’s own production ‘Platform’ and invited the attention of the audience with her fresh charming looks. Tall, slim, fit and young, she is sure to be the choice of many film and TV serial makers; but, Sai has been choosy about her roles. She wants to perform in more and more Marathi films, with good subjects. Marathi Movie World spoke to this glamorous actress, to know more about her journey from Belgaum to Mumbai.

Q: When you actually felt that you should make a career in acting ?
A: During my childhood, I always used to accompany my mother to various stage shows she produced and directed along with her team. Her production company took part in many state level competitions. Whenever, I were not performing on stage, I used to be at backstage, assisting the technical team for music or light effects. Somehow, I always wanted to be a part of the play. When I was in 3rd standard, I had performed the role of Shivaji during his childhood, in the play ‘Raigadala Jenvha Jaag Yete’. This play was performed all over Maharashtra and my role was also appreciated. It was during this time, I had decided to take up acting as career.

Q: And, what you have to say about your entry into films?
A: Acting in films was also not new to me. When I was in 7th standard, I performed in a Bollywood film ‘Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum kahen’ followed by a role in reputed film maker Sai Paranjape’s film ‘Pakada Gaya’. Thereafter, while I was studying in 10th class, I played a role in my Mother’s own film ‘Mission Champion’, which had won many awards. In all these three films, I played a child artiste. As an actress, I made my debut through ‘Platform’, which was directed by my mother. In fact, I would say that my mother has been instrumental in opening doors of acting for me.

Q: How do you assess your performance so far ?
A: In ‘Platform’ I played an 18 year old girl in the first half and in the second half played a 38 year old woman. Then it was ‘Parambi’, where I played a village girl, with a difference. After these two films, I played the role of a Judge, in E-tv’s reality show ‘Perfect Bachelor’ and it was a good experience.

Asmita Joglekar, Actress
Interviews

Asmita Joglekar

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Asmita Joglekar, Actress
Child star Asmita Joglekar was in seventh heaven, when she faced the press in the company of big stars like Jitendra, Ekta Kapoor, Sachin Khedekar, Niraj Pande and others during the Press conference of Ektaa Kapoor’s first Marathi film ‘Taryanche Bait’. This school kid from Pune’s Sinhagad Spring Dale Public School, was a bit nervous in the presence of her first public appearance, but watching her scenes in the film’s clippings shown on that day, it indicated that she was a talented girl.

Asmita plays the role of Meera, who is the daughter of Shree played by Sachin Khedekar in this film. Her mother’s role is played by Ashwini Giri, while her brother is played by Ishaan Tambe in this film. Asmita was very eager to meet Ektaa Kapoor on this day, as she had not
met her before. The film’s director Mr. Kiran Yadnyopavit was all praise for this Pune girl, for her performance. Asmita recollected all her happy memories during the shooting period. “I attended the shooting during vacation and we all had a great fun while shooting an actual village location and I only wish that we go back to the same place again,” she said. MarathiMovieWorld also captured a video of chit chat with Asmita on this occasion, to boost the morale of this child star, who was sitting quietly in one corner.

Jitendra Joshi
Interviews

Jitendra Joshi – An Electrician turned Actor

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Jitendra has already made his presence felt through his roles in recent films like ‘Guldasta’, ‘Shala’ and ‘Zhakaas’. Now, his two forthcoming films, namely ‘Matter’ and ‘Tukaram’ are all set for release shortly. He is also working in few more film projects. Marathi Movie World spoke to this multi talented personality. Excerpts from an interview:

Jitendra JoshiQ: How was life, prior to entering this acting field ?
A: Prior to acting, as a youngster I have done lots of hard work expected from any active young boy; like distributing the newspapers and working in a shop. Basically, I am an electrician and during my young days used to run the shop of my uncle.

Q: When exactly you felt that you could become an actor ?
A: One day, while I was in my Uncle’s shop, my teacher Mr. Pardeshi spotted me there. He suggested me that I was at a wrong place. He indicated that my place was in theatre, as according to him, I was good at acting. But, that time, I didn’t know what exactly was required to be done, to become an actor. Later, when I shifted to Pune, I watched some one act plays and dramas. Watching the performances of Subodh Bhave and Lokesh Gupte, inspired me. I joined Satish Tare and Sunil Tare’s group as music operator. One day, in absence of one artist , I was asked to play his role. Mr. Mohan Wagh, who saw me in that role, selected me for his play ‘Three Cheers’ and I landed in Mumbai.

Q: But, how did you turn a lyricist ?
A: I don’t exactly remember, when I took interest in writing. May be, after I shifted to Mumbai. It happened, because of the encouragement from my family and friends. I have done very limited writing. Till now, I have written songs for films like ‘Bokya Satbande’ , ‘Jatra’, ‘Virrudh’ ( Hindi) and ‘Striker’ ( Hindi). Even for the film ‘Matter‘, I have penned one song ‘Bada bada bananeka….’ and even rendered my voice to this song in the company of my co artistes Santosh Juvekar, Sushant Shelar and Music director Abhijit Kavthekar.

Q: You are one of the four heroes in the film ‘Matter‘ . Tell us something about this film.
A: About this film, I would only say that we generally see the happenings in the life of the characters. But, what’s life all about and under what circumstances the characters live their life; ‘Matter’ takes a close look at it. It’s a story of four friends and their struggle in life.

Q: What do you have to say about your much talked about film ‘Tukaram‘ ?
A: Now, everyone knows about this famous saint. All I can say is that I am playing this central character in the film.

Interviews

Aditya Sarpotdar – Bringing that desired change in Marathi

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Aditya Sarpotdar is a young film maker, who is trying bring that quality change into Marathi films; with improvisation on technical aspects to make it look like any standard Bollywood film. His latest film ‘Satrangi Re’ is the best example of his work. Marathi Movie World spoke to Aditya Sarpotdar on the eve of his film’s release. Excerpts from his interview:

Q: How did you opt for direction ?
A: I have done my M.Com. from Symbiosis College, Pune. But, while I was studying my 11th , I did a short course in Film making from Pune’s FTII. Thereafter in Jr College, I did a short film in English, which was sent for International film festivals. Those days, I used to assist my father in direction. I also made 10-12 ad films later. After completing my college education, I joined ETV at Hyderabad and worked as a producer there. But, when I returned from there, I began my work on ‘Uladhaal’, which was my first independent film. This was possible because of the encouraging atmosphere at home.

Tejaa Devkar
Q Watching the promos of ‘Satrangi Re’ indicates that it’s a polished film like ‘Uladhaal’. What do you have to say ?
A: Basically, my background is from ad films. Therefore, when my Marathi film is released in a multiplex, I feel that there are other screens at the same place showing Hindi and English films with good production quality. Therefore, I decided to pay more attention on technical areas of my film. Whatever may be the subject, but I didn’t want my film to be falling short in these areas of post production. Highlight of the film is that we have engaged the colorist Mr. Rob Lang, who is an expert in DI . This is his first Marathi film and before that he worked for Bollywood films like ‘Bodyguard’ and ‘Aarakshan’. We have used the best technical support, which makes a big difference.

Q: How did you manage the shooting schedule and how the locations were finalized?
A: Right from the days of script writing, we were thinking about Goa, to be an ideal location for the film’s script. We needed a backdrop of an urban touch, with youth passionate about music. And, Goa was the right place, with sizable Maharashtrian population. Having planned a 32 days schedule, it wasn’t possible to complete the entire shooting there. So, we planned outdoor shooting there and the indoors at Pune and Mumbai. But, you will not notice that change, while watching the film.

Q: How did you select the artistes ?
A: While casting, we had in mind that the artistes should look like real collegians and felt that Adinath, Siddharth and Bhushan, who were recognized faces would have a finest opportunity to prove themselves as natural actors through this film. To select an artist to play a real musician, we opted for Saumeel Shrungarpure, who is the nephew of Shankar Mahadevan and actually plays music in his team. This is his debut film as an actor. The other artistes had to undergo special training for three to four months and then we began the shooting. To say something about casting Pooja and Amruta, we felt that they were popular and well connected with youth and we also needed new fresh pairs.

Q: Would you like to share any particular incidence which took place, during the shooting ?
A: Oh, sure. This being a young team, they really had a great time during the shooting. This enabled them to have a fine tuning for their ‘on screen’ chemistry. One incidence that I can’t forget was when Adinath was shooting for a scene on a Scooter . We were shooting long shots, when suddenly he had head on collusion against a vehicle. We thought, he had major injury and may have to go for replacement. But, luckily, he survived with minor bruises .The next day, he removed his bandage and started shooting. Since the camera was rolling during this shot, we have retained it in scroll on. at the end of the film.

Q : Tell us, why should people watch ‘Satrangi Re’ ?
A: People from all age group should see this film, because it is not a youth film; but, it talks about the tuning between parents and their children. When the children complete their graduation, a time comes when they have to decide their future. At this juncture, parents have their own dreams about their child, while the child wants to pursue his passion. At this stage, what the parents should do ? So, from parents point of view, we have also paid more attention. In Marathi we have less youth films, compared to Bollywood and regional films. Therefore, we tried this experiment . And, to see that, people should watch this film.

Interviews

‘Golaberij’ is a story, not a history – Kshitij Zarapkar

kshitij-zarapkar-interview-image

You never know, what destiny has in store you. Otherwise, an Electrical Engineer with MBA (Finance) from USA, would never be trying his luck in Marathi film industry. Kshitij Zarapkar was well settled with his job in USA, till he came back to India few years ago, to stage his own drama group’s play ‘Sundara Manamadhye Bharali’ here in India. And, he became a part of this Marathi entertainment industry. Thereafter, he performed in 5 dramas and about 30-35 serials. Kshitij came into limelight as an actor with the show “Ghadlay Bighadlay’.

Today, Kshitij is in news for his new Marathi film ‘Golaberij’, based on the life and stories of P.L. Deshpande, noted Marathi writer known for his humour. This is the fifth film, Khsitij is associated with; and besides writing the screenplay, he is also directing this film. Prior to this, Khitij had written the story of ‘Ishya’, “Ideachi Kalpana’, ‘Karuya Udyachi Baat ( which he also directed), and ‘Thenga’( a commercial film, yet to be released).

Kshitij Zarapkar
For the past three and a half years, Kshitij was into extensive research, seriously planning to stage a play based on the incidences in the life of P.L. Deshpande. All that he wanted to present was some humour associated with people around P.L. and the important Characters created by him, through different stories. But, when the play could not be presented, Kshitij tried to use this collection, to make a film. When he found a producer, Kshitij really became serious about the project and completed this film, which is now ready for release. Today, he is all excited about this film, which has some popular names playing some important characters, either associated with Mr. P.L. Deshpande or part of his stories. But, he has opted for Nikhil Ratnaparakhi, a talented actor to play the role of Mr. P.L Deshpande, as he perfectly fitted into all his requirements.

“Golaberij’ is neither a documentary nor a biopic. It is a story and not a history,” says Kshitij, when you ask him as to what exactly he has presented through his film. But, he has certainly generated a lot of interest through his film. The last time he tried his hands at ‘karuya Udyachi Baat’ a sensible film, which was the first film in the world on the issue of Global warming; but, couldn’t receive much success. When you ask Kshitij, the reason for the same, he blames the producer, who according to him did not promote the film properly, prior to its release.

Highlight of ‘Golaberij’, are the dialogues. Though the screenplay is written by Kshitij himself, he has taken special efforts to retain the original dialogues of P.L. Deshpande, in the script, giving due credit to the great writer. “ While seeking the permission to make this film on his stories, Sunitaji was particular about retaining originality and therefore, I made it a point to use even the comas and full stops in the dialogues,” says Kshitij.

“ Making a film on P.L. Deshpande and the people around him including some of his popular story characters, was itself a challenging job. But, I have worked very hard to present this story in a cinematic form, which I am sure will be appreciated by people from all age groups,” he concludes.