Category Archives: Interviews

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Tejaa Deokar- From dancing to acting

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Tejaa Deokar is a familiar name in Marathi entertainment, with many popular serials and films to her credit. She has her background with classical dancing and therefore, today we see her in the popular dance reality show on television. Marathi Movie World spoke to Tejaa, to know more about her background and present career in acting. Excerpts from the interview:

Q: When did you realize that you possess dancing talent ?
A: To be very honest, no one in my family or ancestors were into acting. My father felt that I would become a Pilot. One day during early hours of the morning, I woke up only to declare that I was not interested in becoming a Pilot. Instead, I expressed my desire to be a dancer. To my surprise, father supported my wish. Thereafter, I received good support from my parents. They always told me that I should not regret my decision.

Tejaa Devkar
Q: Then, how did you get into acting ?
A: During my first year in college and that too around the time of my final exams, I received an offer for a film. It so happened that a little before that the producer and director of this film, had seen my dance performance in Pune. They felt that I was suited for the role, though my mother had a doubt, whether I knew acting. But, the producer and director were confident about me. But, unfortunately, this film which was my stepping stone into acting was never released. But, it helped me to find roles in films. For the first 4 -5 films, I was never serious about making a career in acting, as I was serious about my studies.
But when I completed my third year, I realized that whatever was happening to me in acting was good and hence took up this profession seriously.

Q: How have you progressed so far ?
A: I have done 32 films, out of which 30 have been released and 1 film as I said earlier, could not be released; but one film is now due for release. On television, I have done 4 daily soaps. My first serial was Star Pravah’s ‘Kulaswamini’, followed by ‘Ek Junjh Vaadalashi’ and ‘Maaylek’ ( both for E-TV) and then it was ‘Vrindavan’ on Mi marathi channel. I have also done few serials for DD Sahyadri and one for DD national i.e. Koi Toh Hoga Apna’. Thereafter, I had taken a break for films but later was back to television.

Q: Tell us something about your new TV show ‘Dholakichya Talawar’.
A: This dance show is based on Lavani, where one has to perform various forms of Lavani. I have reached among the top six contestants, after few of us returned through the callback.

Q: What do you feel about this callback process?
A: Callback for me is like a short cut. It means that you are out in the 1st or 2nd episode, and then return to be among final 5 or 4. I myself don’t appreciate this method, but I don’t oppose it; because in almost all reality shows there is this callback process. Every show has some technicalities and it is better that I don’t talk much on it. The director and programme producers have an authority to decide and we shouldn’t interfere there. Our job is to perform and entertain.

Q: Why did you opt for this show ‘Dholakichya Talawar’ ?
A: In the past, I had done roles in films and serials, where I had to play serious roles and had to shed tears most of the time. May be, I consumed a lot of Glycerin for that. But, I had a tag of dancer with me and was identified few years ago as a dancer. Therefore, I felt that my dancing skills be also known to audience, through this show. Even the show anchor Subodh once pointed out during the show, stating whether I could smile? And, I told him, “This is real Tejaa, who likes to be cheerful.” Actually, I needed a change and hence this show.

Santosh Juvekar, Actor

Santosh Juvekar – The angry young man of Marathi cinema

The so called angry young man of Marathi films, Santosh Juvekar is in limelight today. At the beginning of the new year, he had two simultaneous releases and now by end of the first month, we saw two more releases simultaneously. In short, January 2012 was his month. His TV serial ‘Veig’ which is in its second run, is also inviting attention on Saam TV.
Marathi Movie World spoke to Santosh Juvekar, to know more about his acting career. Excerpts from an interview:

Santosh Juvekar, ActorQ: When your acting career really took off ?
A: 8 years ago, I stepped into this profession with my debut in Marathi play ‘Aani Makarand Rajadhyaksha’. It was based on the real life incidences in the life of an actor Makarand Rajadhyaksha. At one stage during his downfall, a youngster- Naren Deshmukh comes to his rescue. I played the role of Naren Deshmukh. Having been associated with this play and well known artistes like Vikram Gokhale & Narayan Jadhav boosted my confidence. It was a great experience. The play was directed by Dilip Kolhatkar and presented by Lata Narvekar’s Chintamani Group.

Q: But, after that you shifted to Television or films ?
A: I shifted to TV serials and made my debut through ‘Police Panch’ followed by ‘Ya Gojirvanya Gharaat’,  through which I reached every house of Marathi serial lovers. ‘Vadalwaat’, ‘Oon Paus’, ‘Kimayagar’ are some of the serials I was associated with, when I received offers from Marathi films.

Q: Which was your first marathi film ?
A: My first Marathi film was ‘Blind Game’ made by Rajiv Patil.

Q: How was year 2011 for you ?
A: Very fine. I had an opportunity to play different kind of good roles through films like ‘Jhenda’, ‘Morya’, ‘Fakta Ladh Mhana’, ‘Sharyat’ & ‘Ringa Ringa’. The biggest satisfaction was getting a chance to work in Mahesh Manjrekar’s banner. Each film had presented me in different characters and hence could get an opportunity to offer variety.

Q: What do you have to say about your recently released films ?
A: In the beginning of the year my two films ‘Shala’ and ‘Gol Gol Dabyatla’ were released and now last week two more films: ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ’31 December’ have been released.  In ‘Shala’  a schoolmaster- Manjrekar. The film is based on Milind Bokil’s popular novel and Sujay Dahake, a young intelligent director has made this wonderful film. Actually, I had read this novel 7-8 times and was very eager to be part of this film. It was a good experience to work with him. He is one of my favourite directors. ‘Gol Gol Dabyatla’ is a tale of a poor father and his ambitious son, who keeps his parents away after moving to city. It’s about the conflict between father and son. In ‘Jana Gana Mana’, I play the character of Dagadu- an Adivasi and in ’31December’ I play a Naxalite who revolts against the system.

Q: What about your future projects ?
A: My two films ‘Matter’ and ‘Tendulkar Out’ will be released soon. ‘Matter’ is based on a Gangster. It’s about the journey of four friends on a wrong path and how they face the happenings in their life. ‘Tendulkar Out’ is a story of three friends and I play the character of Nair. These friends take a decision, which lands them into a problem.

Q: You have also tried singing in film ‘Matter’. How was that experience?
A: Yes, there is a song ‘Benchik’ which I have rendered along with Jitendra and Sushant. It was my first song and let’s see how audience react to it.

Q: But, are you really fond of singing?
A: I like to listen to songs. But, I am not a singer. I wouldn’t dare to sing again. However, if the situation demands, I would work hard and try to give my best.

Sachit Patil, Actor

Chit chat with Sachit Patil

Sachit Patil, ActorQ: Why did you opt for a career in acting ?
A: Since my childhood, I was interested in acting. It was only because of Ms. Sudha Karmarkar, I had an opportunity to watch various performances. Later, when I joined Ruparel College, I came across Chetan Datar who introduced me to the right person Mr. Satyadev Dube. Since then, my life changed. I made up my mind to focus on acting as a career.

Q: What made you shift to direction ?
A: While in Ruparel College I used to write and direct one act plays. I am glad to share with you that the plays in which Siddharth Jadhav, Madhura Velankar, Meghana Erande and Priyadarshan Jadhav performed for the first time, were directed by me. Direction being the part of the same medium of acting, I got closely involved into it. Then, I decided to write and direct at least one film in a year and act in 2-3 films a year. Whenever I am into direction, then right from sound recording till the distribution, I am totally involved in that film.

Q: ‘Sade Made Teen’ was the first film directed by you along with Ankush, which turned out to be a hit. What do you have to say about that success?
A: In fact, it was because of the film ‘Shwaas’, Marathi films could take a fresh breath. Moreover, I was fortunate enough to find Zee talkies, who marketed this film well. Actually, I would attribute the success of this film to Zee talkies.

Q: While directing your first film, how was your experience with AshokMama ?
A: Nice! Very Nice! We all grew up watching his films and even today we are watching his films again and again. Any newcomer tries to learn something from a complete actor like him. When myself and Ankush approached him with our presentation, he hugged me after going through the same. After Sachin Pilgaonkar, it is for the first time, I have come across such a neat presentation, he said. This was a biggest compliment to us. We consider ourselves lucky for getting an opportunity to work with him. He was very co-operative during shoot. We had a great time in his company.

Q: In your latest released film, you have performed a multi-task, involving yourself in script and direction besides acting. Tell us something about this experience.
A: After watching my work in ‘Sade Made Teen’ many people suggested me to do a film for youngsters and also insisted on fresh faces. Now, when you make a film, a hero should look like a real hero and the heroine should be glamorous. So, I decided to make ‘Kshanbhar Vishranti’. The film presents four pairs. Having been influenced with Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s light humor, I focused my attention to make it a family entertainer. I am sure, I did my job well.

Q: How do you direct an actor within you ?
A: Whenever you are directing besides acting, then it is necessary to look at yourself as a third person. When I face the camera, I am an actor but when I see its recording, then I have to judge the same from a director’s point of view. In short, I try to give my best in both the roles.

Q: Few years ago, we saw you in Bollywood films. How was your experience there. Can we see you again in Bollywood ?
A: Yes, I have done two Bollywood films in the past and learned one thing that a good script, good artistes and best director may not necessarily work towards the success of a film. Over there, you need a big banner and extensive marketing. The film I was part of, could not even find a theatre in Mumbai, in spite of having a good script. Therefore, I decided to act only in big banner films with a suitable role. After ‘Zenda’, I have received few offers. I am seriously thinking over them.

Sanskruti Balgude

“Offer from ‘Pinjara’ was my best birthday gift” – Sanskruti Balgude

Last year around the same time, a young 18 year old girl made an entry through a lead role on Marathi television. Today, her character of Anandi is more popular than her original name. Sankruti Balgude, the second year S. P. College student from Pune, will be celebrating completion of one year as a TV actress this month. Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented hard working dancing star. Excerpts from an interview :

Sanskruti BalgudeQ: Tell us something about yourself and your association with this glamour world ?
A: Ever since I was seven years old and studying in Pune’s Symbiosis Secondary School, I was passionate about dancing. I have passed four exams in Bharat natyam from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Pune. Thereafter gave dance performances including Arangetram. When I joined Pune’s S.P. College, I started taking part in various competitions. I have performed dance shows in Switzerland, Mauritius and France. At present, I am studying my second year in college.

Q: But, how come while dancing, you switched over to acting ?
A: While studying in 11th standard, I was watching my seniors Siddharth Chandekar and Mrunmayee Deshpande. I used to admire them being my seniors and watching them perform, inspired me towards acting. Somewhere inside I felt that I could act. Thereafter, I started giving auditions. I was confident that the main requirement for being an actress was dance and I was good at that.

Q: You mean, to play Anandi’s role, you got selected because you were a dancer too ?
A: Yes. During my first year in college, I came to know about the audition for this serial. They had specifically mentioned that they needed an actress, who could dance. I felt, my selection for this role was mainly because I knew dance well.

Q: How much do you enjoy being a part of this serial ?
A: It’s great! This 17th January, the serial will complete one year. But, I don’t know, how the time flew so fast. I can still remember that day, just a day before my 18th birthday in December 2010. That evening, I received the confirmation about my selection for the role of Anandi. I think, it was the best birthday gift for me. I am really thankful to Zee Marathi and makers of Pinjara. I am also thankful to all the artistes, who helped me to improvise on my acting, as till then, I never knew much about acting. Now, whatever compliments I receive for my acting, the credit goes to all those artistes who helped me on the sets.

Q: What you have to say about the similarities between the character of Anandi and yourself ?
A: Anandi is very sweet in nature. In fact, she is too good. She does not understand, how people around her are taking advantage of her good nature. Anandi is passionate about acting and is melo melo.., soft soft type. In comparison, I am also passionate about dancing and very loving are caring too. Like Anandi, I am little bit shy; but not as much as Anandi.

Q: Recently, ‘Pinjara’ won the Zee family award. How do you react to that ?
A: I am proud to be a part of this serial, which not only received maximum nominations, but also bagged 7 awards. All this was possible because of best direction and best performances from all artistes. But, our technical team right from the Production manager to costume designer and hair stylist also to be thanked for this success. I am glad that this being my debut, the audience accepted me and that itself is a great moment for me.

Q: Anything in particular about the producer and director ?
A: Mr. Rakesh Sarang is a very strict person, as far as discipline is concerned. While he is on the sets, I don’t dare to face him. But, otherwise he is a very sweet person. Always enquires about everyone present on the sets. I respect him a lot and admire his work behind camera and direction. Now, few words about my director – Girish Vasaikar. What Anandi is today, is all because of his efforts. He has handled us very patiently. He made the pair of Veer and Anandi popular among the audience. According to me, he is the best director.

Q: What is your priority now ? Dancing or acting ?
A: At present myself and my character of Anandi have both taken a back seat for dancing. Therefore, whenever I get an opportunity to perform dance, I accept the same. Dance is my thirst and acting comes next. But, at present, I am giving equal importance to acting.

Q: What more, besides your present role of Anandi ?
A: I had offers from films. But, I am tied up with dates for this serial. So, at present, it is only ‘Pinjara’ for me.

Neha Bam

“Your character should be an integral part of the script” – Neha Bam

“Whether it is on stage, television or films, the character you play, should be an integral part of the script. If that is so, it’s a real enjoyment playing such roles.” says Neha Bam, who has been playing character roles in all the three sections of entertainment. But, besides that Neha has also done modeling for the print media and TV commercials. She began her acting career with Avishkar group on stage and simultaneously accepted some modeling assignments beginning with print ads for pharmaceutical companies.

neha-bamIf one has to know about her very recent role, it was in ‘The Dirty Picture’ where she played the mother of Vidya Balan. More than her role, Neha is all excited about her selection for this role. “Milan Luthria was seriously in search of a woman who would fit into that role. He had called for photographs from different model coordinators. I received a call for audition, when I was given the dialogues , I confidently gave the test and got selected. It was an achievement for me, as it was a big banner film.” says Neha.

With her 20 years of experience in acting field, Neha has done a number of acting assignments including some roles in TV serials and films, but the recent one was in ‘Ruk Jana Nahi’ on Star Plus, where she played a Professor. Among the 3 Bhojpuri films, the one which she liked the most was ‘Bairi Piya’ where she played a step mother. Neha is playing an important role in forthcoming Marathi film ‘Yada Yadahi Dharmasya’ and is eagerly waiting for its release. “I don’t know the reason, why the film is not being released yet. It’s a very good film with a strong script.” she adds.

Marathi Movie World had a chit chat with Neha. Excerpts from this discussion.

Q: You have worked in both Hindi as well as Marathi industry. What is the difference you have noticed ?
A: For an artiste like me, it does not make much difference. Luckily for me, I have worked with people who were very good with me.

Q: Do you think that the Balaji Group, recommended your name for the role in ‘The Dirty Picture’?
A: No, not at all. My selection was done by the director of the film Milan Luthria , after taking my audition. He had called for my profile from Model coordinator, since I had done print and TV ads before. During the audition I was given all those dialogues, which I uttered in this film.

Q: Don’t you think that you should have got recognition much earlier ?
A: No, I don’t think so. Actually, when I was doing modeling assignments, I wasn’t very serious about acting. It was only after I found time from my family, that I took acting assignments seriously.

Q: How do you manage your shooting schedules, besides your family ?
A: It was difficult few years after marriage and hence taken a break; but now, it is much easier, with the support and encouragement from my husband.

Q: Do you think that with your acting talent, it is easier to find better roles in Hindi too ?
A: Yes, being from a Maharashtrian family, many a times your accent creates a problem for audition in Hindi. But, if you are good in acting and work harder on different language accent; to find a suitable roles of different characters becomes much easier.

Shilpa Navalkar

“My father will always remain an ideal before me” – Shilpa Navalkar

Ever since she made her debut through Amol Palekar’s film ten years ago, Shilpa Navalkar has been in the reckoning in the Marathi entertainment industry. Daughter of a popular Politician and former Minister of Maharashtra Government; Shilpa never thought of entering into politics. An electronics engineer, she preferred to choose acting career, with the support from her kind hearted father, who was himself a multifaceted personality. Shilpa is very much missing her father today, but his ideals have only encouraged her to writing field, besides acting. Marathi Movie world spoke to this talented personality, who recalled most of her memorable moments in life, besides talking about her profession.

Excerpts from an interview:

Shilpa NavalkarQ: What made you choose acting, instead of entering politics?
A: Though my father was in politics, there was never political type of atmosphere at home. People say that politicians cannot give time to their family; but my father always had time for us. He was very liberal. Since childhood I was into acting. During my school and college days, I have performed in experimental plays and thereafter entered professional theatre. My father knew very well about my interest in acting and supported me from time to time. That’s how I could enter this profession.

Q: Then how did you turn towards writing ?
A: During the year 2001, I was offered a film ‘Kairee‘ by Amol Palekar and bagged an award for best debutant. Thereafter I did an Indo French film ‘Maaya’. This enabled me to turn to TV serials. While doing ‘Bhagyavidhata‘, I was asked whether I would be able to write dialogues for this serial and I wrote 300 episodes for this serial. Also for ‘Ya Sukhanno Ya’ I had written 600 Episodes. This was a good experience, which opened opportunities for me to write for serials like ‘Mrugajal’, ‘Kulvadhu’ and ‘Bandh Reshmache’.

Q: What you exactly intend to do now? Acting or writing ?
A: Both the interests are very close to me. When I am on the sets, I think about acting and nothing else. But, when I find free time from acting, I concentrate on my writing. In short, I am giving equal importance to both.

Q: Any particular person, who inspired you in your life ?
A: My father shall always remain an ideal before me. Though he was into active politics, he never neglected his domestic responsibilities. He always used to say, “If you decide to achieve something, it is possible; and to make it possible, you need to work very hard.”

Q: Do you have any fond memories about your father ?
A: There are so many memorable moments and it’s not possible to narrate them all. But, few are still fresh in my memory. My father being a politician, was a family man first. The time a person doing 10-6 job gives to his family, the same time my father had for his family. He never brought his political work at home. I still recollect those moments, when he used to take us for outing, be it shopping or eating out together. There was not a single occasion, when he gave us time and backed out at the last minute. While shopping, though my mother used to remind us about the cost, my father never compromised on the price, after selection.

As regards maintaining discipline, there was full freedom for our activities. Before leaving the house, we only had to inform where we were going and what time we would be back, as there were no cell phones those days. There was a time when I used to spend extra time in delayed rehearsals of experimental plays, but it was all understood. Those days, not many people could digest experimental plays, but my father saw all my plays and appreciated them.

Q: tell us something about your family ?
A: Myself and my husband Hrishi Deshpande are in the same field. We have a ten year old daughter. Both of us started an ad agency Aadyot ad films. In fact, my husband has also directed one film ‘Jinki Re Jinki’

Q: But, how do you manage your busy schedule ?
A: This is possible because of my mother-in-law, who helps me a lot to shoulder some of my responsibilities at home front; especially looking after my daughter.

Q: How do you look at the woman of 21st century ?
A: The woman of 21st century is no different than woman of 20th century. Even during the olden days, the woman had to turn strong according to situations.

Q: What are your future plans ?
A: At present, I am working on a script for a film. It’s a thriller titled ‘Heads Ki Tails’. I am required to complete this assignment before February 2012. Side by side I am doing my acting assignments.

Amol Palekar – still unmatched

Amol Palekar is a popular name in Marathi and Hindi Cinema since 70s. Perhaps, he is the only Marathi actor who besides making his name as a talented actor in Hindi and Marathi Cinema, also went on to produce and direct some of the best Hindi and Marathi films during the past few years. It may be recalled that this prolific actor began his theatre career with Satyadev Dubey’s experimental theatre and thereafter started his own group, Aniket, in 1972. He pioneered the Theatre of the Absurd to Maharashtra and a street theatre-inspired practice of performing plays in the open.

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Amol made his film debut in 1971 with the noted Marathi film ‘Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe’ which was directed by Satyadev Dubey. This film, brought the New Cinema Movement into Marathi. Three years later, he played the lead in Basu Chatterjee’s film ‘Rajnigandha’ followed by ‘Chhoti Si Baat’. He was thus branded as a typical middle class hero with the light comedy films of Hrishikesh Mukherjee such as ‘Golmaal’, ‘Naram Garam’ followed by other films like ‘Gharonda’ ,’Baton Baton Mein’ and so on. Amol won the Best actor Filmfare award for ‘Golmaal’ and that earned him name and fame.
Amol Palekar, Actor, Director
In 80s he played the role of Ravi in Malyalam film ‘Olangal’, which was later remade in Hindi as ‘Masoom’. In 80s he turned to direction with sensible Marathi film ‘Aakriet’ and later also directed a TV serial ‘Kacchi Dhoop’ launching his daughter Shalmalee alongwith Bhagyashree as child artistes. Amol kept on appearing in Hindi films simultaneously as an actor like ‘Ankahee’, ‘Jhoothi’ ‘Baat Ban Jaye’, ‘Khamosh’ ‘Teesra Kaun’ and ‘Aks’. Recently he also performed opposite Sharmila Tagore, in his own Marathi film ‘Samantar’. Amol did produce some memorable Marathi films like ‘Bangarwadi’ and ‘kairee’ besides directing good sensible Hindi films like ‘Ankahee’, ‘Thodasa Roomani Ho Jaye’, ‘Daayraa’, ‘Kal Ka Aadmi’, ‘Paheli’ and ‘Quest’. His forthcoming film ‘Dhumkata’ is under production.

Amol has acted in more than 40 films, directed about dozen of quality films and produced three films. Whether it was acting or direction, Amol has always tried to offer something different and his ‘Paheli’ starring Shahrukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee and Amitabh Bachchan( In guest appearance) was the best offering for those who understand cinema.

He is an alumini of Sir J J School of Arts and has exhibited his sketches, drawings, and paintings in Mumbai. He is also into social work. He has two daughters and is now married to Sandhya Gokhale, who is a writer, alongwith whom he made two films ‘Paheli’ and ‘Samantar’. His film ‘Paheli’ was India’s official entry in the race for Best Foreign Film at the 2006 Oscars. The movie couldn’t make it to the final nominations, but, it was highly appreciated by many film lovers. Amol is here to stay with his creative work in days to come. MMW wishes him a grand success and honour him as Star of the month.

Anand Ingale – an actor par excellence

Whether it was performing at the inter -collegiate competitions in Pune while studying in Modern College and Symbiosis Institute or at the experimental theatre while with Groups like Parichay and GRIPS and later on the sets of a TV serial or a reality show; Anand Ingale has always been serious about his role. It did not matter for him what character he played; but it was always important for him to come prepared with his home work and be at ease during the take before the camera or live performance on stage. His dedication and sincerity to this profession has brought him total satisfaction today.

Anand Ingale, Actor
Anand is actually an actor by choice, who gets totally engrossed into his role with his authoritative voice, required diction and suitable body language. It all comes together very spontaneously and with ease supported by his enthusiasm. His alertness and concentration while at work, adds further zest to the character, he portrays every occasion. All that he needs is an equally good support from his co -stars. If that happens, it’s indeed a great pleasure to watch Anand Ingale. Only those directors, who know his potential, have succeeded in extracting the best out of him. Even otherwise, he is an actor par excellence.

Watching his latest performance in ‘Lagnabambaal’ certainly makes you think about his passion for acting. Watch his timing, his body language and his spontaneity in that role of Valmiki Satpute;
and he will not disappoint you with this memorable performance. Anand had already given a glimpse of his ability through Popular reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’, where he had ample scope to prove his mettle. ” ‘Fu Bai Fu’ was the best platform I received to use my skills in comedy and at the same time to understand the pulse of the audience,” he admits.

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Anand, actually came into limelight 6 years ago, when he performed in a Marathi play ‘Makadachya Haati Champagne'; but prior to that he had done a serial ‘Prapanch’ where his role of Mangya still remains fresh in the memory of Marathi TV serial lovers. Anand is now happy to see a film being made on ‘Makadachya Haati Champagne’ with the same title. He is also part of the film, along with Pushkar Shroti, Upendra Limaye, Mukta Barve and others. “Director Satish Rajwade and the writer have changed the screenplay of this film to suit in the cinematic format. It was a wonderful experience to be part of this film too,” he says. The film is in post production stage and will be released before end of this year.

Talking about his role of Valmiki in the play ‘Lagnabambaal’, Anand says that it was a call coming on 15th August of this year from director Vijay Kenkre. I didn’t even ask him, what role I was playing, as he is one such person, in whom I have complete faith. There are other people like him, to name a few, Mr. Shrirang Godbole (My Guide), Pratima Kulkarni (with whom I worked on good projects) and of course Sanjay Mone. I just can’t say ‘no’ to them. They are all wonderful people and I like their company. I really admire them for their qualities.

Anand seems to be happy with whatever he has to his share in this competitive world. “God has given me limited but good projects. My TV assignments, be it ‘Kunku’ or ‘Fu Bai Fu’ did help me to move ahead in my acting career; but, I still had the guts to say ‘no’ to certain offers, because of prior commitments. I have learnt this through my experience in this field and in the company of good friends, for the past several years,” he adds.

Simple, courteous and always cheerful with his strong physique ; Anad has gathered around him many well wishers, who are all praise for his acting skills. Besides ‘Makdachya Haati Champagne’, he has two more films due for release shortly. ‘Uchala Re Uchala’ is a full time pass comedy, where he and Vaibhav Magale play the lead pair and then there is also a sensible film ‘Paulvaat’ directed by Aaditya Ingale; where he plays a 55 year old important character, in the company of his ‘Lagnabambaal’ co- stars Subodh Bhave and Madhura Velankar Satam. Those who have seen this trio perform together in ‘Lagnabambaal’ will surely love to watch them together again in this forthcoming film.

Pune girl – Suparna makes headway

‘Bandh Reshmache’ serial has completed 8 months; but, during this period the serial has gained considerable popularity, mainly because of the characters Shekharraj Daulatrao played by Akshar Kothari and Nandini played by Suparna Kharde, also known as Suparna Shyam.

This simple, sweet and innocent face brings Nandini’s character live through her notable performance. Right from an ideal daughter to ideal wife, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law; she has successfully passed through all the stages with confidence. To find out how Suparna could reach this level, Marathi Movie World caught up with her.

Suparna KhardeHaving completed her schooling from St. Andrews High School, Chinchwad, Pune; Suparna is presently studying in BMCC. In spite of acquiring knowledge in Music, she selected acting profession, only because her family members had spotted acting skills in her and hence supported her. For Superna, singing and acting are equally important. After completing her final year, she would like to acquire Sangeet Visharad degree too. Actually, Suparna’s final exams were due in Mrach 2011, but, since she had joined this serial in February, she couldn’t appear for the same. Now, Suparna is all set to appear in March 2012 and complete her graduation first. She has already made up her mind to educate herself to face this world.

At the age of 20, with the strong support coming from her elder sister, Suparna moved in the right direction to take up acting as her career. “I am thankful to my Didi, who not only encouraged me, but also came along with me to Mumbai, when she knew that I will have to stay here for my shooting. She has preferred to complete her MBA through correspondence. At present, both of us live together and her company is a big support for me.” says Suparna.

While speaking to Suparna, it was observed that she is not like Nandini in all respects. She is bold and patient like Nandini but is not quiet. Nandini keeps herself cool in tense situations, but Suparna is not like that. She is happy go lucky type mischievous girl.

Prior to entering this serial, Suparna had played sister of the leading lady in the film ‘Galgale Nighale’. At that time, her father’s friend was a co-ordinator of this film and it was at his request and with her father’s permission, she did this film. Luckily for Suparna, she had more dialogues in this film and her talent was easily spotted by her family members. At that time, Suparna was only happy that she would appear on big screen; but in reality she had done well in her acting too.

Realising her ability, she was sent to Atharva Theatres, with the hope that she would atleast find openings at backstage. But, Suparna started getting good roles and her journey in this field thus began. Inspite of living in Pune, she later went for her auditions to Mumbai for reality show ‘Maharashtracha Superstar’. Not aware of the Pune trials, her mother had taken her to Mumbai, much against her wish, as Suparna had the feeling that such reality shows were fixed. But, she managed to find place among the Top 10 participants.

Through this show, she was picked up for Ektaa Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor’s marathi serial ‘Majhiya Priyala Preet Kalena’ where she played the sister of lead hero Abhijeet. While performing this role, she came in contact with senior artistes like Suhila Thatte and Sanjay Mone and learned a lot from them.

At present her serial ‘Bandh Reshmache’ is doing well on Star Pravah channel and Nandini is appreciated by all. “I am very possessive about Nandini.” she admits. Suparna has also skillfully played Radha Akka in the latest Marathi play ‘Barister’ and has also been part of the revived play ‘Toh Mi Nhavech’. “Though I am doing TV serials, I will continue to perform on stage.” she says proudly. She has also expressed her interest in Marathi films and at the same time her wish is to perform at Prithvi theatres.

Suparna is very ambitious and has big dreams in her eyes. We at MMW wish that her dreams come true.

Mahesh Kothare – Giving a lift to Marathi Cinema

mahesh-kothare-interview-image

It was sometime during 1969 that a child artiste with the name of Mahesh Kumar grabbed a meaty double role in Bollywood film ‘Raja aur Rank’. Not many knew that he was a Maharashtrian. Mahesh played a young Prince with authority in that age with confidence. He had many good stars to support him in this film. Popular Dancer and actress from South -Padmini and late Sanjeev Kumar were very much part of this film. The film was a hit at that time for its presentation and popular songs. Besides ‘Raja Aur Rank’, Mahesh also played memorable roles as a child actor in ‘Chhota Bhai’, ‘Mere Laal’ and ‘Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani’. Few years later, he was seen playing an adolescent in Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore film ‘Safar’. He played a perfect collegian and younger brother of Feroze Khan , who played a parallel role in this film.

Later, when he studied in Mumbai’s Wilson College, it did not take much time for him to mature as a hero and find roles in Marathi films as a young handsome hero. Simultaneously, he also performed in Gujarathi films. After playing a hero for some time, Mahesh soon produced and directed his own films. Till today, he has dedicated himself as a film maker with perfection on technicalities , knowing his job well, as a director.

Mahesh Kothare
As a successful hero and director through his own productions since 80s from ‘Dhumdhadaka’ to Pachadlela’, Mahesh Kothare has offered all quality films to entertain the Marathi audience. He almost knew the pulse of Marathi audience. And his talent came as a blessing to Marathi film industry in 80s. Mahesh has succeeded in bringing a number of innovations especially in the technical area of Marathi films and has been instrumental in bringing Dolby Digital sound to Marathi Cinema with the film ‘Chimni Pakhara’. He made ‘Pachadlela’ in 2004 – the first Marathi film with Digital Special Effects. He also made his identity as the first Marathi Film Maker to produce Sci-Fi films.

The good news is that his latest directorial film ‘Dubhang’, Produced by Shankar Mitkari, has
received the sponsorship from Future General India Ltd. This film is based on the backdrop of Boxing, where the hero of the film (played by his own son Adinath) has a mission in his life to participate one day in the Olympics and win a Gold medal for the country. While speaking to Marathi Movie World, Mahesh said that the subject of this film was in his mind for the past few years and had even talked to popular actors like Shreyas Talpade and Reitesh Deshmukh to play the lead; but, somehow the idea didn’t work. Finally, he found his hero in his own son-Adinath , who had turned mature by the passage of time to fit into this lead role. “It was almost like the role was waiting for him” he said.

Mahesh is very excited to speak about his new film ‘Dubhang’. “It may sound like Bollywood’s ‘Dabang’, but the meaning of both the films are different. In fact, I was asked to change the title of my film by the makers of ‘Dabhang’, when they came to know about it. But, since I had registered it much before, I had to convince them that it carried a different meaning. You will find lot of twists and turns in this film , with a story that you haven’t heard of before in Marathi and Hindi films.

Actually, I have taken the idea from a Malyalam film, which was shown to me by my friend. So, I took the proper rights from them but finally gave a different look to the film. Fortunately, all my artistes responded very well and Adinath in particular playing an aspiring boxer, has fulfilled all my expectations. There is a love story angle to this film, with the girl in his life standing by his side during the time of crisis. My first scene itself begins with Urmila’s marriage to a stranger against her wish and Adinath elopes with her,” he added.

Speaking about the lead pair Urmila and Adinath, Mahesh was high praise for the girl and her talent. “Urmila is a talented actress and I have seen her potential through her previous film. Adinath turned out to be a perfect match for her.” All that Mahesh had to say that both had developed a good chemistry between them. “I had seen them coming closer during my previous project ‘Shubhamangal’ in which she was a leading lady and Adinath was my assistant in direction. Now, you will witness their actual love story happening on the screen,” he concluded.