Astad Kale- making his presence felt
Among all those youngsters who have entered Marathi TV serials in the recent past, Astad kale has successfully managed to survive the competition. Originally from Pune, he began his acting career with Marathi stage play ‘Lagna Kallol’, which was directed by Paresh Mokashi. Having received a break at the right time, he went on to perform in many experimental and commercial plays.Not many people are aware of his talent in Hindustani Classical Music, on the basis of which he was offered some of the roles in Marathi classical plays. Astad has rendered lot of classical songs in these classical plays. The best part was when he sang Sant Tukaram’s abhang in ‘Jyacha Tyacha Vithoba’.Watching his performance in various stage plays, he was offered suitable roles by Shrirang Godbole in TV serials. ‘Vadalvaat’, ‘Asambhav’
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Q: Are you based in Pune?
A: I lived in Pune since my childhood. But, after doing my graduation from Fergusson College, Pune, I shifted to Mumbai. For the past 7 years, I am living here.Q: Is ‘Platform’ your first film as a hero ?
A: Yes, it is my first film in the lead role, though I have performed in many Marathi films, in important roles.Q: What’s the role you are playing in this film?
A: I am playing Aditya, who is a protagonist. He is a close friend of Shivani and is always supportive to her during their college days till their first job assignment. He leaves for US to pursue his career, but is in constant touch with his girlfriend for 11 years, since she is occupied with some social responsibility here in India.Q: You have been a classical singer for a long time. How come we missed you in celebrities show on SaReGaMaPa?
A: Yes, I am good at classical singing. If you feel that I missed that programme, you will see me soon, in such programmes in future.
Q: How do you look at success in this acting field ?
A: Success is achieved through hard work besides talent. One should be passionate about acting. If you do well in one performance, you will be remembered by others.
One more star in the making
Those who are watching ‘Agnihotra’ serial would agree that the character of Neel invites the attention of viewers for his ideology and maturity displayed at a young age, while facing difficult situations in life. His pairing with Saee has been well accepted by today’s youngsters. Not many are aware of their first Hindi film ‘Humne Jeena Seekh Liya’ released few years ago, where they played teenage lead pair, shown as school students, with ‘love at first sight’. Siddharth and Mrinmayee did perform together also on stage during college competitions in ‘Popati Chowkat’ while in Pune and with ‘Agnihotra’ they have just done a hat-trick. Siddharth also has one more play ‘Athrava’ and a film ‘Kavadse’ to his credit.
MMW spoke to Siddharth Chandekar on the first day of the new year, to wish him success and the talented youngster was more than happy to chit chat with us.
Q: Hi Siddharth! With the new year taking off, how do you visualize your progress in Marathi film industry ?
A: I only wish that the progress that we expect from Marathi films during this new year, I should also be a part of it. With whatever contribution I make from my side for the growth of Marathi film industry, it will only double my happiness.
Q: We understand that you are playing an important role in Avadhoot Gupte’s ‘Zenda’,
which is due for release shortly. Tell us something about this character and how were you selected for this role ?
A: Watching my performance in ‘Agnihotra’ serial, Avadhoot Sir’s assistant informed me that they would like to cast me for the role of Umesh Jagtap, a young dedicated political party worker from Mumbai. I agreed to play that role. Umesh Jagtap is one such character on whom there is a great impact of the changing political scenario in the state. I felt that there was big challenge to perform this character in this political thriller.
Q: So, can we expect Siddharth doing such challenging roles in Hindi or Marathi in near future ?
A: Yes, provided the role is good.As long as there is enough scope for my character to create that desired impact through the film’s script, I wouldn’t mind accepting such roles.
Q. Watching your serial ‘Agnihotra’ we always have that feeling of observing real life characters in natural costumes. Who takes the decision for costumes to be worn by each performer?
A: Ms. Geeta Godbole wife of Shrirang Godbole, the producer; takes the decision. And so far, her choice has worked very well.
Q: Tell us at least one memorable moment on the sets of ‘Agnihotra’?
A: This happened when we shot non stop for 40 hours at our historical Wada. No one thought that we were shooting. It was just like a real life family gathering, with almost all the artistes together. We all had a great time during that period.
“Now, I have a role to play my age”- Pallavi Subhash
She is young and talented, possessing graceful looks with sharp eyes which she uses to express her emotions clearly. Unfortunately, till now Pallavi Subhash got all those roles in Hindi serials, where she had to play middle aged women. But, after she did an ad for Cadburys, she now has a taste of ‘meetha’ through a meaty role in Zee Marathi’s latest serial ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’.
Few years ago, she performed in Marathi films and serials and for one of the films ‘Kunku Zala Vairi’ she was even nominated for best actress Zee Gaurav award. Later, Pallavi shifted to Hindi serials, but couldn’t succeed in finding roles to test her talent. Now, she finds one through this Marathi serial ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’, where she almost plays a lead role opposite Sandeep Kulkarni through this tailor made character of Ananya that suits her personality and young age. The serial has picked up well during its first week run and Pallavi with her confident looking performance has already created a sensation.
Tall and charming Pallavi was the attraction of the media during the press conference of Zee Marathi channel, when the artistes of ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ were introduced while releasing
the first look of the serial. After the event, she had a chit chat with Marathi Movie World.
Excerpts from the discussion:
Q: Today, you are better known as the Cadbury ad-girl. Do you think that this chocolate ad made you a celebrity?
A: I just don’t know. But, I hope this exposure has helped me to find better roles.
Q: But, you have already done many Hindi serials?
A: Yes, I have done those serials, but I had to play middle aged women in most of them.
Q: What are the film projects you have in hand ?
A: I am doing a Tamil film ‘Om’ opposite South star Arjun.
Q: And, ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ is the only serial you are doing at present ?
A: Yes, I decided to focus on this role for next few months, as this was the kind of role I was looking for. More so, the serial is not going to stretch too long.
Q: Do you think that this particular role will help lift your career ?
A: Yes, I was just waiting for such kind of role to play my age in Marathi and when I received this offer, I immediately accepted it.
Q: How much are you enjoying it ?
A: I enjoyed every moment during our first schedule of shooting and we have a good team work. Satish Rajwade is doing a good job as a director. Just saw the first look of this serial and I am happy to find a good response coming from all.
“Sky is the limit for me” – Abhijit Khandkekar
His voice was familiar to Puneites, when he played the role of Radio Jockey on Radio Mirchi not very long ago. Thereafter, he went on to prove himself as an actor in Zee Marathi’s talent search programme ‘Maharashtrache Superstrar’. Though he could not win the crown, being a finalist, he had already won the hearts of millions of viewers.
When Abhijeet Khandekar made up his mind to take up acting as a career, he worked hard in that direction. It did not take much time for him to find his entry into Balaji Telefilm’s serial ‘Majhiya Priyala Preet Kalena’. Today, he is well set in that lead role of Abhijeet.
Marathi Movie World spoke to Abhijeet, the latest TV Luminary
Excerpts form an interview:
Q: How much do you believe in destiny ?
A: I don’t completely believe in destiny; but, only to a certain extent. If we have to achieve
something in this life and know what it is, we have to move in that direction. But, if we blindly believe in destiny and do nothing, it does not work. That’s what I feel. We should put in sincere efforts.
Q: Tell us something about your family and how much of support you received from them ?
A: My parents support me a lot. My father is a Branch Manager with Bank of Maharashtra and mother a housewife. They had spotted my acting talent during my childhood. My father, who was associated with Dramas and acted in plays, always felt that I should do a career in this field. But, since I was passionate about anchoring, I began my career first as RJ. Those four years, I was in Pune. My sister who is married also lived there with her husband and small child. Presently, she is out of India, but being based in Pune, her family was a great support to me. Presently, I live in Mumbai with my friends and visit my parents once in a month.
Q: Do you feel like doing something beyond television ?
A: Now that I have landed in this field, Sky is the limit for me. Presently, I am on contract with Balaji; but, I have been receiving some offers for Dramas, ads, anchoring and films. At present I spend my 12 hours a day for this serial. So, when I will become free, I will certainly think about other mediums.
Q: What you have to say about your debut ?
A: I am grateful to Zee Marathi and Balaji Telefilms for selecting me in their Prime time serial ‘Majhiya Priyala….’ Perhaps, they were confident about selection of their artistes. No wonder the serial popularized soon.
Q: Do you feel that you need special preparations to enter films ?
A: In Marathi films, it is very necessary to be a good actor rather than being a chocolate hero like Bollywood. Therefore, I don’t think, I need special preparation. But, yes, there is one thing very necessary and that is staying fit. Today our Marathi film actors like Makarand, Siddharth and Bharat are drawing full house at theatres. For me, all that I need to do is to bring in some variation in my acting.
Q: Are you comfortable with comedy shows ?
A: It is very difficult to make the audience laugh. Some people possess this inbuilt attitude. In my case, it is not so. I had attempted it once during the reality show ‘Maharashtrache Superstar’. But, I still need to improvise on this aspect.
“Patience is the Key to success” – Mrinal Kulkarni
Mrinal Kulkarni, an eminent actress from the Marathi and Hindi entertainment industry is a rare combination of beauty, talent and brain. Highly qualified, she was fortunate to work simultaneously in Hindi and Marathi, gaining rich experience with genuine appreciation and awards, which speaks volumes for her proficiency in acting.
With good family background- grandfather G. N. Dandekar being a well known writer and father being Principal of Pune’s prestigious S.P. College, Mrinal obviously excelled in academics, besides pursuing her acting career. Having won the S. G.. Malshe scholarship for studies in Literature and Linguistics, she did her Masters in Literature from the University of Pune.
Her rendezvous with dramatics began during her college days; although, she shot into fame after her debut at the young age of 16 through television serial “Swami”. After that Mrinal Kulkarni has never looked back. She was fortunate to work with some of the reputed Producers, Writers and Directors in the industry like, Gajanan Jahgirdar, Ved Rahi, Ravi Rai, Vikas Desai, Sanjay Surkar, Sanjay Khan, Surendra Mohan, Basu Bhattacharya, Jabbar Patel, Kumar Sohoni, Amol Palekar and Gajendra Ahire to name a few.
Mrinal Kulkarni
Mrinal also had the privilege of experimenting with a wide range of characters, with diverse persona, like Ramabai, Meera and Jijamata . Who can forget her brilliant double role in the Marathi film “Jodidar” ? This role had won her two awards in the same year. Always looking forward to challenges, Mrinal has always been comfortable in any role, be it a historical character or a contemporary role with composure. A resolute and genuine performer, her sincerity is reflected in all her characters, which have earned her millions of well wishers.
Marathi Movie World spoke to this gifted talented actress. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: We have seen you as a successful actress over the years. Besides acting, what are your other interests?
A: I am an ardent reader and a hard core mountaineer, who loves to go on trekking. I also love to travel a lot. It is for this purpose, I keep my entire month of May free to be with my family. We plan a long vacation during this time compulsorily, once in a year.
Q: You also happen to be the grand-daughter of Great Marathi writer G. N. Dandekar. Whether you have continued his legacy through writing?
A: Initially I used to write my column ‘Maitrin’ . then I wrote my own book titled ‘Make up Utravlyavar’ – a Samakaleen Publication. At present I am regularly writing my column in Sakal paper under the title ‘Tanishqa’. It is mainly to inspire women from different fields.
Q: You mean, it is necessary for people involved in your profession to spend their vacation once in a year ?
A: At least, I feel so. It refreshes you a lot to be back in action.
Q: Newcomers in the industry look upon you as a role model of fitness. How do you maintain your fitness level ?
A: I do at least one hour workout daily. It could be anything, either exercising in the Gym or walking. But, I don’t miss my workout.
Q: How you have been able to maintain a perfect balance between Hindi and Marathi industry, in your successful career ?
A: According to me, For every artiste, patience is the key for success . I was fortunate to use it well without any selfish motive. And, it has worked well so far. It’s a proven fact.
Q: But, it is said that you were lucky to find good roles. What you have to say about that?
A: I wasn’t lucky. I made my selection of roles. Here again, I would say, I could afford to wait. It is not necessary to be 24 hours or 30 days busy to be successful.
Q: Don’t you think that the title role you played in ‘Avantika’ and the present role of Naina in the ongoing new serial ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ have striking similarity ?
A: No, not at all. On the contrary, these two are totally contrast roles. Avantika was very bold and reacted quickly at any given situation, whereas Naina is a paranoid and emotional housewife.
Ramesh Bhatkar – Still going strong
Even after 35 years of his non-stop acting career, Ramesh Bhatkar still continues to remain a popular actor in Marathi film, on stage and in TV industry. Of the various roles that Ramesh has portrayed , he is best known for his roles in the detective TV serials ‘Commander’ and ‘Hello Inspector’. But the real stage lovers still cannot forget his lead role in ‘Ashrunchi Zali Phule’ (1976), which made a record run on Marathi stage for about 28 years. When we see revival of so many plays, it is felt that this particular play would certainly invite the attention of today’s young generation, if revived at this stage.
Today, Ramesh is doing two stage plays, namely ‘Yayati’ and ‘Premachya Gavaa Jaave’, where he plays two contrast roles. ‘Premachya Gavaa Jaave’ is an old comedy, being revived to pay homage to Mr. Mohan Wagh, while ‘Yayati’ is based on King Yayati one of the ancestors of Pandavas, who was a great scholar of Vedas. Yayati had a great personality and Ramesh perfectly fits into his role even today, when he makes his entry on the stage. Always giving top priority to stage- his first love, Ramesh however regrets that his plays did not receive much of media coverage. ” I only remember one good review by Kamlakar Nadkarni on ‘Yayati’. If Marathi stage has to survive, our media should review more and more plays.” he says.
But, Ramesh still continues to remain the favourite actor among his new fans, though he prefers to maintain a low profile . Even if he is not doing much of films or serials, he still remains a real stylish hero of Marathi industry. Capt. Dilip Bhatkar, a close family friend describes his popularity in Ratnagiri as a real hero of that soil. “To watch his play ‘Yayati’, some of his fans even preferred to stand on the sides of the auditorium, as the show was houseful,” he added.
For more than 30 years now, Ramesh has played memorable lead roles in plays like ‘Ugadale Swargache Daar’ (1982), ‘Denaryaache Haath Hazaar’ (1980), ‘Shadyantra’ (1991), ‘Kevha Tari Pahate’, ‘Akher Tu Yeshilach’, ‘Rahu Ketu’, ‘Mukta’, The Boss- Sutradhar, ‘Kinara’ and so on, which number about 50 plays. At present, his, ‘Premachya Gavaa Jaave’, is doing a good business.
Born to an illustrious music director-composer and accomplished singer Mr. Snehal (Vasudeo) Bhatkar , in his early college days, Ramesh was a champion swimmer and represented the college aquatics team. He was also an enthusiastic kho-kho player with Dadar’s well known Vijay Club. Later, he married to Mridula , who is now a respected judge in Bombay High Court. His son Harshavardhan is doing his Phd in USA.
Ramesh made his debut through Marathi film Chandoba Chandoba Bhaglas ka (1977) followed by AshtaVinayak (1978), Duniya kari Salam, Maherchi Manasa, Aapli Maanasa, and Maherchi Sadi (1991). Of his nearly 90 films, most of them are in Marathi, with a few in the Hindi language. He was a favourite of Filmmaker Deepak Balraj Vij who offered him better roles. If one has to evaluate his performance on screen, it was in Maherchi Sadi in 1991. Watch his spontaneity in every emotion filled scene and that gives a clear indication of his intensity into the role he played.
Ramesh has fond memories of his association with all time great Bollywood director late Kidar Sharma. Ramesh did a Hindi film with him, when the grand old man was almost in his retiring stage and ‘Sahami Hue Sitare’ just turned out to be his last film. The film’s release itself was a great tribute to the great director, who worked with many big stars including Raj Kapoor in the past. “The grand old man was a real director with total commitment. He used to persuade every important artist to give his or her best in every scene he shot. It was a real test for us to get the scene cleared with his appreciation. Every time, I gave the shot to his satisfaction, he used to present me a One rupee coin. Every time I received that coin, I considered it a big honour. He was such a genius person.” says Ramesh while recalling those golden moments.
To say something about his prosperous television career, it began with a title role in Hello Inspector (1990) in Marathi on Door Darshan, followed by ‘Commander’ (1992) in Hindi on Zee TV and then ‘Teesra Dola’ (1998) on DD2. All these serials made Ramesh the most popular TV personality during that period. Later, he also appeared in some other popular serials like ‘HaddaPaar’, ‘Bandini And ‘Yugandhara’. His television career includes about 30 serials with more than 1,000 episodes aired so far.
Passionate about old Music, Ramesh is many a times found singing the old tunes of his late father during his leisure time. Marathi Movie world wishes him a grand success and in appreciation of his contribution to Marathi entertainment honour him as The Star of the Month.
Neha Pendse – talent unlimited
Neha Pendse came into limelight especially after her appearance in TV serial ‘Bhagyalakshmi’ in which she plays the title role; but she became more popular among Marathi audience with her dancing skills through Zee Marathi’s favourite programme ‘Ekapeksha Ek- Apsara Aali’. Not many were aware about her entry into Marathi films through ‘Agnidivya’ for which she received a state award and the recently released film ‘Karuya Udyachi Baat’ which won Green award from USA.
Marathi Movie World spoke to Neha Pendse, who has also done 13 South Indian films so far and that too in lead role, besides being part of Bollywood and Hindi TV serials as a child artiste.
Q. How did you turn to this Glamour world ?
A: It is very difficult to tell that. Since childhood, I am into acting. I took my acting lessons from Mr. Ramnath Thorval at Prithvi Theatres. He suggested my name to few people and after watching my one performance, I started getting more offers.
Q: So, did you begin as a child artiste?
A: Yes, about 10-12 years ago there wasn’t much competition among child artistes. Even in Bollywood, there were very few child artistes. Those days Ektaa kapoor was making her first TV serial and it was a coincidence that it turned out to be my first serial too. I have performed in serials like ‘Hasretein’, ‘Padosi’ and ‘Khushi’. Besides that I have also performed in films like ‘Pyar Koi Khel Nahin’, ‘Tumse Achha kaun Hai’and ‘Deewane’. Sometime back on Doordarshan they showed a tele film ‘Ghunghaat’ by Anant Mahadevan. I have also performed in it.
Nehha Pendse
Q: You have also performed in South Indian films ?
A: Yes, I have done 13 South Indian films so far. In all these films, whether it was kannada, Telugu, Tamil or Malyalam; I have played lead roles.
Q: Can you compare South films with Marathi films ?
A: Yes, South and Marathi films are regional films. But, in respect of presentation and budget, we are far behind them. In Marathi, we find division of audience, for example: Intelligent, Commercial and typical. In south, the film makers very well know what the audience expect and that glamour is offered through those regional films; which prevents their regular audience from watching another language films. In turn, we have plenty of
talent in Marathi, which certainly makes us superior to south and Bollywood films.
Q: How did you enter Marathi entertainment industry ?
A: ‘Pimplepaan’ directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni was my first serial followed by ‘Bhagyalakshmi’ and then it was my appearance in ‘Ekapeksha Ek- Apsara’ reality show. ‘Agnidivya’ was my first Marathi film, for which I received the state award. Recently released ‘Karuya Udyachi Baat’ was my second film based on Global warming, but it could not reach maximum people here, though it has won Green Award from USA.
Q: How much are you enjoying in that double role in ‘Bhagyalakshmi’ ?
A: It is a good experience. In real life I am a bit Kashi and a bit Gopi. Therefore, I get a chance to play my own self through these two characters.
Q: And what about ‘Apsara Aali’ Reality show ?
A: I had an opportunity to learn so many things on the sets of this show. During childhood, I had learnt classical dance. Otherwise, I had no base in dance. Yet, being a non dancer, I could reach the last four stage. That itself is a great achievement for me.
Q: Tell us something about your forthcoming projects.
A: While I was engaged with ‘Apsara Aali’ for the past four months, besides ‘Bhagyalakshmi’ I could not do any other projects. There were offers, but due to non availability of dates, I could not take them. Now, I am going out of India and shall think about my future projects only on my return in June.
Sunil Barve- An institution in himself
“The World has the habit of making room for the man whose actions show that he knows where he is going.” For Sunil Barve, his actions at the most appropriate time, showed him the way. After graduation in Science, like any other youngster, he too took up a job of a Medical Representative with US Vitamins in Mumbai and moved from one doctor to other followed by a visit to a chemist on a daily basis. But, after taking his first salary, he quit his job and focused his attention on acting. Performing on stage became his passion. He found his Guru in Vinay Apte and by getting inspiration from his idol Vikram Gokhale, he soon found his place in various drama groups.
Those days, he had an opportunity to work with versatile actresses like Bhakti Barve and Vandana Gupte. There were others like Ashok Saraf, Laxmikant Berde, Dilip Kulkarni, Vijay Chavan with whom he shared the stage and people like Mohan Joshi and Sudhir Joshi from whom he gained a lot of experience in the serials. Those days, Dinanath Mangeshkar Auditorum campus Katta used to be his meeting place with other colleagues.
After getting the required theatre experience, there was no stopping for him to enter into films and serials and soon Sunil Barve became a leading hero of the films. Having performed with past heroines of 80s and 90s, today he is equally comfortable playing leading man against the newcomers like Rujuta Deshmukh and Mrumayee Deshpande.
Sunil Barve has just completed 25 years in acting profession and to celebrate this occasion, he decided to attempt an experiment by offering something different to the audience , in the form of revival of 5 old plays with new star cast. Naming this experiment suitably as ‘Herberium’ he re-launched ‘Suryachi Pilley’ an old hit drama of yesteryears , with a big team of today’s popular artistes. ‘Suryachi Pilley’ will have only 25 limited shows, as announced earlier, followed by other four plays to follow in order, within a year’s time. The shows are running full house, in spite of higher ticket rates. MMW caught up with Sunil Barve, who spoke about his past and present experiences.
MMW : Congratulations! On your attaining 25 years in acting field.
S.B. : Thanks.
MMW: We have heard about your new experiment in the name of ‘Herberium‘.What is it all about ?
S.B.: I just thought that I should attempt at something different by reviving some old hit plays and inviting today’s popular stars to perform in it. I began with ‘Suryachi Pilley’ with only 25 limited shows followed by 4 more plays to be presented one after the other during the period of one year. I am glad that ‘Suryachi Pilley’ has received a good response with house full shows so far.
MMW: But, the critics are up in arms against your high ticket rates. How do you react to this situation ?
S.B.: Yes, that was unforeseen! I am taken aback. I don’t know why few of them are reacting in this manner, when the audience response has been good. My intention has been good. It is not with the motive of making profits. We have a big star cast and limited shows. But, I am sure, by the end of the year they too will appreciate my effort.
MMW: How are you going to present the other four plays following ‘Suryachi Pilley’ ?
S.B. : That’s a surprise! You will come to know about them one after the other. The moment ‘Suryachi Pilley’ will reach its 25th show, the next will get ready with its first show and so on. I am sure, the audience will appreciate the other plays too.
MMW : Are you keeping a record of number of films, serials and dramas you have done so far ? If so, could you please tell us the figures ?
S.B. : No, I don’t keep the record. May be , I have performed in 17-18 Marathi films and few Hindi films, some serials and a sizable number of plays.
MMW: Yes, we remember having seen you in some of Mahesh Manjrekar’s films? How was your experience in Bollywood ?
S.B. : Those were not only Mahesh Manjrekar’s films . I have also performed in films of Paresh Kamdar and Priyadarshan. It was a pleasure working in a film like ‘Mere Baap Pehle Aap’ and ‘Astitva’.
MMW: You have also played a lead opposite versatile actress like Tabbu. How was your experience with her ?
S.B. : Tabbu is a wonderful person and a fantastic actress to work with. She used to be very friendly and at ease during the shoot. She still remains a good friend.
MMW: On your own website, you have admired two people from Marathi film industry- Mr. Vinay Apte and Mr. Vikram Gokahle . Could you please elaborate about your relationship with them ?
S.B. : Vinay Apte is my Guru in this profession. He is the one, who gave me my first break and he still continues to remain my guru. I consider Vikram Gokhale as my idol. He is the one, who inspired me to take up acting. I remember having seen some of his old plays with a lot of enthusiasm during my college days. It was a great moment for me, when I got an opportunity to work with him. What a performance he has given in ‘Nakalat Sare Ghadle’. Worth saluting! . Both Vinay Apte and Vikram Gokhale are best artistes I have ever seen.
MMW: How do you look at the present day Marathi cinema ?
S.B. : It has brought in a lot of change with new audience. Some of the traditional movies still continue, but we don’t see their release in a city like Mumbai. Now, you have a new multiplex audience here, who prefer a variety with a difference. And, it is a welcome change.
MMW: How do you propose to begin your second innings? Do you plan to shift to direction ?
S.B. : Yes, I am interested in direction. Besides acting, if I get an opportunity to direct a film, surely, I will take it up.
‘Balgandharva’ is a tribute to the Superstar – Subodh Bhave
In the golden era of Marathi Musical based plays ie. More than 100 years ago, no female artist was coming forward to act in a drama. Therefore, male artistes used to perform female roles. In those good old days, artist Narayanrao Rajhans was acknowledged as an actress of Marathi stage. He was then named as ‘Balgandharva’. Today’s popular Marathi Television and film actor Subodh Bhave was enthused with an idea to produce a film on the life and history of Balgandharva. His dream has come true. The film will be released on 6th May in many theatres all over Maharashtra.
In order to know more about the film, Marathi Movie World spoke to Subodh Bhave after congratulating him on his winning the Zee Gaurav puraskar and Mata Sanman.
Q What prompted you to have a theme on the life of Balgandharva for your film ?
A. After directing a musical drama like ‘Katyar Kaljat Ghusali’, many misconceptions about Musical play were erased from my mind. I had an opportunity to read a book named ‘Gandharva Gatha’. With an intention of making an ordinary man familiar with the caliber and struggle of this Marathi stage artist – Narayanrao from the past century, I approached Mr. Nitin Desai and he appreciated the idea and agreed for the production.
Q. His 80 years of lifespan to be covered only in 2 hours was a big challenge. How you could make it possible?
A. Oh! It was really a difficult task. We have tried to cover only the important events of 50
Subodh Bhave as & in ‘Balgandharva’ years of his career. So basically it’s a trailer. It’s a tribute to the super star. We approachedseniors from earlier generation who were fortunate to enjoy his female roles and ‘Natya Geete’. In absence of such a movie, the present generation would not have any other option except for referring the contemporary literature.
Q. To give justice to your role as Balgandharva., what efforts have you put in ?
A. Well, he was well-known for his female roles. To make myself fit for such a role, I had to undertake special exercises to slim down. I took inspiration from his photograph. I studied the expressions on his face. His standing style , his poses & gestures. I read many reference books. I met his daughter Ms. Khedekar and daughter in law Anuradha. I also spoke to Ms.. Jaimala Shiledar, a well known female singer on Marathi stage.
Q. Who has played the role of Balgandharva’s wife ?
A. Vibhawari Deshapdne has played the role of his wife.
Q. To the best of our knowledge, you are not a professional singer. Have you learnt classical music? Who has given the playback?
A. Neither I have taken any formal education in classical music, nor I was fond of Natya Sangeet . But, in the company of my friends -Shaunak , Salil, Bela & Mahesh kale, who are classical singers; I could learn a lot. While doing research for this film, I have totally changed . Now, I like Hindustani Sangeet. In this film, playback singer is Anand Bhate.
Q. Do you think that along with old generation, even youngsters will be attracted towards this movie?
A. There cannot be a single Marathi music lover, who has not heard about Balgandharva. But, most of them did not get opportunity, to see his acting and listen to his voice. Most of the youngsters from present generation are curious to know about his talent and personal life. I am sure, all Marathi music lovers irrespective of age, will watch his movie at least once.
“Gajaar was a great experience for me” – Edward Sonnenblick
He speaks broken Marathi, but is well conversant with Hindi; yet, he prefers to speak in English when it’s time to address media. Marathi Movie World had a chit chat with Edward Sonenblick from USA, who was the star attraction during the Music release of the forthcoming Marathi film ‘Gajaar‘, in which he is playing an important role.
Edward, married Sonal Mehta, a short film maker from India, after he met her three and half years ago, during his first shoot in India as an actor. With his Jovial and delightful nature, he invited the attention of the guests, especially after he shared his experience with the film from the dais. Though Edward will be a new face to Marathi cinema, he is not new to Indian Cinema, having performed in a South Indian film of Nagarjuna, as a British Officer and as a villain in popular Hindi TV serial ‘Jhansi Ki Raani‘.
Edward was in Pune for two weeks during his visit in 2008, when he first had a glimpse of the Vaari, where he was held up in traffic jam, due to diversion of route.
“At that time, I was more enthusiastic to know about this pilgrimage undertaken by Varkaris in a big way. And, when I learnt about its relevance to 18 chapters of Dnyaneshwari, I was more passionate to understand about the devotion of these varkaris.” he said.
“I am fortunate that later I became part of this film and it was a great experience working in this film.” he adds. In ‘Gajaar’ Edward is playing the role of Eric, who clouts with an idea of making a film on Vaari. In the film, he is shown as a researcher in Anthropology and is excited about this 700 year old traditional Vaari. He persuades his friend Parth (Chinmay Mandlekar) , a film school graduate, who is not very spiritual but finally, they manage to shoot along with 20 lakh people.
Edward seemed to be happy with the role he played in ‘Gajaar‘. “Best thing about this role is that I am there throughout the film and I really enjoyed working with all of them during the four week schedule and later when I joined them after seven months for the remaining part. But, the best thing to happen was experiencing the Vaari live and understanding the spirituality behind it.” he concludes.