Category Archives: Interviews

Ishaan Tambe
Interviews

Ishaan Tambe, Actor

Aside

When you will see Ektaa Kapoor’s first Marathi film ‘TaryIshaan Tambeanche Bait’ you will notice a small boy playing the role of Sachin Khedekar’s son. Actually , the film centres around this important character of Omkaar , played by little Ishaan Tambe . Ishaan who lives in Parel, Mumbai, is studying in Balmohan Vidyamandir,Dadar, which is the new hub of budding child artistes. Obviously, he has been trained in the acting workshop of Ms. Vidya Patwardhan and Ishaan is proud to mention his mentor’s name to one and all.

“It is because of her recommendation that I was selected for this role of Omkar in ‘Taryanche Bait’ and I really enjoyed playing the son of an actor like Sachin Khedekar Sir, as I was always his great fan. I am grateful to Vidya Madam.” he says proudly. Ishaan was also all praise for the director Kiran Yadnyopavit and actor Sachin Khedekar , who made him feel comfortable during the shooting. “It was more of a fun than shooting, as all of us behaved like real family members.” he adds.

It was surprising to learn from him that he had not met his producer Ektaa Kapoor till the time of the press show of this film, but expressed his desire to meet her soon. Slightly shy but talented Ishaan grabbed the attention of many guests in the huge lobby of Cinemax theatre after the press show of this film. Prior to his debut in this film, Ishaan played the little Dinu in the popular TV serial ‘Asambhav’ and also played a role in another popular serial ‘Shubham Karoti’. Watching his natural performance in ‘Taryanche Bait’, it becomes evident that he has a bright future.

Interviews

Chit Chat – Asmita Joglekar, Child Artist

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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.

by Ulhas Shirke © MMW

Interviews

“I am an actor by practice,”- Sachin Khedekar

sachin-khedekar-interview-image

When you talk to him, you find him at ease and he also makes you feel comfortable with his modest behaviour. But, when he takes his entry whether on the film sets or in reality at any function, he invites the attention of one and all with his graceful personality. This well built Taurean from Marathi and Hindi film industry certainly makes his presence felt, whenever he is around. Watching him on the screen speaking any language, whether it is English, Hindi or Marathi and performing any character, whether it is North Indian, South Indian, Marathi or Bengalee, Sachin Khedekar- the actor, has always given his best.

Sachin Khedekar
The length of the role does not make any difference to an actor that is within him. Whoever is on the other side in front of the camera, has made a very little difference to him, once the director calls it a ‘take’. But, when you ask him about his preparedness before well known artistes like Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha or Rakhee, (with whom he has given some of his best scenes) he politely admits his nervousness before the scene. “Whenever, I faced such top actors, certainly there was nervousness before the ‘take’, but once the director called it a ‘take’ I got totally involved into my character and tried to give my best,” he says.

“I have been lucky to perform in the company of some of the great artistes, whom I admired, when I had not even entered this field. Take for example -Padmini Kolhapure, who was my
favourite actress during her rising career in Hindi. I had never even imagined that one day I would be playing lead role opposite her.

But, that opportunity came through ‘Chimni Pakhara’ – a Marathi film through which she made her comeback into acting,” he adds. But, what is the secret behind his spontaneity? When you ask him, he is frank enough to tell the truth. “Actually, I am an actor by practice. Every role offered to me, whether small or big; is a challenge to me. I practice that scene, imagining as if it was a real life situation in my life. I accept it as a part of my living. Rest I leave it to the director, as he is the person, who extracts the best out of me. To be very honest, I am a director’s actor,” he admits with a smile on his face.

Talking about his best performances, again he gives credit to his directors, whether it was Mahesh Manjrekar, Shyam Benegal or others. “Mahesh has been a friend for a long time now. He knows, where to use me and how to extract the best out of me. I just take his instructions and do exactly what he suggests. Likewise, every new role played, is an experience for me to improvise further, after viewing it. Some people may say that I am playing more as a common man, but there are different shades into it,” he puts it courteously.

Sachin does not believe in distinguishing between a film and TV serial, provided the role is good. In Hindi, ‘Imtihaan’ was his first TV serial and we have seen him giving his best through that serial followed by ‘Sailaab’. His love for theatre also hasn’t diminished and when he witnesses some of the ongoing Marathi plays like ‘Hamidabaichi Kothi’ and ‘Kathaa’ drawing a full house. He feels very happy about it.

Sachin is now making his comeback as a hero into Marathi films, after a gap of two years, though we have seen him in recent times as a guest artiste in two of Mahesh Manjrekar’s films, namely : ‘Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho’ and ‘Lalbaug Parel’. We have also seen his ability to give his finest even through those smallest scenes. Hence, his forthcoming Marathi film ‘Tayanche Bait’ has obviously raised lot of expectations, as he is once again playing the lead role of a father of a 10 year old child. This film is an emotion filled tale with a touch of humour. When the child gets attracted towards the five star lifestyle of the city of Mumbai, the father throws a challenge to him to be a topper in the class and in return promises him a day’s stay in a five star hotel.

Today, ‘Taryanche Bait’ is not only the talk all over Maharashtra because it is Ektaa Kapoor’s first Marathi film as a producer under her new banner ‘Alt Entertainment’, but also because it is the film of Sachin Khedekar. A promising director Kiran Yadnopavit, who had earlier written three best scripts of Marathi cinema and who had earlier directed some Marathi plays, will be directing this film. Sachin has certainly given justice to that role, as witnessed in the clippings of the film. Now, all eyes on the release date of this film.

Interviews

“My film debut is something very special” – Meeta Savarkar

meeta-sawarkar-image

Mumbai’s Vile Parle has offered many talented personalities to acting profession. The Parle Tilak Vidyalaya and Sathye College are known for motivating those talented artistes, besides offering them good education. One such personality is Meeta Savarkar, who first established herself as a model in the field of advertising. This creative field does require people with good acting skills and Meeta fitted into their requirement, having performed at various dramatic competitions, while in Sathye college. Be it Nestle Milk Bar advertisement or the Johnson and Johnson Baby shampoo ad or the Moov ad, she has been a familiar face on television for the past 5-6 years.

Meeta stepped into TV serials with Smita Talwalkar’s ‘Gharkul’ but came into limelight through Zee Marathi’s ‘Indradhanushya’, where she played a college girl keen on entering into modeling. Fortunately for her, this role did help her to get modeling assignments in real life. Meeta is now making her debut in Marathi films through Rajeev Patil’s forthcoming film ‘Pangira’. Marathi Movie World spoke to Meeta to know about her journey into the field acting.

Meeta Sawarkar
Q: You are there in the ad-world for a long time. Now, you are into films. How do you find the difference between these two fields?
A: Yes, there is a big difference between these two fields. Even if an advertisement comprise of 30 seconds count, sometimes it takes 2 days for the shoot. On the other hand Marathi films complete at least 4 scenes in a day. There is also a big difference in budget. If an important message is to be conveyed through a film, you have 2-3 hours; but, for an ad film, the product has to reach the audience quickly and at the same your character should also make an impact quickly enough. But, I have enjoyed working in both these fields with the same enthusiasm.
Q: What is your film ‘Pangira’ all about ?
A: Actually, ‘Pangira’ is based on the novel written by Vishwas Patil. It is on the backdrop of 3-4 different issues taking place in the city and village simultaneously. The main theme revolves around the basic necessities of a village, such as Farming, Water, electricity. It also throws light on village administration and people involved in it. The producer of this film Sanjay Krishnaji Patil himself being a Deputy. Commissioner, he thought of portraying this subject before the people to highlight these points. Actually, my character is not there in the original novel. It has been created by the screenplay writer. I was signed just 3 days before the shooting began.

Q; How was your experience working in this film ?
A: It was a great experience. While doing my modeling assignments, I always felt that I should get a chance to work in a film with village backdrop and ‘Pangira’ offered me this role. There is something more brighter than gold. That’s what was my experience working with Rajeev Patil. My debut and that too under the direction of Rajeev Patil, was something special for me. His vision is very clear. He does his home work well, before coming to the sets.

Q: What is your planning now ?
A: As of now, I don’t have any other film in hand. After ‘Pangira’ is released and seen by people, I shall decide my next action, depending upon the response of the people. Till then, I shall continue with my ads. I can do comedy roles and can even dance, if required. Let’s see what happens next.

Q: You don’t look that serious, but pose very cheerful. Then, how did you prepare for this serious type of character ?
A: Actually, I had not even read the script of this film and had not even studied much about this character. But, I love to perform, what I am not in reality. Instead of repeating what we are in real life, it is more challenging to show your acting skills, in such roles.

Ketaki Mategaonkar
Interviews

“I am all excited about my film’s release” – Ketaki

Aside

Ketaki Mategaonkar the 12th standard student, who few years ago entertained the audience with her magical voice on Zee TV’s popular musical show, is now playing a lead role of a perfect school going 9th standard teenager in Sujay Dahake’s much awaited Marathi film ‘Shala’( School), which is all set to release on 20th January 2012 all over Maharashtra.

Ketaki MategaonkarKetaki was lucky enough to be spotted by Film maker Sujay Dahake to play the lead role in his film ‘Shala’. The film was shot during the year 2010-11, when Ketaki was in 11th standard. It was all set to release last year around Ganapti festival time, but couldn’t find a distributor. But when film maker Mahesh Manjrekar saw this film, he was highly impressed with the subject. He also liked the performances of the children. He is now releasing this film under his banner ‘The Great Maratha Entertainment’. The screenplay of this film has been adapted from the best selling novel of the same name , by reputed Marathi novelist Milind Bokil.

The novel looks at the passionate love in its purest and elementary form, in school, i.e. the form of the first love. The movie is an attempt to bring the very essence of pure, unrequited love that the character Joshi a 9th standard schoolboy feels for his classmate, Shirodkar. Ketaki plays this character of Shirodkar and looks very confident in that role. Even before its official release the film has already been shown at various festivals like MIFTA at London, where it was premiered, then at the 10th Asian Film festival, Mumbai, the 7th Asian Film Festival, Pune & Kolhapur and at Leicester Square, Prince Charles Theatre. It has also been screened at NCPA’s Marathi Film Festival- Nave Valan and has received a good response.

Ketaki was present recently during the press conference of this film at Ravindra Natya Mandir, to announce the date of film’s release, when she spoke to MarathiMovieWorld.com about her experience in film. “I began my career as a singer, but when this acting assignment came to me, I became more serious about acting. We had to undergo a workshop on acting, where myself and other children were explained about our behaviour with each other during shooting. Today, we children talk to each other very freely. But, it was different situation 35 years ago, the actual period shown in this film. Hence we all had to pose ourselves very shy, while interacting with each other. Especially, when I faced the camera in scenes opposite my co star Anshuman Joshi. There were many good things we learned from our Cinematographer Diego Romero and it was a good experience.” said Ketaki.

Speaking about managing her shooting schedules besides her studies, Ketaki said that “The shootings of this film took place as per our convenience, in few spells and it was like being with our own family. Sujayda, our director was perfect in his work and I learned so many good things from him. I am really thankful to him for selecting me for this role.” She added. Smart and confident looking Ketaki faced the media with poise. Now, Ketaki is all excited to see how people respond to this film. “Please come and see this film in theatre.” was her appeal.

Interviews

Good Public relations, is the need of the hour- Prasad Oak

Prasad Oak, Actor

Like any other committed actor, acting is his passion. For the past several years, Prasad Oak has been performing through all the three mediums of acting, i.e. stage, television and films. In the recent past, his ‘Aaltun Paaltun’ had gained popularity on Marathi stage. For Home television lovers, as a show anchor he has reached the popularity heights, while listening to the grievances of more than 500 families in Maharashtra through the famous TV show ‘Bhanda Saukhyabhare’. And, through his variety of performances in Marathi films, he his heading towards century, with release of 70 films so far and four films in hand.

Marathi Movie World spoke to Prasad Oak, who like a perfect PR man, immediately responded to our request for an interview, unlike few other popular stars, who keep asking for time. But, Prasad was more than courteous to speak about his 21 year long career in acting. We are all aware that as a young boy, he had invited all the attention during his school and college days in Pune. Prasad directed many one act plays and later worked as an assistant director, besides acting.

Today, Prasad is among the popular actors in Marathi entertainment industry. On many occasions such as award functions, he is unnecessarily made the target with jokes cracked
on him. In fact, he being chosen as a target by some of his colleagues, who played anchors at Award functions, has only indicated his rising popularity in this Marathi entertainment industry. But, on few occasions, it became too personal. And therefore, this otherwise cheerful actor had to respond, expressing his reaction against the mischief makers.

Having played a variety of roles in different Marathi films, Prasad is now awaiting eagerly for the release of his forthcoming film ‘Aik’, which is an action packed horror film. In this film, Prasad is playing an important role and is all praise for new director Prateek Kadam, who, he feels has handled this subject very well. “We have very few films in Marathi, which contain suspense filled with horror. This film will certainly hold the audience to their seats. It has been shot with a new C 300 Camera, which will display its visual quality, required for such type of a film,” he says. Known for his comedy roles, in the recent past, Prasad has also been part of a suspense filled mystery film ‘Tee Ratra’ and he certainly invited all the attention in that role, he played.

Talking about his love for stage, Prasad seemed to be slightly disappointed, as the shows of his ongoing play ‘Aaltun Paltun’ have stopped. But, he is looking forward to make a comeback. “I will not stop performing on stage. It’s my first love. Very soon, by August or September you will see me back on stage,” he says confidently.

Having directed a Marathi film and well aware of the advertising required for promoting a Marathi film, Prasad is of the opinion that for a Rs.1 Crore budget film, the film maker should make provision of 35% of the budget, towards publicity and marketing of the film. When asked, as to how important was Public relations for a Marathi actor, he said, “In today’s time, it is the most important factor. It’s the need of the hour. Personally, I am myself paying more attention on PR.”

Prasad’s TV programme ‘Bhanda Saukhyabhare’ has further enhanced his public contacts. “Through this programme, I have myself learned so many things, while sharing the emotion filled experiences of others,” he admits.

At present, Prasad has four films in hand. After release of ‘Aik’, he will be looking forward to Tanaji Ghadge’s ‘Gajarachi Pungi’, ‘Satya’, Mandar Deosthali’s ‘Dhating Dhingana’ and Shekhar Sartandel’s much awaited film ‘Nirmalya’. ‘The tongue has no bone and it wiggles more against the celebrities than the common man’. Prasad is undoubtedly a celebrity and it’s obvious that some of his so called friends from this industry would try to pull his legs. Whenever he is not performing, Prasad enjoys watching films and also finds time to read books. Marathi Movie World wishes him all the best.

Interviews

All Rounder Prasad Oak

Prasad Oak

In Marathi entertainment industry, Prasad Oak is a familiar name. Till now, he hasn’t left any area untouched in this field, be it modeling, films, serials, drama or direction. He has also won the Celebrity show on Zee Marathi, while getting that special recognition of ‘Ajinkya Tara’. Already known for being a good programme host, recently he was seen presenting a poetry in the programme ‘Haftabandh’ and one really wondered as to how he could deliver so many things at a time.
For the past 17 years Prasad has been working hard to establish himself as a good performer through different roles he played, whether they were comedy or serious type. When he came to this city from Pune, he had a dream of directing a film and it took him sixteen long years to fulfill his dream. While in Bhave school and BMCC College, Pune, Prasad directed many one act plays and later worked as assistant director. Marathi Movie World spoke to Prasad to know more about his journey and past experiences. Excerpts from interview:
Prasad Oak
Q: How did you get your first major break into acting ?
A: My first serial ‘Bandini’ was my stepping stone, where I worked with Mrunal Kulkarni as my co-star. This role was offered to me by Shirish Kulkarni, with whom I had worked earlier for ‘Avart’. My first drama was ‘Adhantar’ and my first film was ‘Ashtaroop Vaibhav Laxmi Mata’.

Q: Was it because of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, that you received due recognition as a singer ? And, how serious you are to take up this new career ?
A: I have already rendered my voice as a singer for films like ‘Doghat Tisra Aata Sagle Visra’ and ‘Joshi Ki Kamble’ . There is also one forthcoming film, where you will find me as singer. But, I haven’t taken it seriously as a new profession. For the time being, I am
enjoying it as a hobby. Let me see, if there are more opportunities, I may continue to sing for films.

Q: ‘Haay Kaay Naay Kaay’ was the first film directed by you. How was your experience in this new role ?
A: Right from direction to production every process I enjoyed. It was a dream come true.

Q: We have seen you performing different types of roles, but what you enjoy playing ?
A: I enjoy playing a comedy, as I like to make people laugh. It’s a pleasure watching them laugh .

Q: You are also a Poet, Isn’t that true ?
A: Yes, you may say so. Actually, I only pen down my thoughts, which are not necessarily poetries. But, sometimes, they turn out to be. It all depends on my mood.

Q: You have spent almost 16-17 years in this industry. Do you feel that there is something yet to be done ?
A: Yes, I have yet to establish myself as a director in this industry. I have worked in almost 80 serials and almost the same number of films and literally got trapped into acting only.

Q: Tell us something about your forthcoming films .
A: Within next 2-3 months there will be at least 10 films releasing, out of which 3 films will release in August 2010. In every film I have a different role. In ‘Aikaa Dajiba’ I am playing a Gujarathi boy, while in ‘Jeta’ I am playing a villain. In ‘Tee Ratra’ (a thriller) you will find me in most memorable role.

Ashwini Shende, Lyrics, Writer
Interviews

“Every song has its own identity”- Ashwini Shende

Aside

After hearing those mesmerizing title songs of the Marathi serials ‘Kalat Nakalat’, ‘Anubandh’, ‘Kulvadhu’ and ‘Majhiya Priyala Preet Kalena’, one always thought of the lyricist for writing those meaningful words. Obviously, Ashwini Shende who penned those lyrics, gets the credit for making these songs so popular. Some people even downloaded them as caller tunes on their cell phones. Ashwini, however attributes the credit to her parents Chandrashekhar & Medha Shende, who encouraged her towards reading and music during her school days.

Ashwini Shende, Lyrics, WriterHaving studied from Borivali’s Suvidyalaya and Parle’s Sathe College, Ashwini does not forget her teachers, who according to her paid more attention on her artistic talent rather than the percentage of marks scored in the exams. Being passionate about reading, Ashwini could compile her own set of words for incorporating them into meaningful lyrics suited to different situations. For the past three years she has bagged the Best lyricist award from Zee Marathi, making a hat-trick. Marathi Movie World had a chit chat with Ashwini to know more about her field of interest.

Ashwini Shende
Q: Why did you choose this profession and whether this is your full time profession ?
A: Writing is not only my profession but my passion. Without writing ,be it a song, dialogues or any other matter; I just cannot sit quiet. More important is what I am writing rather than for which production house I am writing. Before entering this profession, I used to write poems. In fact, for 3-4 years I worked as a Journalist for ‘Indian Express’ and ‘Loksatta’. When I wrote the dialogues and lyrics for TV serial ‘Kalat Nakalat’ my passion for such writing turned into a profession.

Q: Many of your songs penned for films and TV serials have become very popular. How do you feel about it ?
A: Feeling nice about it. Actually, what I visualize, I try to put it in simple words. The more
simpler are the words, better the chances of the song becoming popular. I avoid using the typical Marathi language used during olden days. When I get the feedback from people that it is because of the simple language, they could understand the song well, I consider it as an achievement.

Q: Which was the first song penned by you ?
A: My first song was for Vaishali Samant’s album on devotional songs but I wrote my first song ‘Abhaas ha..’ for the film ‘Yanda kartavya Aahe’.

Q: How do you look at this Marathi Film Industry? Is there enough scope for a lyricist like you ?
A: Marathi film industry is progressing these days with good quality films being produced. Even music has its own place here. As a lyricist, I have gained a lot from this industry. Besides writing, I never thought of doing anything else here. What Mr. Gulzar has achieved in film industry, I would like to be something close to that, if not to that level. And I am sure Marathi film industry would offer me that scope.

Q: What is your personal opinion on ‘there cannot be a film without songs’ ?
A: Poems, songs are the medium of expressing your emotions through words. I don’t think that to make a film popular, you need to have songs in it. If you look at the sad song in ‘Iraada Pakka’ and Khel Mandala in ‘Natarang’, you will notice that the story moves ahead through these songs. The wordings in it has the power to turn the audience emotional. I would love to write such lyrics. I am of the opinion that there should be songs in a film only with the demand of the situation. Take for example a film like ‘Shwaas’, which turned out to be a very good film, without songs.

Q: Is there any interference, after your song is finalized?
A: Once the song goes to the Music director, our authority ends. Now, if some of the words do not fit into the beats, the changes are required and those changes could be of a word or one line also. But, every song has its own identity and it should reach the audience is only our concern.

Q: Tell us something about a memorable moment in your life.
A: When I sit for writing and then complete the same, every moment spent during that period is memorable for me. Even if I have done title songs for 10 serials, the one for 11th serial is given the same importance, as if it was my first song. The force with which I deliver it, it should reach with the same force to the audience.

Q: Till now, for how many films and Tv serials you have written the lyrics?
A: May be title songs for 30-35 serials and 15-20 songs for films.

Q: What are your future projects?
A: I am writing songs for films ‘Partner’ and ‘Manya the Wonder Boy’, which are important project for me. Besides that I am busy writing title songs for few more serials. Some albums are there in the pipeline. I am also writing songs for Chandrakant Kulkarni’s drama ‘Ashi hi 20-30′ which is something new for me.

Atisha Naik, Supriya Pathare, Actress
Interviews

Atisha and Supriya – The bad women on small screen, with good heart

Aside

Atisha Naik and Supriya Pathare are known faces on small screen for their negative roles. One doesn’t know, how many housewives totally engrossed in their serials must be cursing them; but, in real life, both of them are fun loving and cheerful women. Marathi Movie world, spoke to both of them simultaneously, a little before an award function in Mumbai, recently. At present, both of them are performing together in an old revived Marathi stage play ‘Varyavarchi Varaat’ and hence were seen together, in a jovial mood sharing their experiences.

Atisha Naik, Supriya Pathare, ActressAtisha Naik, Supriya Pathare Atisha has been in the field of acting since she was 8 years old, when she made her debut in a Marathi play ‘Good Bye Doctor’ as a child artiste. Later, she performed on stage and made her film debut with Mahesh Manjrekar’s Hindi film ‘Pran Jaye Par Vachan na Jaye’. Recently, we saw her playing an important role of a lady Sarpanch, in national award winning film ‘Deool’. With her acting skills and perfect body language, Atisha did invite attention of the audience.

At present, Atisha is also performing in one more Marathi play ‘Suryachi Pilley’; but her role as a cunning Mother in law in Marathi TV serial ‘Pudhcha Paul’, has exploited her potential. Now, instead of being typecast, Atisha is playing an important role in Amol Palekar’s forthcoming humour filled film, ‘We are on, Aata Houn Jaoo De.’ Atisha refuses to speak much about her role and film’s theme, as she wants to maintain the secrecy about it. “But, it’s a kind of role, that I really enjoyed playing,” she said.

For Supriya Pathare, it has been a struggle to reach the position, she has attained now. Sixteen years ago, she used to perform dramas on stage along with her group, during the Ganapati festivals in Mumbai, till she joined Vaman Kendre’s group and performed in ‘Teen Paishacha tamasha’. Born and brought up in Mumbai, she then lived in Dongri area of Mumbai. Those days, she even joined dance classes, to enable her to present her part well. ‘Darling Darling’ was her first commercial play. Being the sister of Ms. Anjali Nevrekar, of Sanskruti Kaladarpan Group, enabled her to begin her acting career professionally.

Her debut TV serial was ‘Kulvadhu’ in which she played a negative role of a selfish step mother, followed by negative roles in serials like ‘Mann Udhaan Varyache’ & ‘Pinjara’. These performances brought her into limelight; but, it was her performance in Zee Marathi’s reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’ brought her name and fame. No wonder, she was offered a cameo in recently released film ‘No Entry Pudhe dhoka aahe’.

“On many occasions in the past chapters of ‘Fu Bai Fu’’ I was rejected. They really had a doubt, whether an actress like me, who was typecast in negative roles, would be able to deliver comedy scenes? But, when finally I got a chance, I proved that I could create laughter. Whatever recognition I have received today, is all because of ‘Fu Bai Fu’.” she concluded.

Sharad Ponkshe
Interviews

Biggest award is ‘appreciation from audience’ – Sharad Ponkshe

Aside

He is always in a Jovial mood and very supportive on the sets; whether he is shooting for a film or a serial. Sharad Ponkshe who began his acting career as a stage artiste with one act plays while he was studying in Abhinav Kala Mandir school in Bhayender off Mumbai , was very serious about this profession. But, those days acting was not seen as a well paying profession. One needed a job to support self and family. So, like many others, after finishing his 12th followed by a three year specialized Government diploma, he took up a job with BEST. As an employee of BEST, he participated in various competitions and did his first professional play ‘Varun Sagle Sarkhe’ in the year 1989.

Sharad PonksheFor a totally committed actor like Sharad, it was just not possible to stick on to only stage and hence in 1988 he made his debut in a Marathi film ‘De Taali’ while he was a little known actor. He got his first major break in a TV serial through Adhikari Brothers ‘Damini’ in 1997, where he played a Journalist- Uday Karkhanis. This serial was a super hit and went on for 8 years with a record run. It was during this period that Sharad Ponkshe received another big offer to play lead in a Marathi play ‘Mee Nahturam Godse Boltoy’. The launching of this play turned out to be the most memorable moment in his life, as it literally changed his life. He still remembers the date of launch i.e 10th July 1998.

Sharad, who was then used to be on leave without pay in his office, finally decided to quit his job in the year 2000. The journey of a successful actor had begun with the popularity of ‘Nathuram Godse Boltoy’. Sharad was later signed to play the role of a Journalist again; this time a shrewd and cunning Mr. Khandagale in another popular serial ‘Vaadalwaat’.

So effective was his performance as Devram Khandagle, that for three consecutive years he bagged the Zee Puraskar for the best villain, while playing the same role. Isn’t that a biggest hat-trick scored by an actor? It’s surprising that the same actor with another outstanding performance in ‘Mee Nathuram Godse Boltoy’ is yet to receive an award.