Category Archives: Interviews

Smita Tambe
Interviews

I have always given my best with total commitment – Smita Tambe

Aside

Artistes with great ability develop and prove themselves good with every new assignment. Smita Tambe is one such hard working and talented artiste, who took up the challenge with every role she was offered. She began with strong character roles in a TV serial and a film and today she has two more films awaiting for release; namely Amol Palekar’s ‘Dhoosar’ and Rajiv Patil’s ‘Paangira’. MMW had a chit chat with Smita Tambe, who spoke about her experiences in this industry.

Smita TambeQ: How comfortable are you feeling today, after choosing acting as your career ?
A: In the beginning, when you don’t find much of work, you always feel that you area struggler. But, when you have work in hand, you dedicate yourself completely to that work. In due course of time you become popular and receive recognition. It is at this stage you consider yourself settled. Today, I have that feeling.

Q: You have been in this industry for the past 3-4 years. How was your journey from beginning till this stage ?
A: I am originally from Satara but lived in Pune. After coming to Mumbai, every new assignment brought extra enthusiasm in me. My parents didn’t know much about this industry and are still unaware about it. But, they never opposed me. In fact, they always supported me. Till now, the journey has been smooth and good. As far as my performance is concerned, whether it was playing Kitty in ‘Anubandh’ or performing in ‘Jogwa’. I have always given my best with total commitment. Not many are aware that I was also a choreographer for the film ‘Jogwa’. 

Q: Soon you will be seen in Amol Palekar’s film ‘Dhoosar’. How was your selection made in this film ?
A: When I went for audition of this film, my selection was made for another role. But, now I have been offered an important role in the film. That made me more happy.

Q: What is this film all about and what kind of role you are playing ?
A: The film’s subject is based on an ailment. It is an emotional story. The character of a girl I am playing is meeting her mother after almost 2 and 1/2 years. But, things have changed during this period. The film has been shot on this backdrop showing that change. Along with me there are other well known artistes like Reemaji, Upendra Limaye, Jyoti Subhash & Amruta khanvilkar.

Q: How was your experience working with Mr. Palekar ?
A: He being a renowned actor and director, I was certainly excited to work with him. Mr. Palekar is known for dealing with diverse subjects and has his own style of working which is different. While on the sets, I knew my responsibilities well. With whatever expectations he had made my selection, I felt that I should give my 100% and did so. Now, it is for the audience to judge my performance.

Rima Amrapurkar
Interviews

Rima Amrapurkar, Director

Aside

Rima Amarapurkar, daughter of popular film personality Sadashiv Amrapurkar, who made her debut as a director through Marathi feature film ‘Aare Aare Baba, aata tari thamba’ has now shot into fame at the international level. Her short film ‘Janani’ which invited attention of one and all at the recently concluded Goa Film Festival; will now be screened at the prestigious Cannes film festival. MMW had a chit chat with her on this occasion.

Rima AmrapurkarQ : Now that your short film ‘Janani’ is going to be screened at the Cannes Film festival; how do you feel about it ?
I am very much excited but at the same time I am nervous, because it is the most prestigious international film festival. With a tradition of 63 long years, I just don’t know, how will be the response here. However, considering the importance of my film being screened here, itself is a big thing for me.

Q: In the recent past, your film was appreciated at the Goa film festival too. How was your experience that time ?
It was a totally different experience, as 80% of the films were Indian films and among the remaining 20% were regional and other language films. Whatever I had expected, I received more appreciation than that. It was a great moment for me, when the members of Jury over there came personally and expressed their gratitude .

Q: Tell us something about the subject or theme of your film ?
In our society there still exists the tradition of compulsorily having a male child. With the technological progress, it has now become easier to detect whether the child taking birth would Rima Amrapurkar be a male or female child. This has only given rise to death of girl child much before their birth. This has only reduced the population of females in the country. The Government did implement strict laws to prevent such crimes, but as you know here in our country the laws are meant to be broken. Even in such cases, people started finding loopholes for escape. One can understand such a craze in villages, but even the literate people living in city are no exception.

In this film I have tried to show how a pregnant woman and her husband are harassed by their own family members and other so called respected members of the society including a doctor and the head of the village.

Q : ‘Aara Aara baba aata tari thamba’ was your first feature film. But, after that instead of doing a film, why did you opt for a short film?
In fact, this theme was already in my mind, much before making ‘Aara aara baba…’ And when the film was completed and ‘What next’ question came to my mind, I immediately tabled the script of ‘Janani’ . I found that this script was not taking more than 30 minutes of presentation. When something can be conveyed within that time effectively, why unnecessarily stretch it? When the film was shot and edited, I felt that it was a wise decision. I could communicate effectively with the audience, which was the biggest experience I had. My first feature film was a comedy with political background but this short film is a serious subject full of emotions.

Q: In our Marathi film industry we have very few women directors and you are one of them. How do you feel about it ?
I feel proud about myself that I have chosen this profession along with few other women directors. But, I feel that more and more women should take up direction, as there are certain subjects that only a woman can present in a more realistic manner. If the film ‘Aare aare baba.’ was handled by a male director, he would have certainly crossed the theme line. Therefore I feel that I have given justice to the subject. In this film industry there are many talented actresses, but we need equally talented women directors too.

Q: Besides short film and feature film, as a director what are the other areas that invite your attention?
I consider only feature film as the best field suited to me . Now, I have two scripts ready. But, after ‘Janani’ I have developed a lot of interest in short films. Therefore, if I get an opportunity with an equally strong script, certainly I would go for a short film.

Ravindra Mankani
Interviews

Ravindra Mankani – an actor to reckon with

Aside

Ravindra Mankani was a name to reckon with during 80s and 90s. As an actor par excellence, he had won several awards for best actor through Marathi dramas and films. Besides Marathi, he had also performed in few Hindi films and was part of almost 12 popular Hindi serials. His sharp looks and perfect body language enabled him to grab attention of the audience even in a short scene. Over the years, Ravindra has kept himself busy with his work, maintaining a low profile in the industry but his creative work couldn’t go unnoticed.

Ravindra MankaniRavindra was attracted to stage since his school days in Pune, when he won several awards in debating, elocution and acting. Besides studying his Engineering, he also performed on stage for the inter-collegiate drama competitions. He won the best acting prize during the years 1978 and 1979 consecutively, besides winning the Purushottam Karandak for his college in 1979.

Being a Civil Engineer by profession with post graduate diploma in Management, he went on to successfully complete a 2.5 crore project for Maharashtra Housing Area and Development Board in the year 1984. His attachment to stage inspired him to study more about filmmaking areas such as camera, direction and lights. So, he started his own company Rohan’s Eye which now deals in Audio & Video productions. Ravindra has himself directed many corporate films, ad films & product promotion films till date. His company is already into commercial production of audio & video cassettes.

Today, he is the Managing Director of a company Raviraj Publicity Pvt. Ltd, which provides all types of media services for advertising. Besides this, he is also director of an Event Management Company Display Creators Pvt. Ltd, which works from concept to commissioning and above all he is the Chairman of Abhiyan Arts Pvt. Ltd., a total commercial mega level production house of TV serials (Marathi & Hindi) Audio albums besides Film making which was launched in 2001.

Besides his busy schedule in business, Ravindra as an actor continues with his acting and some of his performances in films like ’22nd June 1897′, ‘Nivdung’, ‘Warsa Laxmicha’,’Aastitva’, ‘ Vastupurush’ ,’ Not only Mrs. Raut’, ‘Neetal’, Shewari’and ‘Sawar re’ remind us of his intensity in acting while some of his TV serials like ‘Swami’, ‘Soudamini’, ‘Zale Mokale Aakash’, ‘Pimpalpaan’,’Avantika’, and’Eka Lagnachi Goshta‘, only goes on to speak about the variety of roles he has played with ease.

His association with Hindi TV serials for the past 25 years has also invited attention of people all over India for his memorable performances in ‘Terah Panne’, ‘Shrikant’, ‘Trikaal’, ‘Shanti’, ‘Rishtey (Intezar)’, ‘Sanjeevani’ and ‘Saakshi’. It was a pleasure to watch him even in’C.I.D. Special Bureau’ and ‘Aahaat‘. That goes on to speak about his command over Hindi.

His role in the latest released film ‘Mani Mangalsutra’ clearly indicates his capacity to emote spontaneously in the most difficult scene. Indeed, his character of a schoolmaster in this film will be remembered for years to come.

MMW wishes this talented and creative person a very happy Deepawali and a prosperous new year.

Satish Motling
Interviews

“I have really come through hard times” – Satish Motling

Aside

The pre-release campaign of ‘Agadbam’ has also brought into limelight one such person, who has almost risen from rags to riches. Satish Motling, director of ‘Agadbam’ was perhaps inspired by the hard work put in by all time greats like Abraham Lincoln, Jim Carrey, Dhirubhai Ambani and actor Chiranjivi, who had some mission in their life. But, if you ask Satish, what’s his ultimate desire? He says, “I would like to reach a stage, where people from this industry should find me somewhere in line with the directors like Madhur Bhandarkar and Mahesh Manjrekar.”

Satish MotlingIf you peep into his past life, during his childhood he lived a life like a typical Mumbaikar with a good family backing. But, destiny had something else in mind.

He lost his father, when he was in 7th standard. The family had to vacate the Government quarters and Satish was literally on the roads. “We couldn’t even manage to get any funds from father’s office; as he in turn had helped someone by drawing huge loan amount in his name. So, the dues payable to him were adjusted against the recovery” he tells in a soaked voice.

As a school going kid, Satish took the responsibility of not only supporting himself for his education but also his family, by doing odd jobs. He washed the cars in his area early in the morning, even sold newspapers and what not. But, even in that condition, he had a dream in his eyes and that was to become a good cinematographer. He was ready to work hard to achieve it. Those days, Dimple Films was considered to be lucky for those who made the beginning of their profession through them.

“For a beginner like me, I had no other option but to join them in whatever capacity they accepted me. I joined them as a helper and without any hesitation, did all odd jobs there too. As we all know, a helper has no fixed duties. Those days, I lived in the slums, just opposite the tower where I live today. But, my enthusiasm and dedication to work enabled me to move step by step closer to my ultimate goal.” says Satish.

After working as assistant, finally he began his independent work with Bhojpuri and Bengali films. Even did ad films one of which was the famous Manchester United ad, which was done by him on three consecutive occasions. In Marathi, he made his entry with ‘Isshya’ and ‘Agadbam’ is his 13th film as a Cinematographer. But, in ‘Agadbam’ you will see more of Satish as a director. To put it in Satish’s own words, “Cameraman is the captain of the ship.” But, what happens when he is the director too ?

His answer to this question is: Watch ‘Agadbam’.

Interviews

Lokesh Gupte – inviting attention on small screen

lokesh-gupte-interview-image

There is one actor on Marathi television today, who has invited the attention of many households in Maharashtra. With his sharp and daunting looks in the role of Inspector Raorane in ‘Kashyala Udyachi Baat’ and very meticulously displaying his lead character in that challenging role of Mangesh in ‘Lajja’, Lokesh Gupte certainly makes everybody talk about his performance. No wonder, he has shot into fame, in just few days time. Lokesh is not new to Marathi entertainment industry, as he has worked before in all three mediums before. But, was never so popular, as he is today.

Here, he speaks to MarathiMovieWorld, sharing his experience in this industry. . Excerpts from an interview.
Q: How did you enter this profession ?
A: None from my family were interested in this profession. While in school and college in Pune,
I used to take part in drama competitions. After my graduation, I came to Mumbai. My first play was ‘Mee Nathuram Godse Boltoy’. After some time, the play was stopped. Thereafter, for the next 3-4 years I worked as assistant director to Vinay Apte. The actor within me had to take a break. By that time I also focused on editing work, as I had my own studio. But, when it became strenuous, I was back to acting with a TV serial ‘Vadalwaat’.

Q: In the ongoing serials we see you in negative roles? Any particular reason ?
A: I received such offers and I personally liked them. Though both of them were negative Lokesh Gupte in Lajja
characters; there is a diversity in these two characters. I totally get involved while shooting and enjoy playing these two challenging roles.

Q: What kind of roles, you would enjoy playing, if given a choice ?
A: I personally feel that after doing a particular role, if I derive total satisfaction; such roles I would love to play. Then, it does not matter, whether it is a negative or comedy role. Self satisfaction brings in lot of confidence.
Q: What are your hobbies ?
A: I hardly find time for my hobbies. But, when I find it, I love to cook. I enjoy watching old movies. I love music therefore during travel, I listen to the songs in my car.

Q: Whatever popularity you got through films like ‘Uladhaal’and ‘Sakhi’, double than that you have gained through the roles played in current TV serials. Why is it so ?
A: If you are talking about ‘Sakhi’, it was a guest appearance. On the request made by Bharati Achrekar and Sanjay Surkar, I had done that film. ‘Uladhaal’ portrayed me in a different role and I kept on receiving offers for similar type of role; but I had to refuse them as they were almost in the same get-up. Now, talking about the two serials I am doing, I would say that I have reached almost every household. They can meet me daily on the screen. They keep on thinking, as to what would happen next? And, that keeps them involved into these serials. It is not the same with films. As long as the film remains in theatre, they talk about the artistes. But, serials are in news all the time and so I am. That’s what I feel.

Q: Tell us something about your forthcoming film ‘Daavpech’ .
A: In this film , I am playing a Floriculturist, who encourages farmers to practice floriculture on their farming land. ‘Daavpech’ is actually an unlawful activity practiced once in a year in that village. I would not like to disclose much about this film, as it is a different film that you all would love to see in the theatres. The film has an unexpected end.

Q: And what about your other future projects ?
A: Besides ‘Daavpech’ which will release soon, I also have Girish Joshi’s ‘Pratibimb’ lined up for release.

Bhakti Desai
Interviews

My wish is to perform on Big screen- Bhakti Desai

Aside

Marathi serials are now days looking for fresh faces, who besides acting should also look smart. Gone are the days, when the leading actress dressed up in a Sari or Punjabi dress used to move on the screen carrying a glass of water or a cup of tea for their husbands. Now, their place has been taken by young modern day girls wearing jeans and tops sitting in a coffee shop with their group of friends and using laptops at home. Revathi ( Reva) played by Bhakti Desai, is one such character in the serial ‘Kashala Udyachi Baat’ on Star Pravah, who invites attention of one and all.

Bhakti DesaiBhakti plays the central role of a stylish modern day girl from an upper middle class family, who is well aware of her limits, observes the customary rituals and is smart enough to take certain decisions. Marathi Movie world had a chit chat with Bhakti to know more about her acting career.
Excerpts from the discussion:

Q: Tell us how you landed into acting field ?
A: Since second year of my college, I started performing in commercial stage plays. Before that I used to take part in Inter-collegiate competitions representing Ruparel College. After graduation, I decided to take up acting as my career and started performing on stage. I did 108 shows of ‘Hridayi Vasant Fultanna’ directed by Vijay Kenkre. Then I also played the role of Rashmi with Sanjay Narvekar in 85 shows of popular comedy drama ‘Bajirao Mast Mi’. Besides that I was associated with amateur theatre groups and performed there too.

Q: Besides stage, were you associated with any other serials or films before?
A: To say, something about television, in the past I have done programmes for
Bhakti Desai, ‘Kashala Udhyachi Baat’, Doordarshan’s popular programme ‘Kilbil’. I have yet to act in films and it is my wish to perform on big screen.

Q: Tell us how you were selected to play Revathi in ‘Kashyala Udyachi Baat’?
A: During inter-collegiate competitions many well known people from industry used to come as Judges and one of them happened to be Mr. Vidyadhar Pathare, the producer of the serial. After watching me perform that time, he had approached me for a role, but since my college was going on, I couldn’t accept it. Later, when he decided to do this serial, he once again called me and I agreed to play Revathi.

Q: Did you receive special training in acting from any individual or institute ?
A: My association with different groups and performing with them, itself trained me for different types of roles. Whether it was Avishkar or Mitthak, they all helped me improvise further. I had performed in Satyadev Dube’s Hindi commercial play ‘Thamb Lakmi Kunku Lawte’ which also helped me a lot. There are people like Iravati Karnik , Advait and others who offered a lot of guidance.

Q: How much do you believe in success ?
A: Anything is possible, provided you sincerely work hard in a positive direction to achieve the same.

Q: How much do you believe in Horoscope & Palmistry ?
A: Not exactly! Unless someone tries to explain in a convincing manner logically, I may believe in it. But, as I said, unless I experience myself, I don’t easily believe in such things.

Q: On the set, you have performed with many senior artistes. What have you learned from them ?
A: While working on the set, I observed their way of presenting themselves. Each one of them have their own style of working. No one comes to explain you, how you should react at a given situation. We just have to observe them and learn good things. I just did that and enjoyed every moment.

Q: In the initial part of the serial, you worked under Satish Rajwade’s direction. How was your experience with him ?
A: Fantastic! I wish he were there for some more time. As a director, he is the best. He knows the capability of every actor and accordingly extracts the best out of them.

Q: Do you have any other projects in hand ?
A: At present, I am involved in ongoing serial only. But, would surely like to do a film.

Sai Tamhankar
Interviews

Sai Tamhankar, Actress

Aside

After playing a variety of roles through TV serials like ‘Ya Gojirvanya Gharaat’, ‘Agnishikha’ and ‘Saathi Re’, Saie Tamhankar made her entry into Bollywood playing cameo in films like ‘Black and White’ and ‘Gajani’. But, her role in Subhash Ghai’ marathi film ‘Sanai Choughade’ actually brought her into limelight and her acting career actually took off. In the recent past, she was also seen in films like ‘Be Dune Sade Char’, ‘Picnic’ and ‘Rita’.

Sai TamhankarAt present, Saie has become very popular through her performance in popular TV serial ‘Anubandh’. Marathi Movie World spoke to Saie about her career and experience in this field. Excerpts from an interview:

Q : How did you land into acting field?
A: I would say that my destiny brought me here. When I was doing my 12th, I performed for the first time in a play. Thereafter, I developed interest in acting and started taking part in Inter collegiate competitions. I enjoyed this field and made up my mind to choose this field as my career.

Q: What you have say about your role in TV serial ‘Anubandh’ ?
A: Actually, I liked the script and therefore accepted the role immediately. But, there is a lot of difference between character of Ashwini you see in the serial and myself. In fact, the character of Ashwini resembles a lot with my school time friend . While preparing myself for this role, after reading the script, I could only think of my friend. In Ashwini, you will almost find my friend but not me.

Q: How was your experience doing films like ‘Black and White’ and ‘Gajani’?
A: I really had a very good experience doing these Bollywood films. On the sets of ‘Black and White’ Subhashji saw me and being a Maharashtrian, I was selected for the role of Sai in his forthcoming Marathi film ‘Sanai Choughade’.

Q: During your college life, you have done stage plays. Would you be interested now, to perform on stage ?
A: Actually, after ‘Sanai Choughade’ I had decided not to do any serials, but looking at the script, I agreed to do a serial like ‘Anubandh’. In a similar way, if there is really a play with good script; I may certainly opt for it’s no matter whether it is Marathi or Hindi. But, frankly speaking, I get tensed up only to tour different places along with the drama troupe.

Q: Your new film ‘Mission Possible’ is very much in the news. What you have to say about your involvement with this film ?
A: After a long time, I am playing this neutral type of role. I have really enjoyed doing this film. Pushkar is very hard working. Sanjay Khanzode’s style of working and the teamwork of the unit impressed me a lot. I met many new people here and there were many good things to learn from them on the sets of this film.

Manisha Kelkar, Sai tamhankar
Interviews

Pushkar Jog – Making his Mission Possible

Aside

10 years ago, he was a child artiste, having won the state award for his performance in his home production ‘Raju’. Eight years later, he made his debut through Mahesh Kothare’s film ‘Zabardast’ and a new star was born. Pushkar Jog, in spite of the success of ‘Zabardast’ did not receive as much response as expected from the traditional film makers. But, the dancing star with multi talent, did not sit quiet. He performed on TV in a reality show- ‘Maharashtracha Nach Baliye’ and went on to prove that he was a star to be reckoned.

Pushkar Jog, ActorPushkar accepted a TV serial ‘Vachan Dile Tu Mala’ and also proved his acting talents through a role that was filled with emotions. Besides that he also performed in a prominent role in Bollywood film ‘EMI Liya Hai to Chukana Padega’ along with Sanjay Dutt and others. In the meanwhile, his own film ‘Satya’ based on social awareness, was also released. Two of his Marathi films in lead role ‘Mission Possible’and ‘Dhoom To Dhaamaal ‘and a Hindi film, ‘Don’t worry Be Happy’ are set for early releases.

For the past few months, Pushkar was busy with his home production ‘Mission Possible’. Besides playing the lead opposite Saie Tamhankar and Manisha Kelkar, Pushkar will also be directing this film. He has also given his own voice for a song in the film. This will be a big budget film and Pushkar has worked very hard for his home production, as per the repots coming in from his co -artistes.

Marathi film industry need to change the look to suit the modern times and with due respect to all those great film makers for the past 104 years, I have taken up this challenge, says Pushkar confidently.  When I meet some of my college friends, they always say that there is no Hrithik or Shahid style of heroes in Marathi and hence they don’t feel like watching Marathi films. I want to change the perception of these youths about Marathi cinema. Watch the song picturisation in Ladakh and you will surely notice the change,he adds.

Manisha Kelkar, Sai tamhankarMarketing and distribution play a very important role for the success of a Marathi film, hence Pushkar has opted for Percept Pictures, to distribute his film. With their own creative ideas, he is very much sure about their marketing strategy during film’s promotion, which begins 15 days before the film’s release (15th July), which is also the birthday of Pushkar. I expect a new audience, besides the regular film goers, in the form of youths for this film and to achieve that I will be personally touring different places of Maharashtra along with Percept team. says Pushkar.

While shooting this film, Pushkar hasn’t compromised on his budget, wherever the situation demanded for additional expenditure. He has shot a song in picturesque Ladakh, where no Marathi film has been shot so far. The film is an action packed thriller, which is very uncommon in Marathi films. One thing is sure that Pushkar certainly has a surprise package for all through his ambitious venture Mission Possible which itself speaks about his positive attitude through the title. “Percept Pictures who are marketing and distributing this film, are also confident about the success of this film. This film would not only be well appreciated by the masses but also be a trendsetter taking the Marathi Film Industry altogether to a new high.” says their marketing executive.

Rewinding to his childhood, Pushkar was a great fan of dancing stars like Govinda and Mithun Chakraborthy and did almost 200 stage shows, until popular Actor-film maker Sachin Pilgaonkar spotted him and offered him roles in the films ‘Azmaish’ and ‘Aisi Bhi Kya Jaldi hai’ directed by him. He also casted him in his TV serial ‘TuTu Main Main’. Pushkar also played as child artiste in Nana Patekar- Rishi Kapoor starrer film ‘Hum Dono’; after which his father Dr. Prof. Suhas Jog launched him in their home production ‘Raju’. It was for this film that Pushkar received his first state award as a child actor.

After ‘Raju’, there was eight years of break for Pushkar, who concentrated on his education and even completed his Dentistry. But, as someone has said, Destiny has other plans.
Pushkar was back into acting with ‘Jabardast’. Today, he is on his own; all set to offer his own ideas and creativity through ‘Mission Possible.’

This year has been mixed with ups and downs. It began well with the great success through ‘Maharashtracha Nach Baliye’ but soon thereafter I lost my beloved father, who was always there behind me like a true motivator. My parents always offered a great support to me, whenever I needed it. The release of ‘Mission Possible’ is like paying tributes to my dear father, he concludes, a little before he starts his promotion campaign. Hard work and determination always pays dividends.

MMW wishes Pushkar all the best and rates him the ‘Star of the Month’.

Priya Bapat Kama
Interviews

Priya Bapat, Actress

Aside

What is your role in forthcoming film ‘Anandi Anand’?
I play a simple girl from Konkan, who is interested in music but is married to a boy in Mumbai. She loves to stay in her Konkan village rather than coming to the big city Mumbai. It’s a very interesting role with lots of shades in it.

Priya Bapat KamaHow was your experience, working with other artistes?
It was a great fun and I could learn so many things from the experienced senior actors like Suhas Joshi, Vikram Gokhale, Vandana Gupte, Mohan Joshi and others . I had only worked with Vandanatai before but all these seniors made me comfortable and took good care of me at the beautiful Konkan locations where we shot for 22 days. It was really a great experience.

But, the film’s release has been delayed. Any particular reason ?
I don’t think so, because various aspects like post-production, publicity, and distribution strategies needed to be worked out before the release of the film and that takes time.

Your serial ‘Shubham Karoti’ on Zee Marathi is also being appreciated. Your reaction:
Yes, I am so happy that my character of a girl who strives to keep her joint family together from breaking, after facing lots of problems; has been scripted well. There is a lot to my share to perform in this serial with a very hectic schedule.

Your ‘item’ song in ‘Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy’ was a hit. Will you accept more such songs?
First of all, let me clarify that the song in ‘Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy’ was not an item number but a song shot for a film into the film, where I play an actress. But I will keep my options open to ‘item’ songs. If I like the song and the set-up, I will definitely do such a song.

What’s coming up next ?
Nothing Yet. I have a role in Deepak Balraj Vij’s film produced by Kishori Shahane.

Girish pardeshi
Interviews

‘Playing Karna’ is like a dream come true. Girish Pardeshi

Aside

Whether it was playing a comedy in ‘Foreignchi Patlin’, performing in a serious type of film ‘Marmabandh’ or dancing at the TV reality show- ‘Maharashtracha Nach Baliye’; Girish Pardeshi has proved that he is gifted with multi talent. No wonder, he has been a perfect choice to play the lead role of ‘Karna’ in forthcoming Mythological mega serial ‘Mrityunjay’, which will be telecast on Mi Marathi channel soon. We have seen ‘Mahabharat’ in Hindi but not the required scope has been given to the character of Karna, which is so important in this popular epic.

Girish pardeshiIn marathi literature, we have two popular books written on this great warrior namely- ‘Mrityunjay’ and ‘Radhye’ written by eminent writers Shivaji Sawant and Ranjit Desai respectively. And fortunately, this mega serial ‘Mrityunjay’ is a combination of both these books, taking the form of its audio visual version.

Being made under the banner of Sagar Pictures, ‘Mrityunjay’ is directed by Santosh Deodhar with the camerawork by Mohan Naidu. Both of them having worked on big TV projects in Hindi like- ‘Sai Baba’, ‘Ramayan’ and ‘Prithviraj Chauhan’, this serial is going to be a big visual treat for Marathi audience. The shooting of this serial is presently going on in Baroda at the Sagar Film city and the first episode will be telecast on 18th May 2010 at Prime time.

MMW called up Girish Pardeshi just before the release of this serial to find out his reaction and he was more than happy to share his thoughts. “It was always my dream to play a popular character from mythology and with this role of Karna, my dream has come true. I was very much excited, when my selection was done to play this role two months ago.
At present, I am required to shoot some of the outdoor scenes with the mercury touching its highest level in Baroda, but in that get-up of Karna, I get so much involved that it makes me forget about the scorching heat. Getting an opportunity for horse riding, exercising the skills using bow and arrow and battling with the Gada is a great experience and I am enjoying every moment of it.” says Girish.

At present Girish has focused his attention on this serial, after completing his three films ‘Gargi’, ‘Viparit’, and ‘Niruttar’ which are also due for release. So, watch out for Girish in days to come.