Category Archives: Interviews

Renuka Shahane, Actress
Interviews

Renuka Shahane

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Somebody has rightly said, “So many languages in this world and smile speaks them all” So, you can imagine how many people in this world Renuka Shahane must have communicated with, through her pleasant smile. If you ask her, she smiles; adding you to the unaccountable list of admirers. This popular actress and TV anchor, known for her characteristic smile, has now turned a film maker with her new Marathi film ‘Rita’. This will also be her directorial debut, as besides direction she has also written screenplay and dialogues of this film. Based on the original novel ‘Rita’ penned by her mother- Shanta Gokhale, Renuka has hardly made any changes to bring alive the Rita Welinkar of 1995 on mega screen. Having assertively opted for her longtime friend Pallavi Joshi, to play the central character of Rita, she is now happy that the film has come out very well and is now due for release on 4th September 2009.

Renuka Shahane, Actress

MMW caught up with Renuka Shahane, when she was promoting her film ‘Rita’ through a talk show, where her friend Pallavi Joshi was also present. Read, what Renuka has to say about her film â’Rita’.

Renuka Shahane What made you go for Pallavi to play the central role of Rita ?
I was looking for a female who would look 17 and later play the natural role at 40; and I could not think of anyone else than Pallavi. Believe me, it is not only because of our intimate friendship I selected her, but only because the role was tailor made to suit her.

Why did you opt for Jackie Shroff to play Rita’s boss-Mr. Salvi, when there were so many talented actors around, in Marathi film industry ?
Renuka: The character of Mr. Salvi- the boss, demanded a particular virtuousness, and Jackie perfectly fitted into that requirement, as described in the novel. Moreover, I could also make my producer happy by increasing the star value of my film.

And, how about yourself, playing the role of Rita’s friend  Saraswati ?
Frankly speaking, when we finalized everything about this film, I had almost exceeded my budget. If I were to offer to anyone, I had to spend extra amount. By playing Saraswati myself, I saved on the cost. But, I am happy that both myself and Pallavi could get a chance to act together in the same film.

How do you look at the relationship between Rita and her boss, when it blossoms into love affair? Isn’t it ex- marital relationship ?
The relationship between Salvi-the boss and Rita is not like love at first sight. It is an outcome of the circumstances. Nowhere in the film, the Boss is shown disloyal to his family. He cares a lot for them. In the script, it is shown that Rita, whom he supports right from the age of 17, almost becomes a part of his family, but Rita realizes that they are doing something wrong. It is about the conscience from both sides. It is at this time she seeks advice from her friend Saraswati. It is the concluding part of the film, that will make all your doubts clear about human relationships.

Who are the other important artistes to match with the characters of original story ?
In ‘Rita’ you will find Dr. Mohan Agashe playing Rita Welinkar’s father and Suhasini Muley playing her mother. I haven’t paid much attention on popular artistes to play Dolly and Sherry, but Sangeeta’s role which is well defined, is played by talented actress Sai Tamhankar. I have opted for Medha Jambhotkar to play Ms.Salvi’s ( Jackie’s wife) while Geetu Kulkarni plays Mariamma.

This movie is mainly describing the woman’s plight in this world, but in your opinion how would you describe a woman in present lifestyle ?
I would like to salute all those women, especially the working women, who are shouldering the home as well as office responsibilities. Watching them rush for their office during morning hours and witnessing some of them even getting prepared with kitchen work, by cutting the vegetables during bus or train journey , while returning home from office; is something that really needs a special mention. Some of them even take the lessons of their kids after dinner time. It is a great sacrifice from their side. They hardly find time to watch TV or even to rest, except for that incomplete sleep.

In that case, whom do you call an ideal husband ?
In today’s busy lifestyle, every husband must share the responsibilities at home front too. There are certain things which husbands can do, like giving time to the children, while mother is busy and also help his wife to whatever manner possible from his side. In my own case, Ashu took time off for three months from his work, to give time to my children, when he knew that I had to work on my film. It came automatically from his side, understanding the situation.

What’s your idea about living happy married life ?
According to me, small arguments turn into big clashes. Avoid arguments as far as possible. Even if it happens, close the argument at that time itself. Never carry forward the same for the next day. That causes more disturbance in relationship. Good , healthy Communication is the key for cordial relationship. Both husband and wife should play their respective roles like good friends.

Shweta Shinde, actress
Interviews

Shweta Shinde, Actress

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She has found a place in the hearts of millions of TV viewers through her performance in popular Marathi TV serial ‘Kaata Rute Kunala’. Shweta Shinde is today an established actress, with her stage play ‘Prem Naam Hai mera- Prem Chopra’ doing so well. Unlike many others, she isn’t sticking to a particular area of stage or serials, but has stretched out her talent by accepting few roles in films too.

Chitchat Excerpts from Shweta’s interview to MMW:

Shweta Shinde, actressQ : How much did you struggle in this field ?
I didn’t have to struggle much for my entry into this field, but my family was very much against it. I belong to Satara and came for my college education to Mumbai. While doing my degree course itself, I started getting offers for Pro- Ramp shows and serials; and that’s how I began my career, in spite of opposition from my family. At that time, there was only one person, who stood by my side and she was my mother. Personally, I feel that as long as an actor’s wife does not have the confidence in her husband becoming a great actor or for that matter a mother not dreaming about her daughter to become a successful actress; the dreams will never come true. It is only because of my mother’s sincere wishes that I am there in this industry today. After marriage, I received a lot of cooperation from Sandeep and his family.

Q: Where did you meet Sandeep ?
Both of us first met during the making of B.R. Chopra’s ‘Apradhi Kaun’ and one and half year ago we got married.

Q : Tell us something about your selection for the role, in the play – ‘Prem naam hai Mera..’
One day, Sanjay Mone came to my house and offered me a script for reading. I liked the same but at that time I had committed myself, by offering my dates for serials. I was also doing a play ‘Manomilan’. In the meanwhile, they finalized on Jeetu and finally after 18 months ‘Prem naam hai mera …’ saw the stage.

Q: How was your experience working with Jitendra Joshi and Sanjay Mone ?
Fantastic! I am so happy that Sanjay dada waited for me so long, to start his play. He had said, Shweta, whenever you become free and ready, we shall perform this play. To say something about Jeetu, He is a nice co-artiste.

Q: What were your feelings, when you performed at Rashtrapati Bhavan ?
Very nice. In fact, to get an opportunity to perform at this royal place, was itself a big excitement. When we actually stepped on the royal stage, we realized its importance. The best part about the audience was that everyone was dressed up in uniform. To perform in front of Pratibhatai, was also a great feeling. Over there, we had to make adjustments for even small things, due to security reasons. Once you are in there, you are not allowed to come out. Having tea with Pratibhatai was also a great honour. While having tea there, I noticed Ashoka Memorial inscribed on all cups.

Q : Can you describe the real Shweta, behind the screen ?
On screen I have to perform different roles. Initially, I performed negative roles but after being typecast, I stopped accepting them. In ‘Kaata Rute Kunala’, I have played a girl, with long hair, belonging to a rich family and is very sensitive. ‘Parivaar’ is my last serial , where I played the comedy character of Meghna. I was even nominated for this role. I have been nominated mainly for negative and comedy type of roles, but still waiting for the awards to come.

The real Shweta is Workaholic. I can never compromise with my work. I am a bit moody too. If I don’t like a particular thing, I don’t do it. I love to present gifts to people. I love to take my own decisions. You may call me ‘Bindhaast!’

Interviews

INTERVIEWS. Dr. GIRISH OAK

dr.girish-oak-interview-image
Girish has completed his studies in hometown Nagpur. He took part in many dramas and plays during his college. And thus it developed his interest in theatre. For a while he did practice as doctor…but then what u called job satisfaction he did not have that so he switched his profession. And then Girish came to Mumbai and landed in few plays by doing small roles. Then did theatre from 1977 to 1983.Offcourse, there was struggle during initial stage. But every actor has to do that. The best thing was Girish got full support from his family. After becoming doctor people tend to ask why acting but at that time my family supported him very much so because of that he could get in to this profession.
After theatre how did you landed in serials and films?
It’s an automatic process, to tend to go towards serials and cinemas. People start knowing you and then director and producer approaches you. But in all this I have done theatre more than serials and films…as such around 48 plays and 20 to 25 serials.
What is your experience in this your career of 25 years?
Very satisfied….during initial stage I felt to go back and start to practice medical again but then I actually took the risk of continuing but today I am more than happy with my decision. The movie ‘Dipastambh’ actually bought stability in my career can say it was turning point of my life. Since then I somewhat got established as an actor. but ya for sure I don’t repent my decision, I don’t practice now but just try to keep me update by reading books on the subject and also sometimes referring someone to any doctor.

What you want to say about tremendous response you are getting for your play ‘U Turn’?
It gives me immense pleasure and the best thing is theatre audience is coming back over that it is coming because of the play in which I am acting this gives more happiness. Its being houseful most of the times and even translated in gujrathi for gujrathi theatre.

dr.girish-oak-interview-image1

Now your play ‘To Mi Navhech’ is coming on the stage…how does it feels to do the play like this done by legendary Prabhakar Panshikar?
Yeeaah…it feels great. I mean it is more than a dream role…seriously never thought that I would land up doing this play ever in my career…It is really fantastic. When I was very new to this industry I had nearly done 200 shows, a very small role by playing character called Aginhotre in the same play but frankly never thought that in this 25years of my career I would do this play. It is really big achievement. Prabhakar Panshikar said to me that you will definitely make it possible. Seriously
expectation are very high and need to be very perfect in every task while doing this Girish Oak
play. It is really very challenging and tricky but very interesting. So as for now I am just concentrating on my practice. Hope to turn out very well.

Ya sir, It will surely. Our best wishes are with you…Now we will turn to serials. Your character from serial Agnihotra is very famous. Tell me something about that?
Its very tedious…I mean the character is written very well by the writer Mr.Paranjpai but this character is very strict and always angry on very high on principle and ya rude too; so sometimes I really find it difficult as it is very opposite to what I am in personal life.

Besides these what are your upcoming projects?
I have completed a very good movie with Bharat Jadhav named ‘Hello Gandesir’. But ya very interesting with a very different subject. Sandeep Despande is the director of this movie. About serials I am already have very busy schedules. Currently I am doing Agnihotra and kukuchku on Star Pravah then Hya Gojirwanya Gharat on etv and Ardhangini. I must say that I am very lucky enough to have telecast serials of different genres at the same time on television.

Santosh Kolhe, Director
Interviews

Santosh Kolhe, Director

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Renowned director of superhit hindi serials like ‘Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki’, ‘Kusum’, ‘Kyonki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ Santosh Kolhe has come up with his first commercial film – ‘Made In China.’ The film is a socio-political thriller based on a fight of farmer for his ethics, principles and survivals. The film analyses a latest eco-political concept – Special Economic Zones.

Santosh Kolhe, DirectorSandeep Kulkarni has performed the lead role of Mohit- a farmer who is developing his agricultural land nicely and generating handsome income by utilizing modern mechanism. Suddenly a politician declares his land as special economic zone. The further film is based upon his struggle with brutal political and corporate world.

“I am quiet happy with the film” says Santosh Kolhe “The film is exactly came out as per my visualisation. I was a mainstream serial director and it was quite easy for me to go for a Hindi film. But I wanted to make a film at my conditions, as per my thinking rather than a market driven film. I wanted my crew, my actors, my script and complete satisfaction and I was fortunate to get a chance to fulfill my wish. We had done shoot for 55 days and it is probably largest shooted marathi movie. Nor we sacrificed with actors, nor with technical aspect.”

Santosh Kolhe Santosh had read lots of news regarding SEZ and that attracts him toward the subject. He says, “The film is based upon extensive research. We had visited more than 50 villages around Pune, Mumbai, Uran, Alibag and Raigad We had talked to the local farmers, realized their views and problems. We had done detail study of similarities and differences between SEZ at China and India. That is why we could able to frame such a sound script.”

“Our actors were also part of the research. All of our actors including Sandeep Kulkarni, Upendra Limaye, Milind Gunaji, Madhura Welankar and Mrunal Kulkarni had visited the villages. Despite their stardom, they mixed up with local villagers, understood their style of living, culture, accent and actually adopted local lifestyle. That’s why all filmi factors are avoided in the movie.”

Subodh Bhave
Interviews

Subodh Bhave, Actor

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We have seen him on stage, on television and on big screen as well. His serious roles in movies such as ‘Kshan’, ‘Sakhi’, ‘Mann Pakharu Pakharu’ were appreciated by us. He is a household name with his negative role Bhushan in Zee Marathi’s daily soap ‘Kalat Nakalat’. Recently you have seen him Shreyas Talpade’s ‘Sanai Chaughade’.

Subodh BhaveYes, we are talking about the owner of a distinguished matchmaking organization in ‘Sanai Chaughade’ – Rahul Borgaonkar alias our own Subodh Bhave… MMW brings a homely discussion with Subodh to all the netizens.

Q: Tell us about yourself, theatre, television, movies…how this journey started as an actor?
I was a very simple guy in my school days, wasn’t much interested in acting. I used to participate in dance, plays and school activities only because my friends and family used to appreciate it. But mainly I spent more time on the ground, playing different sports. I was in sixth, when I joined ‘Natya Sanskar Kala Academy’ during summer break, that too just because my parents wanted me to join it. I learnt many things in the academy related to dramatics, right from acting, direction, art direction and many other things. I acted – directed many one act plays during my college days which gave me a confidence. I started with a play called ‘Chandrapurchya Jangalaat’, which not only gave me few awards but critics’ recognition as well. This play taught me many things. I was totally associated with theatre and drama after that and did many one act plays. My role in another play called ‘Asach ek divas’ gave me the first award in my life. It was a real boost for me to enter the world of glamour. I did many plays, TV serials and movies since then. ‘Sattesathi Saare Kahi’ was my first movie.

Q: Theatre, anchoring, television, movies….you have done everything. What’s your favourite?
Acting is my life, I can’t stay away from it. I enjoy everything, whether its a theatre, anchoring, TV serial or a movie. I am totally passionate about all this. Moreover, I am a professional and get paid for my talent. So it is my duty to give more than 100%. (Smile)

Q: Whom do you consider as idol when it comes to acting?
Its difficult to name one person. I have worked with so many talented actors and there is something to learn from everyone of them. I try to learn from every single individual. (Smile) Actually there are so many teachers around me, if I don’t learn myself from them, then thats my loss.

Q: Most of your films like ‘Kavadase’, ‘Amhi Asu Ladake’, ‘Me Tujhicha Re’, revolve around a serious theme. Don’t you feel that you will get typecasted in similar roles?
Yes, at certain point of time I felt exactly same. I was really afraid that I will get typecasted in serious roles as you have mentioned. But then came ‘Sanai Choughade’ and things changed. It helped me to break away from the ‘serious guy’ image. I have a dream that people should remember me as an actor who did varied and challenging roles.

Q: How’s your experience of ‘Sanai Choughade’ with Shreyes !
It’s a really different experience. As I said, it helped me to break away with my serious image. But it does not mean that all the 22 movies that I did before ‘Sanai….’ do not mean anything to me. It’s only because of those films that I can appreciate the importance of ‘Sanai..’ I really feel grateful to Shreyas for this film. Even after making it big in Hindi films , he produced his first film in marathi. He brought the youth back to marathi movies. Although it is a commercial movie, ‘Sanai..’ handled a serious social issue.

Q: How did you feel when you got Zee Marathi’s Best Marathi Actor Award last year for ‘Man Pakharu Pakharu’ ?
Last year has been really amazing for me. ‘Lakshmikant Berde’, ‘Ashok Saraf’ and ‘Sachin Pilgaonkar’ is the terrific trio of Marathi movies. It’s very sad thing that ‘Lakshmikant Berde’ is not with us now. I have grown up watching these guys. I got chance to work with Sachin in ‘Man Pakhru Pakhru’ and with Ashok Saraf in ‘Sakhi’. Such an opportunities is an award in itself . I don’t think that there can be any award that is more important than that.

Q: Marathi cinema is regaining back it’s glory. Many big producers from other industries are interested in Marathi films now. How do you feel about it?
It’s a great time for Marathi cinema. People are really taking Marathi films seriously. Most of the producers in Marathi industry were non Marathi and this hold true today too! But the corporate world is also taking notice of marathi cinema. Companies like Reliance, Mukta Arts and Influx are producing Marathi movies. Marathi movies are reaching to the every corner of the world. The credit for this definitely goes to all the people who have contributed to the Marathi cinema.

Q: What are your upcoming movies? Also share with us the characters that you play in them.
My next film ‘Uladhaal’ will be releasing in September. It is produced by Ajay Sarpotdar. My other films are Tanaji Gadgil’s ‘Ekada Kaay Jhala’, Gajendra Ahire’s  ‘Tya Ratri Khup Paus Hota’ and ‘KshanoKshani’. Ali Asgar’s ‘Man Pakhru Pakhru’ and Ashok Saraf’s ‘Dhobi Pachchaad’. I have played different characters in all of these films and viewers will definitely find them interesting.

Rajiv Patil
Interviews

Rajiv Patil, Director

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Rajiv Patil

Rajiv Patil is known as one of the most renowned directors in Marathi film industry. He already has proven himself through super hit movie ‘Savarkhed-Ek Gaon’ and two other movies. Because of his sincere efforts, devotion and consistent performance, he got the opportunity to direct Mukta Art’s first Marathi movie- ‘Sanai Chaughade’. Rajiv shared his experience of ‘Sanai Chaughade’ and his directional thoughts behind huge success of the movie.

How was the overall experience of ‘Sanai Chaughade?’
It was great. I have already directed three Marathi movies. But I always start movie as the new one and. This movie is the product of resourceful teamwork. We all had amazing rapo with each other and thus everyone including Santosh, Subodh or even Shreyas was ready to devote their best of the performances. Being a director, I personally enjoyed the process making the movie a lot. As I was involved in it from story development to post production and everything I treated it as ‘my movie.’ It was fun and its some of the sweetest memories in my life.

You worked with one of the best production houses in India – ‘Mukta Arts’. How it was different than working with other productions?
See, the thing is I trust myself. I was selected because I am capable. And thus for me most important thing is to work efficiently. But yes, working with such a big production house was fascinating experience. I got a chance to interact with Subhash Ghai. Budget was good. Technical backup was excellent. Experts were there to guide. Obviously it was great environment to work.

It was commercial film. But still has element of social issue. How did you balance both sides?
My aim was to make a complete entertainment package and I don’t think entertainment can be delivered only through typical movies. Even thought provoking movies can provide fine entertainment. I was involved in the movie even from the primary stages. Thus, actually I didn’t find difficult to balance the both sides. As a commercial film, it reaches to the larger audiences and provokes them to think about the problem. Thus it has larger impact than any parallel film.

What were your thoughts while making movie?
Globalisation is changing life of even common man. I belong to small town and now working in the metro city. I have closely observed changing scenario. Marriage, relations, clothes, and thoughts everything is changing rapidly. Our marriage system, value of women or even concepts of feminism are changed. Forget the metros. But even in small towns of Maharashtra like Satara, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Nashik life is not stagnant. Views of young girls regarding sex and relation are changed. Being a close observer, I wanted to present it in front of masses and make them think about it. I tried to bring together all these things in the movie and I think I have successfully done the job.

What was Shreya’s contribution in the movie?
He was really concerned about the movie. He was the one who brought us together. He couldn’t devote of the time in actual shoot, but from pre productions to post production, from location selection to mixing and in each every process his vital contribution made the job easy for us. Even now he is completely aware about every show in the city, daily collection, response from masses.

What are your futures plans?
Three of my movies will be screened by this September. Also working over few other projects. As ‘Sanai Chaughade’ is getting huge appreciation, flow of new projects will certainly move toward me. But just like past I am going to select only best of the projects.

Shreyas Talpade
Interviews

Shreyas Talpade, Actor, Producer

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Celebrating the success of his new production ‘Sanai Choughade’, Shreyas Talpade talks to Marathimovieworld.com about the experience as a producer, the star cast, working with wife Deepti and Subhash Ghai.

Shreyas TalpadeHow was your experience as a producer?
The experience was extremely good. I took a lot of efforts for the movie. A producer has a lot of responsibility. Acting is totally different from production. Actors are just required to come to the sets, dress-up and give a shot. They are always pampered on the sets. But a producer has to take care of everything from pre-production to post- production, the response of the audience etc.

How is production of Hindi movies different from Marathi movies?
I did not find much difference in both the forms. I think the main difference is in the budget. Hindi producers put in a lot of money in making the movie. We tried to make
‘Sanai Choughade’ lot on the lines of Hindi movies. We have not compromised on the quality. The songs, the costumes, the location have been used of the best quality. I like it when non- Maharashtrians tell me that they liked my movie.

How was it working with Deepti?
Working with her was good. She helped a lot on the sets. Whenever I was busy with my shooting schedules, the chipped in for me. She looked at things from an audience’s perspective and corrected me on occasions.

What would you like to say about a young star cast?
The star cast was chosen to suit the script. It was not about big stars. Even Nagesh (Kukunoon) had chosen me for his movie and I was not a big star that time. Subodh and Santosh suited the script aptly. I have worked with Subodh earlier and liked him as an actor. People tend to have pre-conceived notions of an ideal son, father or even mother -in-law hence we found a new face for the role of the daughter-in-law.

Why did you give the responsibility of direction to Rajesh Patil?
I did it for two reasons. I was working with him in a movie called ‘Sawarkhed Ek Gaon’ and that time I jokingly promised him that I would produce a movie one day and give it to him to direct. The second reason is that I had seen him work as an assistance director. He has the ability to get work done from people. He is a sensible person and being of the same age, it’s easy for us to communicate with each other, to accept and reject ideas.

How is your relationship with Subhash Ghai?
He is a great person. I have worked with him for three and a half years. Over the years our relation has moved from professional to personal or rather a friendly one. We celebrate occasions together. I have developed a good rapport with him. But on the sets we are purely professional.

Singer, Bela Shende
Interviews

Bela Shende, Singer

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One of the most talented and versatile singers in India, Bela Shende has enthralled audiences around the world with her exceptional melodious voice. She has rocked so many concerts.
Singer, Bela Shende
What is the turning point of your career?
When I won the National Award for the TVS Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Mega Final, the most recognised and respected musical programme in India, at the of just 16. I was praised whole heartedly by the panel of judges comprising of legends of Indian Music like, Begum Parveen Sultana, Pt.Jasraj, Late. Smt. Rajkumari, Jagjit Singh, O.P.naiyyar, Khaiyyam, Kalyanji, Anandaji, Pt.Hariprasad Chaurasiya, Naushad Shah, Late. Shri Anil Biswas. I got the way after this fantastic award.

Bela-Shende
How you decided to make career in singing?
I was inspired by this field since my childhood. I had taken initial lessons in music by my grand mother, Mrs. Kusum Shende, she is a very famous Marathi stage actress and also a singer of the Kirana Gharana. I am still learning art of singing. I am taking lessons in light classical singing. I am learning Urdu language from my father Dr.Sanjeev Shende as I am singing urdu songs also. From my sister Sawani Shende, I am learning classical music, she is reputed classical singer.
About your memorable performances till date.
Actually every performance is memorable but selected of them I would like to tell you are, I had performed 30 concerts only in USA and Canada at the tender age of 16. Since then I have been travelling frequently all over the world. I had also performed in countries like Dubai, Qatar, London, Belgium, Bahrain etc. Apart from these performances in abroad, I had performed all over India in numerous concerts and saga continues.
I had performed VANDE MATARAM on the auspicious occasion of the inaugural function of Late Shri. Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in the presence of Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Deputy Prime Minister Shri L K Adwani, Meloddy Queen Lata Mangeshkar and many more. I had also performed in front of Honourable Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the grand occasion of inaugral function of Sant Dnyaneshwar coin in Pune. I had sung a song ‘Ae mere watan ke logo’ in Pune Festival inaugural function in the grand presence of Shri Amitabh Bacchan.
Something about contribution in the music industry.
For Marathi film I had sung for movies like ‘UTTARAYAN’, ‘THAANG’. ‘SAHAJ TUJHI GAATH PADE’ is my latest Marathi album which includes 8 songs written by greatest Marathi poet Ga.Di. Madgulkar. The songs of Marathi serials like ‘HE DAIV JANILE KUNI’, ‘HA KHEL SAVALYANCHA’, ‘KRISHNA KALI’ and ‘ZHAALE MOKALE AKASH’. My recently released Marathi album is ‘MAZYA MANA’ released by Fountain Music is a big hit, also ‘DOORCHYA RAANAT’has been released by Sony Music. I had also sung Marathi abhang ‘PANDHARICHA SWAMI’ released recently. ‘MOTIYAANCHA CHUR’ a marathi bhavgeet album released by Times Music. I had sung for many commercial jingles and devotional albums like ‘GAYATRI MANTRA’ and ‘HEY RAM’ etc I had started my Hindi playback career from two of Mr. Mahesh Manjrekar’s films namely, EHSAAS and TERA MERA SAATH RAHEN. I had sung for hindi albums like ‘SAPNAY’ and hit album ‘KAISA YEH JADOO’ released by Magnasound (Audio and Video). I had sung for Shahrukh Khan Production for film ‘PAHELI’ under the music direction of Mr. M. M. Kreem. I had also sung for tamil movies.

Something about your award winning performances.
I had got the RAPA NATIONAL AWARD for the best playback singer for ‘ZHALE MOKALE AKASH, Raja Mantri Smruti Puraskar at the hands of Shri Vijay Tendulkar. Nargis Dutt Puraskar, IMI ZEE Sangeet Award for the Debut Singer for 1999-2000 for the album ‘KAISA YEH JADOO’ from hands of Shri Bhupen Hazarika and Shri Ravindra jain.’Pune Ki Asha’ and also Suheel Sneha Award at the hands of Chief Minister Shri Sushil Kumar shinde.

What is going on now?
I am going to sing for Marathi movie ‘PAASH’ which is directed by Arvind jog and is on verge of release. Also for the Hindi movie ‘JODHAA AKBAR’ which is directed by Ashutosh Govarikar and its music is composed by A.R.RAHMAN will get released very soon and many more marathi, hindi and tamil movies. My album with Suresh Wadkar namely ‘SONCHAFA’ is also going to release very soon which contains all types of songs.

Kedar Shinde, Director
Interviews

Kedar Shinde, Director

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How was the beginning? Acting or Direction?
I am the grandson of Shahir Sable. There was a family background for my profession. I was very passionate about acting and all the things related to this field. First I started with Acting, through the programme ‘Maharashtrachi Lokdhara’. After that I did One Act Play with Bharat Jadhav, Ankush Chaudhari. And then we also did some commercial comedy plays like ‘Sahi re Sahi’, ‘Hasa chakat-fu’, etc….. And people are enjoying them a lot and we are happy that all the shows are housefull in Pune, Bombay and other cities.

Kedar Shinde, DirectorWhen you have started story writing and direction?
I was having attraction towards story writing and direction when I was doing plays. Then I got chance to direct the plays, serials. After the great success of the plays and serials I started to direct the Marathi movie. ‘Majha navara tujhi bayko’, ‘Jatra’, ‘Agabai Arrechcha’, ‘Yanda kartavya ahe’ and just released ‘Mukkampost London’ are some movies that I have directed. The screen-play and story was also written by me of all the movies. All the movies are successful and have done the good business on Marathi box office.

Have you decided to write and direct only comedy plays and movies?
From the beginning of my career in this field I have only done comedy. And our viewers also expect the great comedy from the team. And I always like to do and give the audience, what they want. That is another thing that I always arrange the different topics in my movies to entertain the viewer. I always try to create comedy as there may be some seriousness, emotions present in the movie. I don’t want to change the equation “Kedar Shinde=Dhammal Comedy”.

Something about your recently released ‘Mukkampost London’.
The ‘Mukkampost London’ is also a comedy movie. It is shot in London and Satara. This movie is a combination of both, comedy and emotions. This is the experiment to change the track from comedy to other subjects. Bharat Jadhav, Mohan Joshi and Mrunmayi Lagu had done their job very well in this movie. This time , we are presenting the different story through this movie.

Have you decided to direct only Marathi movies?
It is not decided yet. But as I am Marathi I would like to do only Marathi movies. Because in this industry there are so many people who want to do something for Marathi. They are always trying to do different things for Marathi movies. The thinking of viewers has changed that there is nothing new in the Marathi movies. So I’m trying to get the Marathi viewers back to Marathi movies. Marathi viewer must be satisfied by Marathi movies. So though I get the chance to do a Hindi movie I will prefer to do Marathi movie. I will always try to create good stories for Marathi movies.

The forthcoming movies you have directed?
My 2-3 movies are releasing in next 2-3 months. I have not only directed the movies but also the story and screenplay is written by me. ‘Bakula Namdev Ghotale’ is the title of the movie and the star cast for this movie is Bharat Jadhav, Siddharth Jadhav and Sonali Kulkarni from Pune as a debutant actress. And another is ‘Yancha Kahi Nem Nahi’. This is also a comedy. In this movie, Ankush Chaudhari, Bharat Jadhav and Siddhartha Jadhav are coming together after the great success of ‘Majha Navara Tujhi Bayko’ with Jaywant Wadkar and Resham Tipnis. These movies will definitely entertain the viewers.

Sharwari Jamenis
Interviews

Sharvari Jamenis – Classical Dancer, Actress

Aside

The young starlet who carved a niche for herself in the field of Classical Dance and Acting gets candid about herself and her new found passion,Choreography…..

Sharwari JamenisWhat is more challenging? Dancing or Acting?
You see, these both are very different fields and you have to work very hard to excel. Though I enjoy acting my first love is Dancing. I began my Kathak training in 1984 at ‘NrityaBharati Kathak Academy’, Pune. I have trained under the guidance of Guru Pandit Rohini Bhate, who herself is an dancer of International Stature.I also completed a diploma in Kathak from Pune University and I stood first there too.

Which projects are you currently working on?
Currently I am working in a movie called ‘Paash’ directed by Arvind Jog. Besides that, I am also performing in a stage show, ‘Maitra’. This show has been conceptualised by Subodh Bhave. It is the story of six friends and their friendship narrated with the help of music, dance and drama. In this show I am working with Shaunak Abhisheki, Bela Shende, Subodh Bhave, Sandip Khare and Salil Kulkarni. Besides dancing and acting I have done singing in this show. we have been getting very positive feedbacks from the audience and the show is running successfully.

I am also working on a dance show called ‘Bhairav Bhay Tarak’. The theme of this show deals with parallels between mythology and present world. It tells that we need someone like Lord Shankara, who saved the earth from demons in ancient times,to fight the modern world problems like corruption and pollution. The first show of ‘Bhairav Bhay Tarak’ is on 11th August at Tilak Memorial.

Can you tell us more about your character in the movie ‘Paash’, How did you prepare yourself  for this role?
This movie is about today’s youth. You see, there is very large section of young population who think that what matters is money and money only. This movie deals with the problems that such people face in the pursuit of their ambitions, goals and greed. I am playing a choreographer in this movie. The role was not difficult for me as I am dancer myself but yes, getting into the character of choreographer took some time!

What type of roles do you prefer? And which is the one character that you would really like to play?
I like my character from the movie ‘Bindhaast’ very much. It was a full fledged role with enough scope for acting as well as stunts.The character was of a brave girl who embarks on dangerous journey to prove her innocence. There were various shades to that role. She was emotional, brave and yet afraid of things forced upon her by circumstances.
I like the character of Waheeda Rehman from ‘Guide’. I would really love to play something similar to that which requires good dancing skills.

Tell us more about your Dancing and Acting career.
I have done many marathi movies including ‘Sarakarnama’, ‘Bindhast’, ‘Saawarkhed ek gaav’, ‘Mi Tuzhich Re’, ‘Kaaydyach Bola’, ‘Mukhavate’ and ‘Mission Champion’.
I have also worked in a Hindi movie ‘Paheli‘, directed by Amol Palekar. The movie had Shahrukh Khan and Rani Mukherji in leading roles. I have acted in many TV shows like ‘Bhatkanti’, ‘Peshwai’, ‘Reshimgaathi’. I have performed all over india in shows like Khajuraho Festival, Konark Festival, Hampi Festival, Pandit Durga Lal Festival(Mumbai), Kathak Festival(Delhi) and Pune Festival. I have also done international shows in UK, Germany, Vietnam and France.

I bagged best actress award by Screen and Filmfare for my role in the movie ‘Bindhast’. I have also won Alpha Gaurav Award for ‘Bhatkanti’. I have also received many awrads including Nargis Datt Award (Pune Government), Kalaa Gaurav Award, Singaarmani Award for my Dancing.

How has been the experience of working as a Choreographer?
I have choreographed for movies ‘Bayoo’, ‘Maaybaap’, ‘Paash’ and one video song for Lata didi’s album ‘Maitra Jiwanche’. Since I was there in all these songs, choreographing was not much difficult job. Its an easy job when you have to choreograph for yourself ‘because you are very much aware of your skills and limits. But when it comes to directing somebody else it becomes very difficult as you are not fully aware of the other person’s capabilities. It is possible that you both may think from different perspectives and some problems may arise.