Category Archives: Interviews

Sandip Khare
Interviews

Sandeep Khare, Writer, Singer

Aside

After the grand success of the Show ‘Ayushyawar Bolu Kahi’, Sandeep Khare & Dr. Salil Kulkarni now have concentrated on the Show ‘Sang Sakhya Re’ along with the ‘Ayushyawar Bolu Kahi’. Sandeep Khare needs no introduction among today’s youngsters. His poems like ‘Kase Sartil Saye….’, ‘Sang Sakhya re….’ made him the heartbeat of many youngsters along with the people who have crossed their 50s.

Sandip KhareHe wrote his first poem when he was in 4th std. He had got so many prizes at school & college level for writing poems & stories too. The special programme of poems was performed through ‘Umalate Ankur’ which was organized by Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad.

He has also done Kavyavachan in Pune Festival & on E-TV through the programme ‘Kavitanche Ghar’ & ‘Kavitanchya Gava Jato’. He have also performed more than 200 shows of the ‘Kavyavachan programme – Calidoscope’. He has launched his various audio cassettes such as ‘Divas Ase Ki’, ‘Me Gaato Ek Gaane’ where poems and Music was by himself and the Singers were Shailesh Ranade, Sandeep Khare, secondly has done another album ‘Kadhi He Kadhi Te’ in Jan 2003 with Music and Poems were by himself and singers were Sandeep Khare, Madhuri Purandare, thirdly ‘Naamanzur’ whose Music / Lyrics was again by himself and Singers none other than Sandeep Khare, Salil Kulkarni. And of course the very famous one , ‘Aaushyawar Bolu Kahi’ where music and lyrics was by himself and singers were Sandeep Khare, Salil Kulkarni.

Salil Kulkarni has got Best Singer award for this album along with ‘Onjalit Swar Tujhech’ , ‘Tarunai’, ‘Majhya Mana’, ‘Swarshabdanchya Sandhyakali’. His work is not limited for the music albums. He also had given music & lyrics for marathi movies like ‘Kalam 302′ & ‘Chakawa’ & plays like ‘Theatre Academy’s Sequence the play and the title song of the serial namely ‘Bindhast’ on Tara TV along with ‘Drushti’ & ‘Jhep’ etc.

The theme song of ‘Celebrate Pune’ event organized by Radio Mirchi, Pune was written by him. Also his famous songs ‘Deva mala roj rk apaghaat…’ & ‘Rani Majhya Matyamandi’ along with two more , are now rocking the screen of the movie ‘Tula Shikawin Changalach Dhada’ with the voice of Sandeep & Sahil. He has got many awards like ‘Sadar’ , ‘Pahat’ , ‘Pune ki Asha’, ‘Shiva Mantri’, ‘R.N.Pawar – from dist Solapur’, ‘Shivaji Sawant’, ‘Ranjeet Desai – From district – Kolhapur.

Interviews

MANASI NAIK

Manasi Naik, Actress

Manasi Naik, the young talented and hard working girl from Pune made her headway into Marathi films through Mahesh kothatre’s film ‘Jabardast’. Soon she went on to win the Celebrity Television Reality dance show ‘Halla Bol’ proving her class as a dancer. Manasi later turned to the small screen performing prominent roles through popular Marathi TV serials, where she had ample scope to prove her acting skills. Now, she is back on the big screen, with her latest released film ‘Tukya Tukavila Nagya Nachavila’, where she plays lead opposite Pushkar Jog, with whom she had made her debut in films.

Manasi found time to chit chat with MMW, during a function of her films release.

Q: How was your experience working with a film maker like Kanchan Adhikari?
A: She is a well organized director and hence it was a great pleasure working with a woman like her. As a person, she is very kind hearted.

Q: This is your second film with Pushkar. How do you find him as a co-star?
A; Yes, after ‘Jabardast’, which was a debut for both of us, we had this opportunity to prove that our pairing was well accepted. Pushkar is a wonderful person and I enjoyed working with him.
Mansi Naik

Q: You also proved your class as a dancer in a TV reality show. How did you face the competition ?
A: It was a good competition. With every round that progressed, I kept on challenging myself and that spirit helped me to win.

Q: Was it your only wish to become an actress ?
A: Actually, I wanted to become a doctor and hence opted for science stream in Fergusson College, Pune. At that time, I used to be model for Magazine cover girl, besides other modeling assignemnts. One day I received an offer from Mahesh Kothare, who was looking for a fresh face opposite Pushkar Jog. I fitted into the requirement and that’s how I became an actress.
Q: How encouraging were your parents when you received this offer?
A: In fact, my father who is a scientist with NCL and mother who is an auditor, wanted me to become a scientist. But, how could they come in the way of an offer from a reputed film maker like Mahesh Kothare? When I made up my mind, they supported my decision.

Q: Any forthcoming films ?
A: You will watch me in special role performing an item number in a forthcoming film ‘Target’.

Interviews

Mitalee Scores at the National level

Mitalee Jagtap, Actress

The 58th National Awards have just been announced and we found many Marathi films and Marathi artistes among the award winners in different categories. Some of them did expect the awards, but for some of them the prestigious award was unexpected. This happened in the case of Mitalee Jagtap Varadkar, the leading lady of Marathi film ‘Babu Band Bajaa’, who went on to win the National Award for best actress in Indian cinema.

Mitalee Jagtap
The film ‘Babu Band Bajaa’ which also won an award in a special category, had made its mark earlier at the Pune International film festival, when the Jury had acclaimed this film. Mitalee played a challenging role of a Mother in this film, who goes through hardship while bringing up her children.

Born in Nanded, Mitalee completed her school education through Sharda Mandir Girls High School and later acquired her degree in Arts from Vasantrao Naik College. Mitalee received good support from her family before entering this field of glamour. Her father being a writer, always supported her every move. With the blessings of her parents, Mitalee finally made up her mind to enter the filed of acting. But, it was not an easy decision. Not everyone is lucky to
attain success immediately and those who attain success quickly also come down with that speed.
Luckily for Mitalee, she had some experience of acting, having played as a child artiste while she was in 3rd standard, in the film ‘Devki’ and had also studied a course in Theatre Arts simultaneously while doing her degree course in college. She further learnt Bharat Natyam till she became technically perfect. This certainly came to her advantage. When Mitalee shifted to Mumbai, she joined a theatre Group ‘Ashwatha’ and performed at Prithvi Theatre, Mumbai, which is known for experimental plays. Thus began her acting career through stage.

Very soon, she got an opportunity to perform in Hindi TV serials like ‘Kkusum’, ‘Kalire’, ‘CID’, ‘Hakikat’, ‘Kagaar’ and later went on to perform in Marathi serials like ‘Aakash Peltana’, ‘Vadalvaat’, Tikala Te Political’, and ‘Pimplepaan’. She also performed in films like ‘Vitthal Vitthal’ and ‘Aag’. Mitalee married Cameraman Sandeep Varadkar and thus became Mitalee Varadkar. Thereafter she had taken a break, but with ‘Babu Band Bajaa’ she made a comeback with a bang, by winning this prestigious award at the national level.
Marathi Movie World congratulates this talented actress and wishes her a grand success in years to come.

Interviews

“Every role is challenging for me” – Subodh Bhave

Subodh Bhave

Not very long ago a chocolate faced young boy from Pune shifted to Mumbai, as he had few films in hand and also some assignments for television serials. Today, he is a well established actor. Be it television, films or stage, Subodh Bhave has always given equal importance to every medium, totally getting involved into the characters he played. We have seen his maturity through some of his recent appearances in films like ‘Kon Aahe Re Tikade’, ‘Raanbhool’ and a popular TV serial ‘Kulavadhu’. Some of his forthcoming releases are ‘Jhale Mokale Aakash ‘ and much talked about ‘Haapus’..

MMW spoke to Subodh on this occasion. Excerpts from an interview :

Subodh Bhave Q: What is that special quality in Subodh Bhave, which invites praise from senior artistes?
A: It could be my honesty or may be my constant struggle to attempt at something different every time. Frankly speaking, I always admire my senior co-artistes and love to learn something from them.

Q: How is Subodh Bhave off screen ? Is he a reserved person or socializing with new friends?
A: I am not at all a reserved person but always love to be friendly with all. Now, how much time it may take to be friendly with them, nothing can be said about that; but
once a friend, I can guarantee about its long existence.

Q: We have also seen you as an Anchor for Kitchen programmes on TV . Do you really enjoy doing such kitchen based programmes and how much are you interested in different food recipes ?
A: To be very honest, I really enjoy playing an anchor for such programmes. Unfortunately, I am a very poor cook. I am still unable to prepare a cup of tea. But, I enjoy tasting different recipes and that’s the reason I am there in this programme. I just love the food , especially vegetarian cooked for me by others.

Q: How was your experience performing in historical classical stage play like ‘Kattyar Kaljaat Ghusli and especially directing the same ?
A: Performing in this play itself was an amazing experience. It was almost after 12 long years, I was directing a play and that too a classical based. Obviously, there was pressure building up prior to the inaugural show, as this drama which had become so popular in the past. I had a doubt whether I will be able to give justice; but, luckily the play is receiving a good response. Now, after directing this play, I would certainly be interested in directing a film. Hope to find an opportunity soon.

Q: Will you be missing your co-stars , as ‘Kulvadhu’ has now come to an end ?
A: Certainly, I miss them a lot. For three years we all worked together. For me, ‘Kulavadhu’ was special, as it offered me my first role in the lead on television.

Q: Tell us something about your role in ‘Haapus’ ? Are you playing a protagonist ?
A: I am playing Ajit- a typical youngster from Konkan, who fights hard for the rights of a farmer who actually grows the Haapus crop. In this film neither me nor anyone else play the lead role, as it is only ‘Haapus’ who plays the lead.

Q: You played a fun loving character in ‘Kon Aahe Re Tikade’, then a negative role of a psychic person in ‘Raan bhool’ and now a totally different role in ‘Haapus’. How challenging was this new role ?
A: For me, every role is challenging, as for different characters I have to be different. Moreover, there is variety in every films story and the people around you are also different. Subodh Bhave in Hapus

Q: Do you believe that to give your best, you need to have equally strong artistes around you ?
A: Yes, I truly believe in what you have said. A film is never a one man show. Till now, whatever films and serials I have performed in, there has been a great contribution coming from my co-artistes and also the technical team. It was only because of such lovely surrounding I had, I could give my best.
Q: How important is director in extracting the best out of the artiste?
A: Yes, the director plays a very important role, as he is the one who is so well connected with the actual script. How and when to use a particular character, only he knows it well.

Q: Why should ‘Haapus’ be a hit film ? Give us some positive points that would make this film hit ?
A- There is one strong reason for ‘Haapus’ to be a hit, as the name of the film says it all. As it is, ‘Haapus’which arrives once in a year, wins the heart of everyone whoever tastes it. Another advantage for the film is its script and last but not the least, the entire team of  ‘Haapus’ would certainly make it victorious.

Interviews

BHARAT JADHAV

After the sad demise of Laxmikant Berde, Marathi film industry was in search of an actor with a perfect timing of comedy. At that time Bharat Jadhav was the most popular stage actor, with his play ‘Sahi Re Sahi’ creating new houseful records. Bharat was obviously the choice of Marathi film makers for their action- comedy films and most of the top film makers including Mahesh Kothare opted for him. A simple and down to earth person, Bharat was on a signing spree and managed to play lead roles in many successful films.

Bharat Jadhav

After release of ‘Shwaas’ the trend of Marathi films changed. But, there was always place for an actor like Bharat, who went on to perform even serious types of characters with authority. Watching him perform as an angry young man fighting against the existing education system in Mahesh Manjrekar’s film ‘Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho’, clearly indicated that Bharat was prepared to take on challenges through serious types of roles.
Bharat Jadhav With the biggest honour now coming in the form of State Film award in best actor category for his role in the film ‘Jhing Chik Jhing’. This film is now due for release, after being appreciated in various international film festivals, wherever it was shown. Bharat plays the role of a poor farmer in the cotton field from a small village in Maharashtra. For an actor like Bharat, who is so much dedicated to his profession; this is just a beginning.

Off the field, Bharat is a real gem of a person, always ready to cooperate with all those who approach him with offers. Even after entering films, Bharat hasn’t stopped performing on stage and TV serials. ‘The show must go on'; no matter whether it is small screen, big screen or stage, seems to be his attitude.
One should closely watch his sense of humour, whenever he attends private functions. The manner in which he communicates with the audience with spontaneity, speaks about his gifted nature to interact with people so closely at any given time.

Recently, he walked in as a last minute special guest for the music CD release of Marathi Rock star Mangesh Borgaonkar’s new album. When Bharat was invited on stage, there was a big demand coming from audience to dance on the music. When Bharat saw that the audience was not keeping quiet, he told them to remain silent at once; or else, he would start singing in his own voice and that they would have to tolerate him. His timely joke did work well and Bharat after speaking a few words released the CD. Indeed, it is very difficult to find a simple and wonderful person in the field of entertainment. MMW congratulates him on winning the Best actor State Film award.

Interviews

“I would love to play a simple girl’s role”- Tejaswi Patil

Tejaswi Patil Pic
Not many Marathi actresses have entered acting profession successfully, after marriage. But, Tejaswi Patil is one such actress, who made her acting debut in Marathi after marriage and succeeded in inviting attention of Film and TV lovers. Her husband Swadeep Patil has been very supportive to see his wife’s wish of becoming a leading actress, come true. Originally from Belgaum, Tejaswi is a MBA Graduate with specialization in HR. She began her acting career in films with a small but glamorous role in Trupti Bhoir’s film ‘Agadbam’. She played Makarand Anaspure’s office colleague, in whom the hero is deeply in love.

Tejaswi got her first major assignment in a TV serial through a title role in ‘Prajakta’ on Mi Marathi channel, where she had an opportunity to work with veterans like Sulbha Deshpande and Satish Pulekar. She also played a grey character in Zee TV’s popular serial ‘Bhagyavidhata’ and became popular among home TV viewers. “Indeed, you get instant popularity through prime time TV serials, as people start recognizing you, at public places,” says Tejaswi, who is in this Marathi film industry, at the most appropriate time, when the Marathi films are going for a change.

Tejaswi Patil, Marathi Actress “I have seen ‘Deool’ which is a very good film. But, I could not see ‘Bharatiya’ as there were no shows in Bandra, where I presently live. All nearby theatres were booked with ‘Ek Tha tiger’. But, when I go to my mother’s place in Khargar, I get to see Marathi films there,” says Tejaswi, who loves to watch quality films. “I don’t see all Hindi films, unless I know that it is a good film, from my point of view,” she says. Tejaswi has also done few ad films and one of them is for Brooke Bond Tea with Sachin Pilgaonkar and Atisha Naik.

Having played different types of roles till now; she would love to play a simple girl from a village or a chawl. “I wish, I get this kind of role soon,” she quips. Recently she played a modern girl
opposite Santosh Juvekar in the film ‘Aghor’ which was released two weeks ago. Tejaswi has played the first lead girl coming in the life of Santosh. She plays a bold girl who dares to challenge the road side miscreants, who try to molest her. But, she commits suicide, when she finds that her boy friend is unable to protect her from these people.” It is the deep impact that is created on his mind, with this episode, which makes him rough and tough in the rest of his life,” she says.

Tejaswi, was also part of an episode in popular Sony television serial ‘Crime Petrol’, where she played the wife of Santosh Juvekar in a mystery filled story. Her forthcoming film is Zetleman’ a comedy film, opposite Sanjay Narvekar. Whenever she finds time from her shooting schedule, she helps her husband in their ‘Spa business’ which deals with relaxation methods, which can even be used during travel. It all relates to relieving stress and increase your fitness level.

It is rightly said that your education always helps you in every field. Who knows, in near future Tejaswi may turn a film maker and use her MBA knowledge for proper planning of the project. Marathi Movie world wishes a bright future to this beautiful talented actress, who has maintained herself slim and fit, even after marriage.

Interviews

‘I was confident about my acting career’ – Umesh Kamat

Umesh Kamat, Actor

For the past few years, acting has opened a new career for youngsters. Even after Graduation, many youngsters have preferred singing ,acting and film making as their career. Some of whom who were Doctors, Engineers and even IT professionals have switched over to this profession. One such youngster who took up acting as his career, after his Post graduation is Umesh kamat. Today, he is not only an established Marathi actor but happily married to Priya Bapat , who is also from the same field.
Since childhood, Umesh was associated with stage performances as a hobby; but, he pursued his education till post graduation; only to choose acting as his career. Umesh began with stage plays and later performed in many TV serials and about 10 Marathi films released so far. Some of the prominent serials he has performed in are ‘Asamnbhav’ and ‘Eka Lagnachi Doosri Goshta’. Though Umesh has not been lucky to find his films becoming hits; his performances in these films were really very good. He has worked with many popular and new actresses like Saie Tamhankar(in two films), Nisha Parulekar, Urmila kanitkar, Bhargavi Chirmule and Priyanka Yadav. Two of his plays ‘Gandhi Aadva Yeto’ and ‘Nava Gadee Nava Rajya’ are presently drawing good crowds.

Umesh Kamat, ActorNow, Umesh is eagerly waiting for two of his films to be released shortly .Both are romantic films. One is ‘Time Please’ opposite his own wife Priya for the first time on Big screen, apart from Siddharth Jadhav and Saie Tamhankar in supporting cast and the other is ‘Lagna Pahava Karun’ opposite Mukta Barve. Marathi Movie world spoke to this young brilliant actor, to know more about his experience in this field. Excerpts from an interview:

Q: After completing your education, you entered acting field to make a career. How was the response from your family?
A: They were very supportive; as they saw the confidence in me. Till then, I was into acting as a hobby. But, then I wanted to take it seriously. So, I gave my full time.
Q: How was your childhood like?
A: I lived in RBI Colony, Santacruz( West) for 20 years; as my mother worked for Reserve Bank of India. It was a good community living with social gatherings and programmes in the colony. In fact, it was a good platform to exhibit my acting talent.

Q: When exactly you turned to professional acting?
A: It was only after I completed my Post Graduation. At that time, Ii was matured enough to take my decisions. Moreover, I was confident about myself.

Q: You shot into limelight, after your performance as Adinath in the popular TV serial ‘Asambhav’. Isn’t it?
A: Yes, that’s right. The serial offered a good subject and I really enjoyed working in that serial. The role was good and people appreciated it.

Q: You are really having a good time with your ongoing play, ‘Nava Gadee Nava Rajya’. Now, you are doing a film, ‘Time Please’ based on this play. How confident are you about this film?
A: Actually, when I was offered this film by the makers of this play, I was initially hesitant, thinking that it would be the repeat of same things what we did on stage. But, when the developed script was shown to me; I was convinced that the cinematic format would be appealing with addition of new things, which were not possible to show on stage. For example, the lifestyle of IT people, their weekend parties and other liberties enjoyed by them outdoors. When Priya and myself did the reading of the dialogues for the film for the first time, we found them very interesting for a change. Many occasions, after reading a scene, we used burst into laughter.

Q: You are also doing a film with Mukta Barve. What is that film about ?
A: Yes, this is Ajay Naik’s own film. It is a romantic film. Ajay is a good friend and when he approached me with this subject, I found the subject new and related to lives of today’s youngsters. Moreover, my chemistry with Mukta had worked well in the concluding episodes of ‘Eka Llagnachi Doosari Goshta’. So, I immediately agreed to do it.
Q: Are there any other films in the pipeline?
A: Yes, I am doing a film ‘Pune via Bihar’ which is a love story of a Boy from Pune and Girl from Bihar. Mrunmayee Deshpande is playing the lead opposite me in this film.

Interviews

“I was always passionate about dancing”- Urmila Kanetkar

Urmila Kanitkar

“Dance is a delicate balance between perfection and beauty.” If you are a good dancer, acting becomes much easier. Many film actresses possess this ability, but they don’t get an opportunity to combine both together. Today, not many roles in films or on television are meant for actresses with dancing skills. In Marathi films in particular there are few songs or no songs and the only item number is performed by a guest artiste. On television, When we watch the dance reality show ‘Ekapeksha Ek – Apasaras’ on Zee Marathi channel, we do notice some of the finest acting talents performing different forms of dance. One of them, a strong contender for the crown, is obviously Urmila kanetkar. Marathi Movie World caught up with Urmila to know about her objectives and passion in life. The modest and talented young actress spoke freely, giving a brief account of her career.

Passionate about dancing, Urmila who has learnt her classical dancing from Ashatai Joglekar and Archana Joglekar is pursuing her MA in Kathak. Being a graduate in Sociology and Anthropology from Mumbai’s St. Xavier’s College, she makes good use of these subject background while performing different characters. We have seen this happen in popular TV serial ‘Asambhav’ and recently released film

Urmila is an intense actress, who gets quickly into her character to give her best, no matter whoever is there on the opposite side. For her, the camera lenses are her close observers. With her expressive eyes, she has many a times emoted so well. It will not be surprising to see her win the best actress award in most of the prestigious awards to be declared soon.

With her recent success through the role of Yashoda in ‘Mala Aai Vhaychay’, Urmila has established herself as a complete film actress. This author backed role has certainly given her the required exposure to reckon her among the best actresses in Marathi film industry. She was just waiting for a role with Gavran accent and the role of Yashoda came to her at the most appropriate time. Only few years ago when she made her TV debut through ‘Tujhya Veena’ and into films through ‘Shubhamangal Savadhaan’, her talent went unnoticed, as the kind of roles she played were not very prominent. But, then the role of Shubhra in ‘Asambhav’ brought a big change in her career. Through this role, she had an opportunity to present two different characters from different eras and that came to her advantage.

In ‘Asambhav’ Urmila learnt a lot under the direction of Satish Rajwade and she does attribute all the credit to him. “Performing in ‘Asambhav’ was almost like taking acting lessons from Mr. Rajwade,” she quips. Urmila doesn’t forget Sangeet Kulkarni, because of whom she got her first break in ‘Tujya Veena’. For her entry into films through Mahesh Kothare’s film ‘Shubha Mangal Sawadhan’ she says that it was on the basis of her audition that she was selected. But, her selection for the role of Yashoda in ‘Mala Aai Vhaychay’ was her real luck. The director was very keen on finding someone of the caliber of Smita Patil. But, when she noticed the talent in Urmila, she openly admitted that she had found her Smita in Urmila.

“Dancing has always been my passion and I always wanted to perform my own solo shows in different forms. When I presented my first ballet few years ago, I said to myself that one day, I would present a form of dance with variety into it. Luckily for me, today I have got a platform through ‘Zee Marathi’s reality show ‘Ekapeksha Ek- Apsara Aali’. But, here it is in a competition form,” says Urmila.

Her acting career which is now shaping well , Urmila attributes all the credit to her parents Shrikant and Nilima Kanetkar. “It is because of their support that I could enter this field and today they are with me to encourage at my every step,” she adds.

Having signed another film of Mahesh Kothare, Urmila is now starring with his son Adinath in ‘Dubhang’ which is a love story. Having already declared Adinath as her Valentine in real life on the Valentine’s day this year, their chemistry seems to be blooming in real life. Now, it remains to be seen, how it works in the film ‘Dubhang’. Shooting of this film is in progress. But, there are few more films like ‘Thenga’, ‘Thodi Khatti Thodi Meethi’ and ‘Khel Mandla’ in the pipeline. In all, year 2011 is going to be a good time for Urmila, having made a good beginning of this year with a an outstanding performance in ‘Mala Aai Vhaychay’.

She has also displayed her dancing talents in the popular reality dance show ‘Ekapeksha Ek-Apsara Aali’ and is considered to be a favourite in this competition. Talking about this show, Urmila admits that there is a big competition from other artistes, who are also good performers. “Many a times, I get tensed up during the show, as I have other commitments also. It is like running from one set to the other to give my best. It is hard work, but, I am enjoying every moment,” she concludes.

Interviews

“Performing on Big screen is more challenging” – Vaibahv Mangale

Vaibhav Mangale Actor Photo

Whether it is rib tickling comedy or an action packed film; Vaibhav Mangale has always found suitable roles for him. In the year 2001, he came to Mumbai to begin his acting career and had to literally struggle for the next 3 to 4 years. It was his debut in Paresh Mokashi’s Marathi play ‘Mukkam Post Bombilwadi’ where his talent was noticed; as the play performed 550 shows. Thereafter, Vaibhav performed in Musical play ‘Lagnakallol'; for which performance, he won the best actor award. But, it was his exposure in TV reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’ on Zee Marathi; that brought him name and fame.

Today, Vaibhav Mangale has reached such a stage that scripts are written for him. Best example is his just released TV serial ‘Shejari Pakke Shejari(SSPS) on Zee Marathi. Vaibhav has combined very well with his favourite co star Anand Ingale to offer this humour filled theme. Marathi Movie World spoke to this versatile actor. Excerpts from an interview.

Vaibhav Mangale, ActorQ: You spent your childhood and completed your education from Konkan. Did you come to Mumbai in search of a job ?

A: I spent my childhood in Deorukh and completed my B.Sc.D.Ed. from Ratnagiri. But, I could not get a job of a teacher. I took a decision to come to Mumbai, because of the encouragement from my uncle. My uncle was confident that more than a job; a career in acting would open doors for me in Mumbai.

Q: Besides acting and music, you are also a good mimicry artist and you have proved it. Have you inherited these skills from your parents ?

A: My father used to sing in Orchestra. Both my paternal as well as maternal Grandfathers performed in Music based plays of yesteryears. So, obviously, I inherited these skills from
them. Before coming to Mumbai, I used to perform in one act plays, story telling competitions and even took part in the State level one act plays.

Q: Today, Marathi audience recognise you more as a mimicry artist. Why didn’t you develop this skill further?

A: Actually, I can perform mimicry of only certain well known people like Vikram Gokhale, Dr.Shreeram Lagoo and Lata Mangeshkar. But, it is not my passion. Mimicry is not a form of acting art. Every mimicry artist is not necessarily a good actor. Therefore, I focussed my attention on acting career.

Q: It is because of television, you could reach every household and become popular. To avoid being typecast, what different ways you attempted?

A: My entry on television was first through Shrirang Godboole’s programme ‘Ghadlay Bighadlay’ on Zee television. Then through ‘Comedy Comedy’ and ‘Fu Bai Fu’; I received appreciation. Mahesh Manjrekar offered me a negative role in his film ‘Kaksparsha’. And now, I am playing an important character of B.L.Pathak from U.P. in Zee Marathi’s new serial ‘Shejari Shejari Pakke Shejari’.

Q: A man from Konkan, speaking U.P. style Hindi so fluently. What is the secret behind this effort?

A: In a city like Mumbai, you come across Hindi speaking people at every place. Even in our Marathi entertainment, in back stage there are many workers from UP. So, I used closely observe their accent. Even our sound recordist is from UP. His name is Shivaji. He helped me a lot to improvise on my accent. It is because of him, I could portray Brijlal Pathak’s character.

Q:You have been part of all the three areas of entertainment; i.e. stage, television and films. Where you feel more comfortable?

A: Stage and films help an actor to achieve what he aspires for; but, television only makes him popular. I love to do films; as the canvas is big and there is plenty of scope. In just three hours you create your own world; which I consider more challenging. When you are working for television, people watch you while eating or doing some other work; and thus take your performance very casually. But, the same audience pay for tickets and watch your performance seriously.

Q: Haven’t you received offers from Hindi ?

A: I did receive offers from Hindi; but, they were for small roles, which didn’t interest me. First, let me settle down in Marathi entertainment industry. Then, let me see, if any good offer comes from Hindi.

Q: How often do you visit your native place ?

A: At present, due to work commitment, I am unable to visit. But, I try to make it at least 2- 3 times a year. I have a house there, where my brother and relatives live. But, if you ask me about Konkan;I do get a chance to visit between Khed and Goa; in connection with my stage shows. Frankly speaking, I feel homely anywhere in Konkan.

Q: What is your message to the Marathi audience ?

A: I appeal to them to go and watch the Drama and film in theatre; by purchasing tickets. I also feel that they should not expect much from the Government. Being a teacher, I would say that each and every individual should behave like a good citizen. Personally I feel that the lessons about community living Civics should be offered to the children in school, from day one of the school.