Vikram Gaikwad -Swinging with succcess
Ever since the Marathi serial ‘Unch Majha Zoka’ has been aired on Zee Marathi, one character has always been the talk at every Maharashtrian household. With his portrayal of social reformer and freedom fighter Mahadeo Govind Ranade, people have come to know more about the facts in history. To bring this character alive, actor Vikram Gaikwad has worked very hard. We just cannot ignore his contribution in the success of this serial, which is at the popularity heights in TRP’s. Surprisingly, this Diploma holder from Pune’s Sinhagad Institute, has no family background of acting.
Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented actor, to know more about him. Excerpts from the interview: Vikram Gaikwad, Actor
Q: How come, you switched over to acting career, after completing your technical Diploma course ?
A: Actually, I was not very keen on this technical education; as I was very keen on taking up a career in acting. I had even thought of completing my normal education and then pursue my acting course at NSD. But, that did not happen. Since I was passionate about acting, after completing my 10th and 12th exams, I started performing on stage. In Pune , there is an institute called ‘Simant’, through which I had performed in popular play ‘Raigadala Jenvha Jaag Yete’. When we completed 200-250 shows, thus began my real acting career.
Q: Before ‘Uncha Majha Zoka’, did you perform in any other serial ?
A: Previously, I had done 2 -3 serials for ‘Sahyadri’ channel and later played the role of Ashutosh Paranjape, who was Vaidehi’s brother in ‘Swapnanchya Palikadle’. This role helped me to earn some money.
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: What you have to say about your role in ‘Unch Majha Zoka’ ?
A: I am glad that I am playing such an important character of Mahadev Ranade, who was not only a highly educated personality; but also very polite in his behaviour. His character, being the only bread earner in the family has different shades, while handling people with different attitude from his own family. I am myself so much influenced by this character and fell that people like Mr. Ranade should have lived for a longer period of 500 to 1000 years. I was really amazed to learn about the reforms brought by him more than 100 years ago, in the society, beginning with his own wife, by educating her first. It is very difficult to find such people even today.
Q: How did you prepare yourself for this role?
A: Yes, I really had to work hard for this role. Especially for pronunciations of some words, which were required to match with the speaking style of that period. This being a period serial, I had to do a lot of reading about the character’s history. Moreover, this person being a highly intellectual person; very much above my personal level, I did put in extra effort, while playing this role.
Q: Besides ‘Uncha Majha Zoka’, what are your other projects ?
A: At present, I am doing only this serial. But, recently, I completed my shooting for the film ‘ Dr. Prakash Baba Amte- The real hero’. In this film, I have played the character of Vilas Manohar. Actually, I was not aware, who was the producer and director of this film; but, had heard that Nana Patekar was playing the role of Dr. Prakash Amte in this film. So, I just expressed my desire to work in this film to Dr.Amte; by posting a message. Even otherwise, I was very keen to meet him. The very next minute, I received a phone call from Dr. Amte( whom I address as Nana), who assured me a role in this film. Luckily for me, he had watched my performance in ‘Unch Majha Zoka’. I consider myself lucky that during shooting, I could spend some time in his company.
Q:Any particular happening experienced during shooting for this film?
A: I spent 8 days at the sets and can recall every moment. There was one particular scene in the film, where a tiger with the name of ‘Ningal’ dies after a snake bite. And I saw Dr. Amte, turning very emotional at this moment. I was very impressed to witness that other side of this person, who is otherwise fearless while handling all such animals. I really admire such people, who have devoted their entire life towards service of mankind. Even today, I feel that whenever I find time, I would go and spend some days in his company.
Q: Thanks Vikram. Wishing you all the best for your forthcoming film and future career.
A: thanks.
Yogini Chouk – ‘Maharashtrachi Navi Superstar’
“An artiste is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action”. When we look at those winners in a competition that was to decide the best from Maharashtra in acting talents, we really wonder whether such artistes are born artistes with gifted talent? But, that is not so. There is a lot of hard work, besides dedication in this profession. A particular skill is there within every human being, but it needs to be tapped at the right time by those around that person. It could be parents or teachers.
Today, the world has changed. Every profession is gaining importance and acting is also one of them. To go in depth of this profession, today many institutes have been offering courses to extract the best out of an artiste who is born with those skills.
Yogini Chouk is one such person, who was fortunate to find good sensible parents, who only encouraged her to perform at various
places during her childhood; whether it was a dance or elocution or drama competition. As a result, Yogini not only excelled at school level but also at the college level. While she was in Ruia college, she bagged various awards in the inter-collegiate and Zonal level competitions. Watching her keen interest in acting, her father pushed her into Academy of Theatre Arts, where she did a 2 year specialization course, which was almost like doing post graduation in acting.
The real test came, when Yogini took part in ‘Maharashtracha Superstar Koun 2010?’ -which was a reality show on Zee Marathi, to test the talent of new artistes in Marathi entertainment industry.
Here too, Yogini bagged the top prize as the best female actress along with Nilesh Sable, who was declared winner in Male category. Watching her performance in this reality show, Yogini received an offer from Zee Marathi’s popular serial ‘ Bhagyalaxmi’ to play the role of Dr. Sarita. Simultaneously, her entry into films also took place. Surprised! Yogini is doing a Marathi film ‘Superstar’ with Siddharth Jadhav as her co-star. Pandharinath kamble (Paddy) is also there in the film. She is also there in an art film of Arun Nalawade, where she is playing his daughter. But, the best thing to happen in her life was when she received an offer for a bilingual (Hindi & Marathi) film ‘Chinnah’, based on Waman Tawde’s play in which late Smita Patil performed in the past. Vasudha Deshpande is directing this film.
For a talented actress like Yogini, performing the character that was played by none other than Smita Patil, was a biggest challenge.”Smitaji has always been my idol and getting a chance to play the character she played, is itself a big honour for me. I wish my father were alive to share such memorable moments in my life. I missed him a lot, when I was crowned the Maharashtrachi Superstar. He passed away only few months before this competition,” says Yogini while recollecting those memorable moments.
Marathi Movie world had this chit chat with Yogini during the launching of the new Marathi play ‘Popatpanchi’ in which she has an important role to play.
Q: How do you look at this change that has taken place in Marathi films since last 2-3 years?
A: I welcome this change, which is good for any female actress like me. There are more women oriented stories giving enough scope for females to display their talent.
Q: In which area i.e. Stage, TV or film; would you like to focus your attention ?
A: I would like to try them all at the same time. Each one of them has its own identity and therefore for an artiste like me, it is more challenging to perform at these three places simultaneously.
Q: The person who motivated the most -your father, is no more. How much do you miss him ?
A: Yes, I miss him very much. He not only encouraged me to take acting as a career, but also showed me the way. Today, I give my performance, imagining that he is watching me from somewhere.
Q. What type of roles, would you like to play ?
A: I am more keen on playing sensitive roles; the kind of played by late Smita Patil in the past. I am glad that today, we find a lot films based on women oriented topics.
Q: What kind of role you play in ‘Popatpanchi’ – your new Marathi stage play?
A: Well, I play an important character in one of the stories narrated by Popat to Maina. In this story, I play a Police Hawaldar’s wife.
Vijay Patkar – the most flexible star of Marathi & Hindi films
About 25 years ago , he made his entry in Bollywood through ‘Tezaab’. Thanks to N. Chandra for spotting the talent in him. Though it was a character role, playing one of Anil Kapoor’s friends; Vijay made his presence felt through that role. Vijay spent his childhood in Girgaon and studied in Union High School and later joined Siddharth College. Actually, he started his acting career with a one act play ‘Majhi Pahili Chori’. This was his stepping stone, as Vijay became a popular stage actor later and found a job on artiste’s quota in Bank Of India. His friend circle those days, used to be Prashant Damle, Pradeep Patwardhan and Jaywant Wadkar.
Vijay Patkar, Marathi Actor
A gentle and soft spoken Vijay has maintained good relations with not only people from Marathi films but also Bollywood. Many of his friends don’t forget to invite him for their functions and Vijay obliges them with his presence in a cheerful mood. “It’s an occasion to meet all friends, who are otherwise busy,” says Vijay.
Since his childhood days, Vijay was a great admirer of Charlie Chaplin. Watching his enthusiasm in miming the great actor, his brother Dayal Patkar showed him some cartoon films and English comedy films. We have all witnessed that Vijay has a great influence of this great comedian in his acting. No wonder, Vijay has bagged many advertising films. His ad for Cello tape has already
won him IIFA award for best model. He has also won an award of Marathi Natya Parishad for the play ‘Halka Phulka Natak’. For the past 25 years, he has been actively involved in many Marathi and Hindi films simultaneously.
Perhaps, Vijay is the only Marathi actor after Nana Patekar to have received recognition from Bollywood continuously for the past 25 years. We have seen him making all his efforts to invite the attention of audience , through comedy roles in many Bollywood films. After serving Bank of India for 16 years, Vijay has now given his full time to acting profession. Recently, we saw him in films like ‘Apna Sapna Money Money’ 2012 ‘Golmaal 3′, ‘Tees Maar Khan’ ‘Daddy Cool ”All The Best( 2009) and blockbuster ‘Singham’. But, Vijay liked his role in Marathi film ‘Navra Majha Navsacha’ made by Sachin.
It is always said that an actor can get his role of his choice, if he makes his own film. Earlier, he has directed few films; but now, making his own film is a bigger challenge. So, Vijay is all set to release his own project ‘Lau Ka Laath’ which is produced and directed by him, besides playing a lifetime role, where people will find him at his best. This film is due for release in May 2012. At present, Vijay is busy with his film’s distribution and is looking forward to a grand success. MMW wishes him all the best, as this is the Silver Jubilee of his acting career in films.
‘I am too eager to do variety of roles in films’- Vibhavari Deshpande
Few years ago she was seen just one of those smart young girls in in the city of Pune pursuing her job as a professional writer after completing her Mass Communication. Now, we see her playing a typical old fashioned Village woman of 60s or a traditional Maharashtrian woman of early 20th century. It does give a feeling whether another Smita Patil is born. For an artist of her caliber it is the character that’s most important. Watching her perform in ‘Harichandrachi factory’and ‘Natarang’ in prominent roles, no one could believe that she was just one of those mod college girls moving with modern outfits in Smita Talwalkar’s film ‘Saat Chya Aat Gharaat’, which was released just few years ago.
Toady, Vibhavari Deshpande has certainly made her mark into Marathi films with the help of her solid theatre background. In an interview to MMW, Vibhavari talks about herself and her experiences in this field.
Vibhavari deshpande
Q. What prompted you enter this creative field of acting ?
Since my childhood, while I was studying in Garware High School, Pune, I used to watch Marathi plays. When I joined Fergusson College for my BA course, I started performing on stage. I attended a workshop of Pt. Satyadev Dube and also attended a theatre workshop at NSD , Delhi. There was also lot to learn at Lalit kala Kendra. Later, when I joined GRIP Theatre movement, which is an Indo -German group, I developed myself to write script and also act. After completing my Mass Communication, I was working with Mr. Shrirang Godbole’s Magic Eye, as a professional writer. However, my interest in plays continued. I got my first break into films through ‘Shwaas’ with a small role. Later I played one of the seven students in Smita Talwalkar’s film ‘Saat Chya Aat Gharaat’. Also performed a cameo role in
Amol Palekar’s film and worked in Dr. Jabber Patel’s documentary. That’s how it all began few years ago. In between, I had taken a break for domestic commitments; but now, I am back with films.
Q. Whether it was playing a woman in the era of early 20th century or a typical poor village woman of 1960’s time; how did you prepare yourself mentally ?
It’s all psychological process of believing what you are at that particular moment. For people who are already into acting field, especially having done stage; it becomes much easier. If you are asking my own experience, I paid more attention on body language of these characters. While playing Ms. Phalke in Harischandrachi factory, the director Mr. Paresh Mokashi had already given us clear hints through the scripts; as to how that character is supposed to behave besides the dialogues. It clearly explained that women those days though dressed up according to the tradition, were forward in their thinking process and smart enough to take their own decisions. You must have noticed this lady, saying a flat ‘No’ to playing that much required woman character in that film, when no one was available. It was not because, she was scared, but she knew that she had some other responsibilities to shoulder at that crucial time In ‘Natarang’ I worked more on situation, and accordingly decided to emote strongly , wherever required. Watch that scene, where this lady drives away her husband who returns to take her back. In short, if the script is well written describing the character, performing that role becomes easier.
Q. While Nandu Madhav performed on stage, you appreciated his performance as a teenager. Did you ever think that one day you would play his heroine ?
Not at all. Actually, I knew him before I was signed to play. For me, Nandu was an elderly person, whom I respected a lot. When I was told about my selection to play opposite him, I was trilled.
Q. After watching you in the get up of 9 yard Sarees, Marathi film lovers are keen to watch you in a different style . Are you prepared to take on such challenges ? If so, what kind of roles, you prefer to play ?
Yes, of course! I am too eager to do a different role with a different look; hopefully soon. But, that does not mean that I am going to say. No to the kind of roles I have played before. It all depends on the importance of the character in that film.
Q. Do you think that Marathi films have really come off age ? In that case, what will be the form of Marathi films in next two-three year’s time
Yes , it is welcome change. All these film makers of recent times have really worked hard to offer good presentations. Especially, those directors with theatre background have done extremely well. As far as the new audience is concerned, especially the middle and upper middle class have started visiting the nearby theatres. Now, even the multiplex owners who were reluctant to release Marathi films, are asking for the prints. It only hurts me, when I see those pirated DVD’s of Marathi films purchased by our own people. Why can’t they help stop this piracy? Unless our own people come together and prevent this piracy, nothing is going to work. I have seen in South India, whether it is Chennai or Bangalore, it is the joint effort of common people which has prevented the piracy of their regional films. No one dares to sell the pirated DVD’s of their regional films. If we have to witness prosperity of our Marathi cinema in next 2-3 years time, this piracy is to be stopped completely with moral policing.
Q. If not shooting or performing in Dramas/ serials; how busy is Vibhavari otherwise ?
If not shooting, I get busy with my writing work. At present I am already writing dialogues for popular Marathi serial ‘Agnihotra’ as one of the three members of the script team. Even otherwise, during my free time I am associated with my GRIP Theatre movement, writing scripts for their forthcoming projects.
Q What future plans ? Will you also be doing TV serials ?
I will certainly continue with film projects, be it in the capacity of a writer or an actress. But, I have decided not to act in serials. I had few offers and I said no to them. I just don’t want to mix up that area with my film projects. As far as my association with stage is concerned, I don’t mind working on stage. Soon, I will be associated with one such project with GRIP.
‘I believe in quality than quantity’ – Veena Jamkar
For the past 15 years she has sincerely devoted herself to Marathi stage, performing in many experimental plays, most of them bagging the awards. Veena Jamkar, after passing out from Mumbai’s D.G. Ruparel College made her mark into films through ‘Bebhaan’ only few years ago. Thereafter, Veena’s talent was exploited in films like ‘Valoo’ and ‘Gabhricha Paus’ which followed. Now, she is making waves through her latest performances in films like ‘Marmabandh’ and ‘ Janm’ which were shown at various film festivals. Besides these two films, her much talked about film ‘Lalbaug Parel’ is due for release in coming week. Having already been declared the most promising upcoming actress by the Maharashtra Government award conferred upon her three years ago, she has proved that every film she acted in, turned out to be not only a hit but an award winning film.
Veena Jamkar shares her experience in Marathi film industry with Marathimovieworld. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: Watching your films released so far, gives an indication that you have only performed in off beat films and not any commercial or comedy films. Your comments.
A: In fact, the films I did had off beat content, but they were all commercial films. Moreover, these films did a good business at ticket counter. Today, the definition of Parallel films and commercial films has changed. If you are presenting a good realistic script with the support of quality technical production, then it will surely be termed as commercial film. Instead of simply doing make-up and singing and dancing in front of the camera, I would always prefer to do memorable roles.
Q: Does it mean that you are choosy about the roles ?
A: Yes, luckily for me, all those roles coming to me turned out to be good. Though some of the roles were small, they remained in the memory of the people. I always believe in studying my character and background of the script in detail, instead of just paying attention on the dialogues provided to me by the director.
Q: You have worked with today’s talented young directors like Umesh Kulkarni, Satish Manvar and Girish Kulkarni. How was your personal experience working with them ?
A: Great! It was a pleasure working with all of them. Umesh is very talented and knows his job well. While working on the sets of ‘Valu I’ was closely observing his work. Satish too has deep knowledge about Dramas and films. Working in ‘Gabhricha Paus’ was a memorable experience. When you work with such people, obviously, there is ample scope for self improvisation. I consider myself lucky that at the beginning of my career, I had an opportunity to work with such people.
Q: You will be soon seen in Mahesh Manjrekar’s much talked about film ‘Lalbaug Parel’. What role are you playing in this film ?
A: This film is based on the lives of mill workers in Mumbai, who had to lose their jobs due to indefinite strike. I am playing the daughter of one such mill worker, whose life changes after the strike. What she does for survival and how she adjusts with her new life is all that this central character of mine would explain. This is the biggest role so far I have received in films. I am also in the Hindi version of this film. The role does have different shades.
Q: Now days, you are only seen in films. How about doing TV serials and stage plays ?
A: I have been receiving offers from TV serials. But, I just don’t want to accept them. I have got few films with limited or small roles and all those roles are good. I believe in quality than quantity. With my long experience of 15 years in theatre I am tempted to take few offers. Frankly speaking, just by doing theatre you cannot survive. Recently, I did perform in Atul Pethe’s experimental play ‘Dalpatsingh Yeti Gava’, which has very good script. I am also doing two more plays, ‘Char Diwas Premache’ and ‘Ek Rikami Bajoo.
Q: It has been observed that all your films have received international acclaim or awards. Is this a coincidence or your calculated move?
A: (Smiles). May be a coincidence. But, I am so happy about it. I am really glad that I was part of these films like ‘Bebhaan ‘ ‘Valu’, ‘Gabhricha Paus’, Janm and ‘Marmabandh’.
“Acting is all about hard work”- Varad Chavan
Who says that Marathi film industry is short of heroes with a good personality? Here comes young Varad Chavan, son of veteran Marathi actor Vijay Chavan. Varad, who has been blessed with a good height and a perfect physique required by an actor, is more keen on doing angry young man roles and doesn’t seem to be that interested in comedy roles done by his father over the years. Not very long ago, like any other Mumbai collegian, Varad too enjoyed dancing and worked hard to complete his graduation in computer science. He also gave his exams for NDA and Navy to make a serious career in it.
But, as they say, “Fortune knocks at every man’s door once in a life.’ Varad too had his chance to become an actor. He got his first opportunity to play lead in ‘Chaundrakala’ opposite Megha Ghadge. This was followed by ‘On Duty 24 Taas’ where he played a Villain and now you will see him in the second lead in forthcoming film ‘Premasaathi’ and then ‘Pakyabhai’ is to follow. Varad has also reached the home viewers through Mi Marathi’s ongoing TV serial ‘Mangalsutra’.
Varad Chavan
Looking at his body language and confidence, Varad certainly stands a better chance to find suitable roles as per his wish in days to come. In a chit chat with Marathi Movie World, he speaks about his new acting career.
Q: You have been watching plays and films since your childhood. When exactly you got attracted to this glamour world ?
A: It was sometime in 1994, as a child I was present in the theatre during the first show of the revival of the popular play ‘Moruchi Maushi’. Watching quietly from one corner of the stage my father’s entry and exit in that get up, I really got attracted to this acting profession.
Q: So, after that did you express your wish to your father?
A: No; In fact I focused on my studies, as I felt that being totally dependant on acting would not make me financially strong, in the days to come. By giving many competitive exams, I was almost getting ready to settle down with India’s defence wing. But, at that crucial time, I had to accept what was in my destiny.
Q: Now, how much do you enjoy working in this field ?
A: Yes, it is a great experience and I am enjoying every moment.
Q: What type of roles, you feel that you will be comfortable with ?
A: I am looking forward to play action hero, with an angry young man look.
Q: You are now occupied with films and also on TV with an ongoing serial. What is your advice to newcomers, who wish to take up acting as their career?
A: It is not that easy, as you visualize it. There is lot of hard work. Sometimes there is 14 hours of continuous work, where you are required to give your best all the time.
“Performing on Big screen is more challenging” – Vaibahv Mangale
I would love to play Big B’s mother – Usha Nadkarni
Over the years, Usha Nadkarni, the most popular character artiste from Marathi and Hindi film industry has played the mother of many popular artistes. But, when asked, as to who was her best beta or beti; she refuses to comment. “I don’t believe in such relations. One should be sincere while performing that act.” She says. But, when you ask her as to whose mother she would love to play, she sportingly admits one and only Big ‘B’- Amitabh Bachchan’s name.
Usha Nadkarni
Yes, it will be a great honour for an actress of her caliber to play the Mom of Big B. Even actress Vidya Balan had the privilege of doing so in the film ‘Paa’. In the past even an actress like Rohini Hattangadi with tremendous potential, played his mother in the film ‘Agnipath’. So, Usha has all the hopes in days to come. A versatile actress, she has been in the field of acting for almost 38 years now. She began her career with marathi stage and entered at the competitive level with INT’s play ‘Guru’. Thereafter, she performed with Nana Patelar in famous play ‘Purush’ and later played character roles in marathi and Hindi films. Some of her popular films were ‘Vaastav’, ‘Hathyar’, ‘Yeh Tera Ghar Yeh Mera Ghar’, ‘Tu Chor Main Sipahee’, ‘Yashwant’, ‘Gundaraj’, ‘Lakshmanrekha’ and N. Chandra’s ‘Narsimha’, where she played an important role of Narsimha’s mother.
Usha Nadkarni actually shot into fame after she played two important roles in Hindi TV serials; namely Shantabai in ‘Kuch Iss Tarah’ and as Savita Damodar Deshmukh in ongoing ‘Pavitra Rishta’. It was a pleasure talking to this straight-thinking woman, who spoke very frankly about what she feels about this entertainment industry. Incidentally, she is playing the title role in forthcoming marathi film ‘What an Idea Mai!’, as the movie revolves around her. But, when you ask her as to whether this movie would change her image, she tries to divert your attention to her another film ‘Deool’ where she also plays an equally important role. ‘Deool’ is is also my forthcoming film and it’s a masterpiece and a timely film,” she adds .
Talking about her slow but steady progress into this acting field, she recalls her younger days, when she performed on stage. “After I performed in plays like ‘Guru’ for INT and ‘Purush’ in the company of Nana Patekar, I gained a lot of confidence as an actress. But, I didn’t believe in begging for the roles. I have never gone to any producer and asked for a favor. Whatever was there for me, always came to me. Even while on the sets, I paid attention on my work, rather than my make up and costumes. If I was required to play a middle class woman from a chawl, I paid less attention on on my make and tried to present myself in natural form. After all, acting makes all the difference,” she adds.
Over the years Usha has played safe game by not leaving her job for full time acting. “I worked with BMC for few years and then with Dena Bank for over 20 years, till I took voluntary retirement few years ago,” she says. “Those days it was a risk leaving your job and even after taking Voluntary retirement, I had gone back to my employers to take my option back; but they didn’t allow it. Now, I am happy that I am getting good offers and people are appreciating my performance,” she concludes.
Usha Jadhav invites all the attention at SKD Film Fest
For the past three days there has been a feast of selected Marathi films at Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi. The occasion is Film Festival organised by ‘Sanskriti kala Darpan’ to shortlist the nominees for the best film and other individual awards for the year 2013. The Organisers had invited entries from the film makers, who released their films during the year 2012 in theatres or at the International Film festivals.
There are films like ‘Tukaram’, ‘Touring Talkies’, ‘Aayna Ka Bayna’, ‘Mokala Shwas’, ‘Balak Palak’, ‘Investment’, ’35 Minutes’, ‘Masala’ ‘Ajintha’ and ‘Dhag'( Blaze) which are being screened . But, the topic of discussion on Saturday evening was Usha Jadhav, the dusky complexioned girl, who invited all the attention after the screening of her film ‘Dhag( Blaze)’ made by Jayashree Motion Pictures and directed by Shivaji Loten Patil. Though the film revolves around a small boy played by Hansraj Jagtap; it is Usha Jadhav who has displayed her potential as an actress in that most difficult emotion filled role of his mother. The film also has Upendra Limaye playing her husband; but it is Yashoda played by Usha, who shoulders all the responsibility to carry the film forward in post interval session; till the end.
It would not be proper to disclose much about this film; as it is yet to be released. But, the film has received critical acclaim at Pune and Goa international film festivals. The best appreciation comes from ‘Kohinoor Ma Ta Sanman’, as the film has received 7 nominations in different categories, such as Best film, best direction, best actress, best supporting actor, best child actor, best screenplay and best editing. And, Usha finds herself eligible among the three actresses for the prestigious honour.
The girl originally from Kolhapur is not new to this entertainment field; as she began her career as a stage artist, while she was doing her job in Pune. Being passionate about films since her childhood; Usha shifted to Mumbai with a new job at Mahalaxmi and kept trying her luck giving auditions at UTV and other production houses.. She had already bagged prominent ad films like ‘Tata Docomo, Fevicol Muchwali, Head N Shoulders with Prieta Zinta, ICICI Bank with Sujit Sarkar, Idea with Abhishek Bachchan and so on. On the recommendation of a friend, she gave her audition for Madhur Bhandarkar’s film ‘Traffic Signal’ and bagged an important role of a young girl selling goods at the traffic signal. It was a good opening for her; as by that time, she had also bagged an ad with Amitabh Bachchan for the promotion of KBC.
Usha Jadhav, Actress
Usha has also worked under Deepti Naval’s direction for the film ‘Do Paise ki Dhoop char Aane ki Baarish’, with Chandan Arora in ‘Striker’ and her forthcoming Hindi film is ‘Cinema Ki Aankh’ where she plays lead opposite Prashant Narayanan (Murder- 2 fame) . But, at present, all eyes on the official release of her Marathi film ‘Dhag’, where her performance will appreciated by one and all. Usha has already received appreciation from people like Saie Paranjape, Shabana Azmi and Academy awards winner Resul Pookutty, who have seen her film during Goa and Pune festivals. Some have compared her with Smita Patil.
When we asked Usha about this comparison, she just smiled and said that she was a great admirer of late Smita Patil. She appreciated her performances in films like ‘Mirch Masala’ and ‘Arth’ but refused to admit that she had emulated Smita in ‘Dhag’. “I have just tried to be natural in my own way and would love to play such characters. I am just passionate about acting in films,” she concluded. Marathi Movie World wished this talented actress all the best and hoped that she walks away with ‘best actress award’ in forthcoming award functions.
“It is easy to earn money but difficult to earn respectability”- Upendra Limaye
His clean, honest and rousing approach to acting was actually put on show in the lead role in popular Marathi film, ‘Jogwa’ directed by noted film maker Rajiv Patil. In this film, he not only gave a controlled and modest but a commanding performance, which earned him the Best Male Actor award at the 56th Indian National Film Awards in 2010. In the process, Upendra Limaye created a history.
It may be recalled that after its release in 2009, ‘Jogwa’ created a new milestone in Marathi cinema. The film not only bagged 6 National Film awards, including the Best Male Actor award bagged by Upendra; but, it was for the first time in 56 years, a Marathi film and a Marathi actor had received the honors with distinction. The film later went on to win over 40 other awards.
Besides ‘Jogwa’, Upendra has appeared in several National award-winning films, like ‘Mukta’, ‘Bangarwadi,’ ‘Sarkarnama,’ ‘Dhyasparva’, ‘Chandni Bar,’ ‘Page 3′, ‘Traffic Signal’ besides doing some memorable roles in other Hindi and Marathi cinema.
With a strong background of experimental theatre, Upendra was passionate about acting since his school and college days in Pune and later formed a theatre group ‘Parichay’ with the help of his friends Sanjay Pawar, Subodh Pande and Abhay Godse, after completing his tenure at Lalit Kala Kendra. Today, he continues to remain in popular demand among not only Marathi film makers but, Bollywood and South Indian film makers too.
Marathi Movie World spoke to this multitalented actor. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: Is it true that your success in Bollywood, invited good offers from Marathi Cinema ?
A: I don’t think so. I have been doing theatre since 1988 and done ‘Mukta’ years back. So, the
Marathi film makers very well knew what I can offer. Only, I had to wait for the right roles.
Q: What do you mean by right roles ?
A: After ‘Chandani Bar’ I had many offers to play Police Officer. But, I made up my mind not to repeat the roles. It is very easy to earn money, but difficult to earn respectability. I preferred to wait for the right roles and I got them in due course of time. In the meanwhile, I performed on stage and TV. To me, content is more important in a film, hence, I don’t look at the role as big or small. I was fortunate to begin my film career with people like Dr. Jabbar Patel and Amol Palekar.
Q :What is your opinion about an actor involved in all three areas simultaneously; i.e. stage, TV and films?
A: I personally feel that an actor should not restrict himself to just one platform or one dramatic discipline, because it could impose severe restrictions and may also restrict the actor’s growth. That’s why, when I continued my active role with ‘Parichay’ doing experimental plays, I also welcomed the opportunities offered by outside avenues.
Q: This also reminds us of your association with Grips theatre.
A: Yes, from 1990 onwards for five years, I performed in numerous Grips Theatre plays, where an actor in his 30s transforms himself into a child of 8 or 9 yrs age. It’s an exercise for an actor. For me, it proved to be significantly valuable, especially developing ‘flexibility of mind and body’ besides bringing credibility to difficult roles
Q: When was your actual transition from experimental to commercial theatre?
A: This happened when I came to Mumbai in 1999 with all my experience for a decade with ‘Parichay’ group, only to act in a mainstream commercial play, ‘Dr Aap Bhi’. At that time I happened to meet Sachin Khedekar, who was then featuring in several TV serials. After meeting him, I changed my outlook. And that helped me to progress further.
Q: And, when was your entry into Bollywood ?
A: I had worked with Vinay Apte earlier and his friend Madhur Bhandarkar offered me first break in Bollywood in 2002 with a small role in his forthcoming film ‘Chandani Bar’. In the meanwhile, I continued to perform in TV serials through small but effective roles. However, the major breakthrough was in 2004, when Madhur Bhandarkar offered me a memorable role of Inspector Bhosale in the film.
Q: Tell us something about your role in ‘Jogwa’ which fetched you national award?
A: I always believed in focusing on the inner character of role, as much as the outer, which is crucial in bringing out the best performance. I could have easily overplayed the role, becoming melodramatic. But, I paid more attention on the character’s temperament and decided to convey his inner conflict, his rage and resistance in a restrained, controlled manner, conveying the storm of his emotions through expressions and gestures, rather than words. And it worked.
Q: What is your opinion about Good sensible Marathi cinema not succeeding at commercial level ?
A: Reflection of the society is a big process. It takes time for audience to change their perception. A good cinema is always appreciated. Otherwise, films like ‘Iqbal’ and ‘Bheja fry’ would not have clicked at a time when commercial films with big stars failed to capture audience.