Unforgettable Gems – Prakash & Uma Bhende
During the beginning of this year, when Marathi Movie World decided to present their first awards for Marathi drama, television and film sections, we were looking for a couple from this industry, who had given something back to this industry and stayed away from limelight. Having heard about them from our MMW well wisher- Alhad Rajpurkar, we were very much impressed with their work in their respective fields. And, we decided to invite them as Chief guests for our inaugural award function.
Mr. Prakash Bhende, originally a painter by profession with specialization in Fresco style of paintings prevalent since 5th century, found his life partner in Uma, who was then a well known Marathi film actress of 60s and 70s. The couple not only obliged us at a short notice, but spent their valuable time with us till the end of our function, offering us some suggestions. It was a pleasure, spending time in their company. After the function, we had decided to write about them. The opportunity came very recently, when we visited their residence at Sion, for an exclusive interview with the couple.
Praksh Bhende, Uma Bhende
After Ms. Uma Bhende welcomed us at their terrace flat, she directed us to the bedroom of Mr. Prakash Bhende, where the evergreen actor- director was resting, having recovered from an ailment. Indeed, a healthy and active person like Mr. Bhende, who is now 70, had recovered from the ailment quickly and was talking over phone to his office colleague, planning for a meeting soon. “It is very boring lying on the bed, but the doctor has asked me take compulsory rest. Now, I am just waiting to go back to my office and plan for my next film,” he said confidently.
His wife Uma was sitting next to him, encouraging him to bounce back to his routine. We talked about their memorable moments and Mr. Bhende was more than happy to recall the days, when he first met Uma. “This is the same house, when she first stepped in, after
marriage. Before that she lived in Kolhapur and used rented accommodation during her visits to Mumbai,” he said. Ms. Uma, who acted in more than 100 films, including Telugu and Bhojpuri besides Marathi films, recalled her good old days in the company of well known artsites of yesteryears. She specifically mentioned about her film ‘Madhuchandra’ opposite Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar, which was a hit those days. “This film was directed by Rajdutt. All the songs in this film were hit,” she added.
After their marriage, both Prakash Bhende and Uma Bhende continued with their association with Marathi films by producing films and giving scope to many newcomers through films like ‘Premasaathi Vattel Te’, ‘Naate Jadle Don Jeevanche’, ‘Aapan Hyanna Pahilat Ka?’ ‘Bhaloo’, ‘Chatak Chandani’ and ‘Aai Thor Tujhe Upkaar’, which was released in 2001. “All the newcomers during late 80s, like Varsha Usgaonkar, Kanchan Adhikari and Smita Jaykar, still remember us and are in regular touch with us. Even >Mrinal Kulkarni (formerly Mrunal Deo) never forgets us. She had even invited us for the muhurat of her own film recently.” he added. .
Then suddenly turning emotional, Mr. Prakash pointed out that his wife Uma had not received any lifetime achievement award so far, which she deserved, for her contribution to Marathi film industry. The last time Ms. Uma Bhende was felicitated was in 2003, when Thane Municipal Corporation conferred upon her with P. Savlaram award. But, that was long back. We have seen all the actresses of her time having been felicitated, at different popular and state award functions. Even her Junior- Asha Kale received the Lifetime achievement award. Then why not Uma Bhende? Just Forget about the award, the couple is not even invited for many popular award functions. A popular actress of her time, with over 100 films to her credit and having produced her own films, certainly deserves a better deal. Marathi Movie World wishes the couple a happy and peaceful life filled with happiness to offer something more, to this film industry and their well wishers.
I feel comfortable with small screen – Tejaswini Pandit
Today she is into films, but small screen has always been her first love. After watching her perform confidently in that central character in TV serial ;’Tujha Ni Majha Ghar Shrimantacha’, you are convinced that she is a versatile actress, ever ready with her emotions like a perfect button artiste. Marathi Movie world spoke to Tejaswini Pandit to know more about her interests in this field. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: In your currently running serial ‘Tujha Ni Majha Ghar Shrimantacha’, you have been performing with senior artistes like Ramesh Deo and others. How is your experience performing in their presence ?
A: Very nice. Initially, I never knew them so well but as the shooting progressed, I became friendly with all of them. Now that we are working 14 hours a day on the sets, it has brought that required tuning with all of them. Today, on the sets you will not witness simple chit chat but witness everybody involved in pulling each other’s legs during free time. Since I am always in a habit of eating something during the break, they all call me ‘Khadaad Maushi. But, I really enjoy working in such a good company of co-stars.
nishigandha wad, Tejaswini Pandit
Q: Now that you are into TV serials and films at the same time, which medium you prefer the most from your career point of view ?
A: It is very difficult to distinguish between the two. But, keeping in mind the financial gain and popularity, I am more comfortable with TV serials. Working in TV serials, keeps you busy for 30 days in a month. Another advantage being that TV is there in every house, making it possible for you to reach to the masses. In films that does not happen. You only target the Mumbai and Pune audience, unless you accept films meant for Big Single screen. It is only then you are able to reach people from places like Kolhapur, Nagpur and other small towns and villages. Only satisfaction I get through films, is by performing different types of roles.
Q: The first look of your forthcoming film ‘Sindhutai Sapkal’ was recently witnessed at the Berlin film festival. How do you recollect those memorable moments ?
A: I was under tremendous pressure. Actually, the writer and director of this film had seen my performance in ‘Wavtal’ and being fair and blue eyed, I was preferred for this role. Later, they wanted to shoot few scenes on me and asked me to get ready for those scenes, where my performance was closely observed. One of the scenes came so natural that even the director was in tears. He complimented me and it was only then I felt relaxed. I am sure that this film would deliver the best presentation.
Q: What type of roles you intend to play in future ?
A: In most of my forthcoming films, whether it is ‘Sindhutai’, ‘Ranbhool’ or ‘Target’, I am playing different characters. From my side, I am trying to be different; but it is my wish to play the kind of roles that Urmila Matondkar played in her films. I specially liked her role in ‘Ek Hasina Thi’ and would really enjoy playing such a type of role.
Q: As an actress where will Tejaswini be within 3-4 years from now ?
A: Whatever I aimed for in this industry, surely I will be able to reach to that level. This is possible, because whatever roles come to me I consider them to be meant only for me. Take for example the roles offered to Amruta or Sonalee. They are only meant for them. Hence, my competition is not with them but with my own self. Fortunately, the roles coming to me now are women oriented central characters, which itself is a plus point. I am only trying to give my 100%. One more thing I would like to add here that after 3-4 years, even if I am married, I shall remain the same –the mischievous Tejaswini, as you see her today.
Q: In your next film ‘Sindhutai’ you are performing along with your mother. Isn’t that a great moment ?
A: The role that I am playing in this film ( as young Sindhutai) will actually be carried forward by my mother playing the present day Sindhutai. Actually, I had performed with my mother in the past in a play. When the same play was revived, I played the role she used to play and she played the role of my Boss. Later, this TV serial ‘Tujha Ni Majha Ghar Shrimantacha’, brought us together. To be very honest, my mother is like an acting school. There is always some pressure while working with her, but I get full satisfaction while she is around.
Q: In your recently released film ‘Wavtal’ you are shown as an oppressed woman most of the time. Don’t you think that Rehmat Khan’s character should have reappeared to show him getting killed at the hands of K-5 in your presence, to give justice to your character?
A: No, I don’t think so. Instead of finishing off the criminal in a man, the attitude needs to be changed. Only then a woman can live safely.
TUSHAR DALVI
If you have to identify few actors in Marathi film industry for their simplicity, modesty and commitment, Tushar Dalvi is certainly one of the few names. Having been brought up in a middle class Maharashtrian family in Mumbai and having done his post graduation in management, anybody would have expected him to take up an executive job and settle down in a typical Mumbai lifestyle. But, Tushar Dalvi opted for ‘acting’ as a full time career, taking the required risk with self confidence.
Having been in this field now for a little more than ten years, he seems to have established himself as an actor on stage, TV and films, doing variety of roles. Even as an anchor for TV programmes in Hindi and Marathi, he has managed his job very well. Today, Tushar is in demand as an actor, whether it is in television serials or films. There are tailor made roles suited to his personality. Take for example the role of eldest son with slight grey shade in ‘Anolkhe Hey Ghar Majhe’ who revolts against his father’ then playing the conservative husband of Saraswati (Renuka Shahane) in ‘Rita’ and now playing the caring husband of Bhargavi Chirmule, in popular TV serial ‘Anubandh'; Tushar is visibly in limelight. MMW caught up with Tushar on the sets of ‘Anubandh’ in Mumbai. Excerpts from an interview :
Q: How were you attracted to this field of acting ?
A: During my college days, I used to take part in Inter-collegiate drama competitions and also performed at the state level meets. Those days , I was more into experimental plays and performed on stage as a hobby, besides managing my studies. But, when I was about to finish my post graduation in Management and was doing my project work with a foreign bank, I made up my mind to take up acting as my profession.
Q: Was there any kind of opposition to your decision from family ?
A: Yes, like any other sensible parents, they too didn’t like my decision. But, they were not totally opposed to it. After marriage, my wife Malavika, who is a chartered accountant, also
Tushar Dalvi
offered her moral support to my decision and with the grace of God, I didn’t have to struggle much. I am thankful to my parents and wife for endorsing my decision. It was like getting a rubber stamp of approval.
Q: Haven’t you been typecast as a regular choice of husband, in all those women centric serial or films ?
A: No, I don’t think so. May be those serials and films you are referring to, were women centric, but they always provided me enough of scope to perform my best. Take for example Mrs. Madhuri Dixit serial. At a particular stage, the viewers started identifying the serial as Mr. Madhuri Dixit.
Q: How do you look at the change that is observed in Marathi films during the past few years ?
A: It is the change for good. The traditional comedy has been taken over by strong script oriented films. ‘Shwaas’ has shown the way and since then even the audience taste has changed. Even technically, the films are far superior now. You can now compare them with any good Hindi film. One more advantage is with the entry of bigwigs in distribution circle. People like Subhash Ghai, Zee Network and iDream productions have come forward to distribute marathi films and this has helped a lot. At a particular point, few years ago there was a bad patch with hardly 25 – 30 marathi films produced in a year, but now, you find at least one or two films released every week.
Q: Do you observe new audience for Marathi films ?
A: Yes, with the multiplexes releasing the Marathi films, surely you will have audience from different segment. With English sub-titles, even the non-maharashtrian people are becoming a part of the audience. The films like ‘Mi Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy’ and some of the latest films in 2009 have proved it.
Q: Being a management graduate, are there any future plans to launch your own production ?
A: Every person in this field has that dream; but I don’t want to say anything at present. I did have some experience of managing production in the recent past; but to own my production, I think only time will decide. There are certain things in life, which are acquired at appropriate time and you have to wait for it.
Q: How much are you influenced by people around you in this profession ?
A: There are all sorts of people with whom I have interacted so far. Some of them are very good human beings and not so good actors. At the same time, there are very good actors who are not so good in real life. But, I always believed in learning good things from them, be it their acting skills while performing or their nice behaviour in real life.
“I always wanted to try something different in Marathi….” -Trupti Bhoir
Trupti Bhoir is not a new name to the Marathi film industry. As an actress she has already made a mark, be it on stage, television or films. Young and ambitious Trupti who hails from Mumbai, was a part of theatre before entering the mainstream cinema. Her journey began with stage followed by TV serials and films. While in college, she took part in drama competitions and also learned classical dance. This came to her advantage, while venturing into this field.”
Trupti has already bagged state-level awards for best acting, during her college days. Super hit Drama ‘Sahi Re Sahi’ was her first break in professional Marathi theatre. Three years since then Trupti has been a part of this industry and she has done films like ‘Ishya’, ‘Ovalte Bhauraya’, ‘Tujhya Majhya Sansarala……’ , and ‘Paulkhuna’, while her television serials include the famous ‘Vadalvaat’ and ‘Char Diwas Sasuche’.
About her decision to turn towards production of films at such a young age, she reacts, “Even a clapper boy working on the sets, dreams to be a producer someday.”
Trupti Bhoir
As someone has rightly said, “The thing always happens that you really believe in and the belief in a thing makes it happen.” “I always believed in such a thing and after watching something unusual in the presentation of many good films, I got inspired to make something different in the Marathi film industry, so as to deviate from the current trend.”
“I always felt that whatever I present through my Marathi film, others should also appreciate it and try to remake it . More so, Marathi viewers also need variety and if that is not given to them, then how will the Marathi film industry survive?” she questions . She did produce her first film ‘Tujhya Majhya Sansarala Ani Kai Hava’ , which was a family story related to every household. But, later she felt the guilt that she offered nothing different from the traditional Marathi film. However, after coming across the script of ‘Agadbam’, she made up her mind to make this film.
Trupti spoke leisurely to marathimovieworld, just a week before her much awaited film’s release, narrating her experiences. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: Your film ‘Agadbam’ has crossed your original budget of 5 Crore. Aren’t you worried about your returns ?
A: When I took a decision to make this film, many people suggested me to make this film in Hindi, for the variety offered and to get good returns. But, I was more keen to offer this subject in Marathi only. I always felt that Marathi film industry was capable of producing technically perfect and financially backed film. That’s the reason, I am paying more attention on marketing of my film now, though the budget has exceeded. It has certainly crossed 6 Crores and nearing 7 Crores now. I have worked very hard to offer something different and I am confident that people would respond well with a good turn out at the theatres.
Q: Were you ambitious from the childhood to enter this field?
A; Yes, I was always ambitious and very much wanted to be a part of this field. Accordingly, I had prepared my self in that direction, learning dance first. I was very much fond of dancing. But, my mother always reminded me about my priorities and hence had to complete my studies first. With the experience that I gained through drama competitions while in college; the gates of this profession opened doors for me.
Q: How challenging was it, to perform this huge character of Najuka, weighing 250kgs.?
A: The technique of prosthetic make-up has come to India, with actors like Kamal Hasan and Anil Kapoor having tried it before in their films; but to remain in that make-up and work for hours was real challenging for a woman like me. I had to not only carry that extra weight, but also dance and fight in few scenes. On one particular occasion, I remained in that make up for 26 hours, which is a record. More so, I was using this make up done by our own industry person, rather than seeking help of experts from abroad. But, I had confidence in Mr. Pemgirikar and his team. Finally, we have overcome all challenges.
Q: Was this a start to finish shooting schedule?
A; Yes, it was a start to finish shooting, which took 17 days, including shooting of four songs. But, we had planned it properly. Thanks to our director Mr. Satish Motling, for coordinating so well.
Q: You have also used VFX in this film?
A: Yes, it was the demand of the film. Most of our expenditure has gone on that. But, we wanted this film to be technically perfect, besides the use of prosthetic make-up.
Q: How are you marketing this film ?
A: Right from Govinda festival, I started marketing this film, which was then in post production stage. At Dombivali, I was dressed up in the same make up and entertained the crowd from the stage, performing dance. During the Ganapati festivals, I toured Ganapati temples and community celebrations across the state, to seek blessings of people, besides Lord. People from these places appreciated my efforts to dress up with that make up of Najuka’s character and wished me luck for this movie. The show will go on till the release of the film.
“I love to be in the company of nature, when not working” – Trishala Shah
Popularly known with characters like Malvika, Tanya, Tinky, & Ragini, this 20 year old TV actress from Pune, is now making her debut through forthcoming Marathi film ‘Khara Saangu Khota Khota’, which is due for release on 20th December 2013. Trishala Shah is doing her graduation from Pune’s Symbiosis Institute and has been actively involved with Marathi stage, before entering television through Marathi and Hindi serials like ‘Hya Gojirvanya Gharat’ ( ETV), ‘Don Kinare Doghi Aapan’ (Star Pravah), ‘Main Laxmi Tere Aangan Ki’ (Life OK), & ‘Bandh Reshmache’ (Star Pravah). Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented young actress. Excerpts from an interview:
Q : Now that you will be making your debut in Marathi films, through ‘Khara Saangu Khota Khota’. Tell us about your role?
A: I’m playing a bubbly character of Yashashree, who is mod but still respects her culture & parents. She falls in love with Dushant, who is son of her father’s rival, in the neighbourhood.
Trishala Shah, ActressQ: In this film, you got an opportunity to perform in the company of senior actors like Ashok Saraf , Sayaji Shinde and Nirmiti Sawant . How was your experience ?
A: Very nice. In fact, I consider myself lucky that I had an opportunity to work with them. Initially, I was bit scared while facing Ashok Mama . But, everytime he developed my confidence giving few valuable tips. Nirmititai taught me become bolder in front of the camera and through Sayaji Sir, I learned to work hard.
Q: What do you have to say about your co-star in this film -Analesh?
A: Actually, Analesh in real life is a very quiet and simple. But, in this film, he plays the character of Dushyant, who is very naughty. It was very nice, working with him.
Q: What are the other projects you you are working on?
A: I can not disclose the title or much more about them; but, yes, right now I’m working in a Bollywood and one Tollywood film.
Q: Before ‘Khara Saangu Khota Khota’ you have done daily soaps, with all the roles somewhat similar to each other. And now, you are doing a totally different character. How was the change?
A: The serial characters are always typical; but this role in the film was completely different . I had to play a girl, who is modern, yet observing all traditional family values. I enjoyed playing this role, because, it was similar to my real life image.
Q: In which medium, you are more comfortable ?
A: Obviously, Films. It is more challenging to perform in this medium. .
Q: What type of films, you would prefer?
A: There is nothing like that. I would like to be part of different types of subjects, with variety of roles.
Q: Who is your favourite actress ?
A: Late Smita Patil. She is my idol. She has delivered great performances.
Q: Being a Gujarathi, how come you have command over Marathi language ?
A: I am originally from Pune. Since my childhood, I am speaking Marathi. Moreover, being part of Marathi stage, I worked hard on fluency of this language.
Q: Today, Marathi film actresses are becoming more bolder. If you are approached for a bolder role, would you accept it?
A: My first priority will be roles with a good script. It all depends, if the story demands.
Q: What do you do, when not shooting?
A: After completing shooting, I look for a quiet hill station. I love to be in the company of nature. I love to read books and earn more and more knowledge.
I feel comfortable with small screen – Tejaswini Pandit
Media is a bridge between the artiste and audience – Tejaswini Lonari
Acting has always been her passion. In her real life too, she has played different roles. She is a naughty sister to her brother, the most obedient daughter to her parents as she is pursuing her post graduation in Business of film making & Television, besides doing her Masters in Arts from Pune University. She knows how important is education in the long run. For her, acting and education can go together.
Tejaswini Lonari, whom we saw in Sony TV’s Hindi serial ‘Chittod Ki Rani Padmini Ka Johur’ in the lead role, made her debut in Marathi films through ‘Guldasta’ opposite Makarand Anaspure and Jitendra Joshi. Her forthcoming film ‘Chinnu‘ directed by her mother Neelima Lonari, is due for release shortly. In this film, Tejaswini plays a village girl who comes to the city to get treatment for her ailing mother, but meets a stranger, who traps her in marriage. Later he sells her off to a Don. In this film Hindi TV artiste Sharad Kelkar plays her co-star, is shown as the right hand of the Don. In short, both the TV stars of Hindi are coming together in this Marathi film.
Marathi Movie World had a chit chat with this Hollywood style actress, during a function in Mumbai and found her to be the most upright young girl in Marathi film industry. According to Tejaswini, the character is more important, while playing a role. “More than offering entertainment, what challenges me is the impact I can create through my role. When people start recognizing me through my character, it will be the best compliment for me,” she feels.
Tejaswini is well aware of media strength in promotion of films. She considers media as the most important sector for a film maker and artiste. She has herself realised the importance of media, during the promotion of her latest film ‘Chinnu’. Talking about this film, she says, “A lot of awareness is to be created about the subject of this film and I am doing my best to meet people to tell them what message this film has for the society. My mother has really worked hard while making this film. Till now, we have received a good response from the people who have seen the promos of this film.”
“I would say that Media is a bridge between an artiste and the audience,” she says philosophically. “In the promotion of our film ‘Chinnu’ we are giving lot of importance to local newspapers from all places of Maharashtra.” Looking at her preparations, one feels that Tejaswini is very much concerned about the promotion of her film through all possible sources to reach out to masses. Marathi Movie World wishes her all the best for her film.
Tejashree’s ‘Zoka’ on the cloud nine
Lek Laadki…. Tejashree Pradhan
Actors generally find their roles in television serials and films, after performing on stage. But, in the case of Tejashree Pradhan, it was the other way. After doing TV serials and films, she expressed her wish to perform on stage through her colleagues; and she was selected in the lead role in Kumar Sohni’s ‘Fakta Tujhi Saath Haviy’. The play is drawing good crowds, for its timely presentation and subject. It revolves around the central character of a young girl Chhaya Prabhu, who after her graduation, is making all efforts to face this competitive world. In spite of being a total newcomer to stage, today Tejashree has earned name and fame through her wonderful performance in this play. Marathi Movie World spoke to Tejashree, who has also completed 650 episodes of the serial ‘Lek Ladaki Ya Gharchi’ on E TV, in the lead role. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: Generally, we find actors entering television and films, after performing on stage. Why, it was a reverse process in your case?
A: My passion for acting obviously drove me first towards the glamour world. It all began with television and films , through ‘Ya Gojirvanya Gharaat’ and ‘Zenda’. I knew one thing that I could perform confidently in front of the camera. My lead role in ‘Lek Ladaki Ya Gharchi’ developed confidence in me. But, I always felt that I should take up the challenge of performing on stage in a drama. Having seen many senior artistes working with me in serials, I always wanted to be part of the stage. Since my college days, it was my wish, but never had an opportunity. This time, I made up my mind and spoke about my wish to some of my co-artistes. When Milind Pathak told me that
Mr. Kumar Sohni was finalizing his cast for his forthcoming play; I approached him. I frankly told him, that I had no stage experience. Yet, he felt that I could play his Chhaya Prabhu. It was his confidence in me; that enabled me to give my best.
Q: Were you surprised with your selection?
A: Yes, initially I was surprised. But, when Mr. Kumar Sohni told me that he had seen my performance in ‘Zenda’ and liked it; I was happy that I was selected on the basis of my performance in the film, though it was not a big role. In fact, the director’s trust in me that I could play this role, boosted my morale.
Q: What is so special about this character of Chhaya Prabhu?
A: In this play, Chhaya Prabhu represents today’s middle class young girl, who after her graduation is deciding seriously about her career. The struggle she has to undergo, certainly inspires today’s young girls. In the earlier days, three basic necessities of human being were Anna, Vastra and Nivara ( Food, clothes and shelter). But, today, Money also comes under the category of necessity. Chhaya Prabhu faces all the challenges, adopting ethical ways and realizing her limits. I think, Kumar Sohni has been able to bring out the best out of me, through this play, which revolves around my character.
Q: Did you notice any change in your performance in front of the camera, after getting this stage experience?
A: The change was obviously spotted by my co-artistes, who gave me a feedback that I had become more matured, as an actress. According to them, my reactions by way of expressions through body language had improvised, especially while listening to others in a particular scene.
Q: How much of support you receive from your family? Do they encourage you ?
A: Yes, without the support of my parents, I would not have opted for this acting career. When my sister became a doctor, my mother always felt that all the five fingers were not the same. She did not insist that I should choose a particular stream. When she knew that I was interested in this profession; she suggested me to devote myself completely to the profession of my choice. In the initial stages, she used to accompany me during film shooting. But, it was just for offering me company. I always saw her sitting in one corner reading books. She never interfered in my work. Later she stopped coming with me, once she realized that I was strong enough to take care of myself.
Q: Your Mega serial ‘Lek Laadki Ya Gharchi’ is still going strong. Do you consider it as a big success?
A: Yes, I take it as a success. The serial has completed 650 episodes, which speaks about its popularity. It was even rated high in TRPs, as one of the popular programmes on E TV. We have a very good team and I enjoy every moment, while on the sets. We have atmosphere like a real family. For the past three days I am continuously shooting; but , didn’t feel the pressure. I am, so deeply involved with this project.
Gorgeous Tejashree, all set to create waves in Marathi films
Marathi film industry is all set to welcome a new face. She is not only slim and fit; but also gorgeous; and is expected to create waves in Marathi films. Tejashree Jaikumar Khele is making her debut in Marathi films through forthcoming Marathi film ‘Sambha- Aajcha Chava’
due for release on 24th February 2012.
Tejashree may be new to Marathi films, but she is already a popular star in South Indian films, having acted in about 38 films in different languages such as Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. She has also acted in one Gujarathi film. Originally a kathak dancer, having done her B.A. in Kathak, she was trained in kathak by her father Master Jaikumar Khele, a disciple of Pandit Gopi Krishna Maharaj.
Tajashree
Tejashree, first began with a few modeling assignments, and later joined the Southern Film Industry, after doing one Gujarathi film. She speaks fluent Tamil, in spite of being a Maharastrian from Mumbai. Having appeared in many television commercials, she now wants to focus her attention on Marathi , which is her mother tongue. Having already signed 5 Marathi films, her first Marathi film will be released soon. with few Marathi films to follow. Tejashree spoke to Marathi Movie World, during the music release of her forthcoming Marathi film ‘Sambha’. Chit chat follows:
Q: You are a Maharashtrian girl from Mumbai. What prompted you to join South films ?
A: I first began with modeling and when I knew that there was a good scope in south
films, my parents encouraged me to join. My father Mr. Jaikumar Khele, being a teacher in Kathak offered me advance training, which is so important to find suitable roles in films.
Q: How many films in South, you have done so far ?
A: I have worked in about 38 films, including some of the box office hits like ‘Madhurey’, ‘Ottran’, ‘Kodambakkam’, ‘Aanda Naal Nyabakam’, ‘Veerappu’, ‘Arya’ and others.
Q: This means that you have worked with most of the top stars in South ?
A: Yes, I have worked with popular actors like Madhavan, Vijay , Arjun, Shivraj Kumar, Ramana , Shaan Sumesh , Santosh and many others.
Q: How was your experience, working in south film industry?
A: Very nice. In fact, I found all the roles suited to me.
Q: Presently, you are also doing Marathi films? Isn’t it ?
A: Yes, I am doing few Marathi films. My film ‘Sambha’ is all set to release on 24th February and there are few more films like ‘Hello Darling’ in lead opposite Mangesh & Abhijit, ‘Baila Ho Baikola Kho’ opposite Sanjay Narvekar, ‘Teen Baika Fajiti Aika’ opposite Makarand Anaspure and in a Bharat Jadhav’s film ‘Ichaar Tharla Pakka’, where I have performed on a song.