Category Archives: Interviews

Prashant Damle
Interviews

Prashant Damle is still matchless

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Prashant Damale

The moment one hears the name Prashant Damle, a smile adorns one’s face automatically. He is synonymous with loads of laughter. He must be one of the very few actors, to have extensively indulged in all the three forms of entertainment, Theatre, Films, Television. With his presence in entertainment field, spanning almost three decades, he has succeeded in retaining his own identity. Prashant has four Limca world records to his name and numerous awards adorn the shelf in his drawing room.

Prashant is more committed towards Marathi theatre and has so far staged more than 11200 shows. He debuted Marathi stage with ‘Tur Tur’ and ‘Moruchi Mavshi’, which brought him recognition. He played the lead in ‘Bramhachari’ and his play ‘Gela Madhav Kunikade’ broke lots of records. Prashant debuted in Marathi films with ‘Pudhacha Paul’ and went on to do quite a few films like ‘Pasant Aahe Mulgi’, ‘Ekda Pahave Karun’, ‘Ina Mina Deeka’ to name a few. Prashant Damle has a successful stint on television. His anchoring in ‘Aamhi Saare Khavaiye‘ increased his fan following. He acted in serials like ‘Be Dune Teen’, ‘Gharkul’, ‘Bhikajirao Karodpati’, ‘Darling Darling’ to name a few.

MMW had a chit chat with him recently.

MMW : You are staging ‘Karti Kaljat Ghusli’ again. What was the reason to choose this play?
Prashant Damle : I wanted a play with good humour. I was certain that I did not want a farce or a slapstick comedy. ‘Karti Kaljat Ghusli’ is a well written play with pure humour, where you do not have to force or create comedy.

MMW : Tejashree Pradhan is debuting with this play. What’s your take?
PD : Tejashree was keen to do theatre. She has the ability and has been putting in real hard work.

MMW : What keeps you away from films and television?
PD : Number of stage shows. But frankly, I was seen on television (Marathi and Hindi) and I have just completed film shooting of ‘Bho Bho’. You will see me in another film in an important role in ‘Mumbai Pune Mumbai 2 – Lagnala Yayachach’.

MMW : But you like to be on stage…..
PD : You ought to do, what gives you more pleasure. I enjoy doing theatre.

MMW : Any role close to your heart?
PD : I can not single out one role. Each play I featured in, is a milestone in my career. Frankly, I love all my plays. Each play and role has its own importance. …..

MMW : What about films and serials?
PD : Films…. ‘Vajva Re Vajva’ and ‘Savat Mazi Ladki’, TV serial…..‘Kai Pahilas Mazhyat’. Me and the whole team had a blast during the making of this serial.

Pushkar Jog
Interviews

Pushkar Jog – always known for offering variety

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Pushkar Jog

Pushakar Jog is one such actor in Marathi film industry, who wants to be different, with his creative approach . Since the days, he performed as a child artiste in 90s, Pushkar has always shown promise, to grow as a talented actor. In the year 2007 Pushkar appeared as a hero of Marathi films, through his own home production ‘Jabardast’, which was directed by Mahesh Kothare. The film received good response and later Pushkar did many films like ‘Dhoom 2 Dhamaal’ , ‘Tukya Tukvila Nagya Nachvila’ along with his own production ‘Mission Possible’ which was directed by him.

Besides Marathi, Pushkar also performed in Hindi films like ‘EMI’ , ‘Huff It’s Too Much’ and so on. But, at present , he is busy with promotion of his forthcoming Marathi film ‘Sasucha Swayamvar’ , which is presented by his own home production Goosebumps Entertainment Co.  After ‘Sasucha Swayamvar’ is due for release this month. In the meanwhile, Pushkar is getting ready to launch his next production, ‘Jabardast-2′ which will be a sequel of his 2007 hit film.

Marathi Movie World spoke to Pushkar .Excerpts from an interview:

Q. Recently, you promoted your film ‘Sasucha Swayamvar’ in a unique way. How did you think about it ?
A: Today, if we hold the music release ceremony of your film in a traditional way, it doesn’t receive much response. So, as my film was about Mother- in- law and her marriage, I thought of celebrating ‘Mother- in- law day’, by setting a new precedent. And, it really worked.

Q: Do you think that subject of Comedy can still work, when there are films with ‘out of the box’ subjects, inviting attention?
A: Comedy can never end in Marathi. If your story is good and you present the screenplay skillfully, to keep the audience engaged; it is sure to work.

Q: We also understand that you are going to produce a sequel of your film ‘Jabardast’?
A: Yes, that’s true. After release of ‘Sasucha Swayamvar’ I will begin work on ‘Jabardast-2′. Music will play an important role in this film.

Q: Can you provide some more details about this film ?
A: At present, I don’t want disclose much about this film. But, it will go on the floors in June 2015. I have already planned to shoot the title song of this film in ‘Ladakh’. Then, I have planned to shoot other songs at foreign locations; so as to release the first look officially, by August 2015.

Interviews

“I don’t feel much difference, while performing in Marathi or Hindi” – Sukanya Kulkarni Mone

She began her acting career through Hindi film ‘Ishwar’. Since then, Sukanya Mone has performed in many Hindi films and serials. In Vijaya Mehta’s popular ‘Lifeline’ TV serial, she played an important prominent role, followed by few other popular Hindi serials like ‘Byomkesh Bakshi’ and ‘Shanti’. Then, we also noticed her as Aamir Khan’s bhabhi in hit film ‘Sarfarosh’. Four years ago, we saw her playing Nandini’s mother in the film ‘Rakhta Charitra’. Her acting career has been going on simultaneously with Marathi, Hindi films & television serials.

Sukanya MoneIn Marathi, Sukanya has worked on stage, television and films, with well known personalities like Dr.Shriram Lagu, Ashok Saraf & Dr. Girish Oak and directors like Vijay kenkre, Vijayabai Mehta & Basu Chatterjee. But, she actually received prominence, through her performance in much admired Marathi TV serial ‘Abhalmaya’. And since then, she is known as the kind hearted and caring mother.

Sukanya married well known actor-director Sanjay Mone and the couple has a daughter- Julia Mone. Even after marriage and birth of her daughter, Sukanya continued with her acting profession and is at present playing a good as well as disciplined mother in the ongoing TV serial ‘Julun Yeti Reshimgathi’ on Zee Marathi. And, watching her expressive face, caring nature and body language, you would just want a mother like her. She is so realistic !

The ease with which she moves on the screen, suggests her versatility as an actress. MarathiMovieWorld, spoke to this popular Marathi TV Luminary, when she expressed her views on different fields of acting.

Sukanya would love to perform on stage; but according to her she has not come across any appealing script, suited to Marathi stage. When asked, as to which field of acting she enjoys the most, she said that all the three fields were equally important and would prefer giving priority to them, according to the time. But, while speaking about her experience of working with young artistes on television, she feels that they are very hard working, honest and possess the thinking power and ability to do something creative.

Like any other mother or working wife, she too has her own commitments at home front. “On Sundays, it is time for family. Even otherwise, whenever, I find time, I give a lot of attention to my growing daughter. In fact, I would like to have more time for her, in near future.” she concludes.

Actress, Smita Gondkar
Interviews

“I am waiting to play non glamorized roles- Smita Gondkar

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She can be termed as one of the glamorous heroines of Marathi movie industry. Smita Gondkar, is probably the fittest heroines in recent times. She had been around for a while, but one music video did wonders and brought her into limelight.

“I am thrilled with the response ‘Pappi de Paru la’ music video received. It brought me closer to the audience.”  Smita was reminiscing and continued, “I was working in USA with Disney Cruise Line alongside people from 55 nations. On one of my yearly India visits, I decided to travel and explore India with backpack and hitch-hiking. In the meantime, I did some modelling and was offered a marathi film, which was supposed to be completed in 3 months. But, the film got delayed and I was offered few other films, which extended my stay here. And since my acting hobby turned into passion, I said Good bye to USA.”

Actress, Smita Gondkar

Smita debuted through ‘Mumbaicha Dabewala’ with Bharat Jadhav and later did a film with Ajinkya Deo, titled ‘Vasudev Balwant Phadke’. She was lucky enough to have started her film career with two big names in Marathi.

She has acted in films like ‘Vijay Dinanath Chouhan’, ‘Hip Hip Hurray’, ‘Ashi Fasli Nanachi Taang’,  ‘Premacha Jholjhal’, to name a few. “It’s a coincidence that most of my films have been comedies. I do like doing comedy roles, but I sincerely crave for other roles too . Recently, I refused a couple of films, because of the very reason” confessed Smita.
Smita Gondkar idolises exceptionally talented actress, late Smita Patil. “I am, at present, doing a very interesting role in a film on a social issue of family planning. And interestingly enough, I am doing an item song in ‘Wanted Baiko No.1’, despite playing the lead role”. She said.

Being glamorous all her career, costumes do play pivotal part. Smita admits and says “I am very particular about what I wear on screen and to be on the safer side, as a standby, I always carry a few of my personal costumes, according to the scheduled scenes. I do not want to stall the shoot, just for the sake of clothes’. “And most of the time I end up wearing my own stuff”she added with a smile.

Speaking about her slim figure, she said, “Neither I exercise, nor do I follow any diet plan. I belong to a ‘sporty’ family. I used to train very hard, during my school and college days, for 8 to 10 hours daily as I was into swimming, Kayaking & judo in a big way. And thankfully, it’s helping me now.” Incidentally Smita has represented State in Kayaking (she was the captain of the team), Swimming and Judo. She is also an avid biker and indulges in ‘style and adventure biking’ and adventure sports like sky-diving, in her spare time. As per Smita, ‘These activities satisfy my soul.’

Smita Gondkar can be seen in forthcoming movies, ‘Gappa Bais Ani Aiik’, ‘Janavhi’, ‘Full To Dhamaal’,  ‘Wanted Baiko No.1′,  ‘Ek Aadat’ (Hindi), ‘Just Gammat’, to mention a few. “My films ‘Gadbad Gondhal’ with Santosh Juvekar and ‘Chi. Sau. Ka. Mary Fernandes’ with Bharat Jadhav are ready and I am waiting for the promotions to start” Smita informed.

This glamorous actress, has also done Hindi and English movies (The Awakening) but enjoys doing marathi movies and is eagerly waiting for her dream to play ‘non-glamorised’ role.

Madhura Deshpande
Interviews

“Playing Gayatri, is a dream role for me” – Madhura Deshpande

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With the help of her sharp looks and charming smile, she bagged the role of Gayatri, in Zee Marathi’s new serial ‘Ase Hey kanyadaan’. Madhura Deshpande is from Pune and is well versed with Classical Dance, especially Bharat Natyam. The character of Gayatri in this serial, needed a dancing actress, as there is plenty of scope for dance, in this serial, besides acting.

Madhura DeshpandeMadhura is playing the daughter of versatile actor Sharad Ponkse, a disciplinarian Municipal officer. Gayatri  also has a younger brother and mother in this serial . But, the story of this serial shows the finest  relationship between father and daughter. Father begins his day, with a cup of coffee served by his beloved daughter. In short, there is solid bonding between two of them, as both of them take good care of each other.

Met Madhura recently, at a function and found her to be very modest, while talking about her college days in Pune. Madhura has studied from Garware College, Pune and did her specialization in Bharat Natyam at Padmashree Sucheta Bhide Chaphekar’s ‘Kalavardhini’. She began learning about stage and Drama at Maharashtra Cultural Centre.  Madhura has performed in Purushottam shield, representing college. In short, she has developed herself in the field of acting, with right training.

Talking about her first big assignment through Zee Marathi’s serial ‘Ase Hey kanyadaan’, that too in lead role, she said, “Playing Gayatri is a dream role for me. I am glad that in my first big assignment, I had an opportunity to work with multitalented actor like Mr. Sharad Ponkshe. There is lot to learn from him. He is not only a good actor; but, a wonderful person too. I enjoy every moment, while working on the sets of this film.”

But, was she nervous, facing her first scene opposite Mr. Ponkshe ? And, Madhura said, “I am basically a stage actress and therefore was well prepared with my character. In fact, I took it as a challenge. And, it worked.”

When asked, whether She would also opt for Marathi films? She politely said, “It is too early for me to think about it. Let me first establish myself as a good TV actress.” By the way, Madhura is becoming popular among young TV audience, as the serial offers the subject targeted at youngsters. The serial also offers a social message, which is more important. And, above all, talented Madhura is playing the young matured collegian, who knows, how to judge people.

guru-thakur-picture
Interviews

“I sacrificed my acting career, for writing songs” – Guru Thakur

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guru-thakur-pictureHe started his career as a newspaper columnist. He also is termed as a cartoonist, caricaturist, voice-over artist, script writer but he rose to enormous fame with his song writing skills as a lyricist. He is Guru Thakur. This multi faceted personality was a writer, for the popular television serial Shriyut Gangadhar Tipre. He has also scripted a popular marathi drama Bhaiyya Haat Paay Pasari. Marathi film Natrang became a sort of landmark film in the industry gaining loads of popularity. with Ajay-Atul’s music, Guru Thakur’s lyrics set a new trend, as he was also responsible for the movie’s screenplay too. One of the few personalities who have tasted success in entire marathi entertainment medium and winner of more than a dozen of awards, was talking exclusively to MarathiMovieWorld.

MMW: You are undoubtedly one of the leading lyricists of marathi films. Where do you think, the song writing is heading ?
GT : It feels good, when your work is appreciated and that induces you to work harder. Sadly enough, the senior writers have stopped writing, which makes this job still more difficult.

MMW: But a lot of new writers are thronging the field. Who do you think is good in the new lot ?
GT: It’s a mixed reaction. Quite a few new lyricists are good. They have done a good job and are appreciated. But I think, majority of them lack consistency. After initial spark, they seem to fizzle out. May be, they succumb to catering to the demand of young generation, who presumably are not inclined towards pure, unadulterated marathi. One should not bog down to the temptations. There should be more effort to sustain quality. And importantly, anything written with passion is invariably appreciated by even young generation.

MMW: Are you averse to non-marathi singers ?
GT : No. I have no issues and all of them have proved their talent. In fact, in my upcoming movie Shalee, there’s only one song and that too is sung by Roop Kumar Rathod.

MMW: But don’t they have problems with pronunciations? Because late Kishore Kumar used to be scared of pronouncing certain marathi words .
GT: Well, sometimes it’s difficult for them.

MMW: In that case, do you attend all recordings ?
GT: Earlier I was not very particular about attending recordings, but couple of incidents of non-suitable words, used at the last moment due to time pressure, made me realise that if I am around, and if required, alternate word can be provided by me, on the spot.

MMW: What do you prefer, writing before hand or writing on a tune?
GT: When you are just writing, then there are no boundaries. I can write as per the requirement of the script. And while writing on a tune, you have to fit in the words, as per the ‘meter’. But, I relish both.

MMW: You have done more than 50 films. Any favourite music director?
GT: I have worked with almost every music director and all of them are good and am happy with everybody.

MMW: Your next projects….
GT: About 10-12 films. Upcoming EkTara has thrown a challenge to me. It’s a musical and has 11 songs out of which I have written 9.

MMW: That’s great. Your personality must be giving complex to quite a few heroes in the industry. And we have has seen you on screen too. Any chances of changing the profession?
GT: Actually I am an actor and have done a few assignments. I used to like writing too. The producers, directors imbibed on me that since there is dearth of good writers, I should concentrate on writing, because according to them I was good at it. They say, there are plenty of actors available for a single project, but same can’t be said about Writers. So,I sacrificed my acting career, for writing songs.

suruchi adarkar, actress
Interviews

‘Whatever you do, try to give your best’ – Suruchi Adarkar

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suruchi adarkar, actressSuruchi Adarkar has now-a-days become very popular as ‘Aditi Dabholkar’ in the Zee Tv serial ‘Ka re Durava’. Born and brought up in Thane, Suruchi did her schooling from Saraswati Vidyalaya, Kalwa, and completed her Master of Arts with English Literature from Vaze Kelkar College. She would complete her PhD shortly. During her school days Suruchi actively participated in dramas, singing and dancing competitions in the annual gatherings. She also participated in other extracurricular activities. However, during college days, this couldn’t happen. Her father is the Principal in a Law college and mother is a House wife, while younger brother is doing his engineering.
Suruchi began her acting career in 2007, through a commercial play ‘Avagha Rang Ekchi Zhala’ produced by Prabhakar Panshikar.

Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented actress. The excerpts from the interview are as below:

Q: When did you begin your acting career?
A: Actually, I had never thought about doing career in acting, but wanted to do something creative. After completing my college, I got a call for audition for Prabhakar Panshikar’s Production ‘Avagha Rang Ekchi Zhala’ a commercial play, for doing the sister’s role. That was the beginning of my acting career. After that first performance, I acted on small screen in various TV serials, like DD Metro channel’s and Purva Gokhale produced serial ‘Pehchhan’ as Vidya, Star Pravah serial ‘Olakh’ ‘Aapala buwa asa ahe’ on ETv, ‘Kunku’ and ‘Janmagath’. During 2013, I acted in a Marathi film ‘Maat’ as a Sameer Dharmadhikari’s friend. Presently, I am doing the role of Aditi Dabholkar in the serial ‘Ka Re Durava’ on Zee Tv. The ‘jodi’ of Ja i- Aditi from this serial has become very popular, now a days.

Q: How much 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. My parents said ‘Do whatever you like, we are always with you. Even if failure happens, don’t get upset.’ This is the reason I am never afraid of failures. Most important thing is when I decided to choose acting as my career, my father fully supported me, my mother was worried about me, like any typical mother, but did not oppose.

Q: Have you also done any Hindi film?
A: Yes, I did a small role in ‘Tathastu'; Sanjay Dutt was the hero of this film.

Q: Tell us something about your current serial ‘Ka Re Durava’?
Actually I had gone for some other audition and I got a call for audition of this serial. When I went for audition I went through the script and I liked it. After ‘look test’ I got selected for the main role of ‘Aditi’. Working with Serial Director/writer Jalindar Kumbhar, is a very nice experience, as he is a very good human being too. I am very comfortable on sets, with all my co-artists; we work as a family.

Q: Besides this ongoing Serial, are there any other projects in pipeline?
A: No, currently I want to concentrate on this serial only, as it has a very hectic schedule for me.

Q: Tell us about your experience after joining this field? Whether it was a good decision?
A.: It is a great experience. One may experience good or bad things in every field. But by the Grace of God, so far, I never had any bad experience. Yes, I had to struggle a lot and everyone has to, for achieving success.

Q: Where would you prefer to work, on stage, TV or big screen?
Acting is my passion; I am comfortable while performing in all the three mediums. ‘Wherever and whatever you do, try to give your best’ , is the motto of my life.

Q What are your hobbies, favorite color, favorite food?
A: Singing and dancing; I learnt Kathak from Seema Parchure. My favorite color is blue and I am very fond of non-veg food. I love sea food, especially Goan fish curry. I always hunt for good restaurants for fine non-veg food.

Q .Who is your ideal? Who is your favorite actor or actress?
A: Not any particular, there are different personalities with different qualities, I try to adopt good qualities and learn something new from them. My favorite actor is Shahrukh Khan and actress Madhuri Dixit, because of her dance and acting. I always try to follow her, in my every character.

Suruchi Adarkar Actress Photos

Marathi movie world wishes Suruchi all the best for her future career.

Aadinath Kothare, Actor
Interviews

I would love if my father interferes in my life.’ – Aadinath Kothare

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For a long time, we wanted this young chocolate boy of Marathi films – Adinath Kothare, to find time for an exclusive interview. Finally, that time came, when we met over a cup of coffee. Looking very boyish, wearing casual jeans and ‘easy on eyes’ saffron coloured shirt, He displayed warmth. Excerpts from the interview:


Aadinath Kothare, ActorMMW: Let’s begin with your forthcoming projects.
Aadinath: ‘Premasathi Coming Sunn‘ is due for release. Then Mahesh Manjrekar’s ‘Mounraag’, where I am playing a south Indian guy. This movie is going to be dubbed in Tamil and I will be dubbing in my own voice. Another film, Saate Lote, which is being directed by Shravani Deodhar, who is into direction after a long gap. You can call it a multi starrer movie, as many stalwarts are part of it. We had a blast while shooting, and am sure people are going to enjoy it still more. It’s a laugh riot.

MMW: And what about Avatarachi Goshta ?
Aadinath: It’s an amazingly beautiful movie, wherein I am not in my usual chocolate boy role. Director Nitin Dixit, who has won a national award for writing ‘Dhag’, has handled this subject. interestingly, this film winning many awards, already proves his excellent work. Even I was nominated for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for this film.

MMW : What prompts you to select a particular movie?
Aadinath: Mainly the script. The importance of my character, Director and last but not the least, the banner& producer. Fortunately, I have done different characters in all my films

MMW: How do you plan your shooting schedule ?
Aadinath: I personally like to shoot at a stretch, so that I can concentrate on my character more.

MMW: What’s happening at Home Production ? What is your role?
Aadinath: We are producers of two recent popular TV serials, ‘Jai Malhar’ and ‘Jasyostute’, which are getting more popular, as the days goes by. I am actively involved in each aspect of production. Also a film ‘Zapatlela 3′.

MMW: When can we see that?
Aadinath: Next year. At the moment it’s in pre-production stage.

MMW: Do you seek advise from your father?
Aadinath: My father is very chilled out. He never interferes in my life. In fact I would love if he interferes. When asked for, he gives smart advise, without imposing his views on me.

Aadinath along with his film maker friends, Nikhil Mahajan and Suhrud Godbole, is planning a movie, but nothing is locked yet. Also we are going to see him on stage very soon, as he is coming out with a brand new Marathi play, announcement of which will be out in a while. We’re waiting.

Runji, pallavi Patil
Interviews

“People know you on the basis of your work, not name” – Pallavi Patil

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Runji, pallavi Patil

More than her real name, people know her as ‘Runji’. So much has been the popularity of Pallavi Patil, ever since her Marathi serial was aired on Star Pravah Channel. Her smartness, her lovely natural smile and above all her confident looking body language makes her something special. Pallavi did show signs of her ability to become a lead actress, when she appeared in a small role in ongoing TV serial ‘Julun Yeti Reshimgathi’. Pallavi appeared in just few episodes as visiting cousin of Meghana during her marriage, but, invited all the attention, through her brilliant performance.
A graduate in Sanskrit from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Pallavi has participated in various one act plays, since her college days and has won prizes as best actress. Her best performance was in an experimental play ‘Meter Down’ for which she won the best actress award from Zee TV.

Before appearing in ‘Runji’, she has performed in commercial Marathi plays like Chandralekha’s ‘Prem Gandh’, Suyog’s Mangesh kadam directed ‘Prema Tuza Rang Kasaa’, in which Ashok Saraf played the lead. Very recently she played the lead role opposite Nikhil Ratnaparakhi in popular Marathi play ‘Tom Aani Jerry’. Best thing about Pallavi is that besides acting, she does find time for social work. She is associated with one NGO, taking care of hearing and speech impaired people. Perhaps, Pallavi’s parents being hearing and speech impaired, must have driven her to this work, for a social cause. Hats off to her.

Marathi Movie world spoke to Pallavi recently. Excerpts from an interview:

Q: Have you taken any specific trainer for acting ?
A: Actually, I was working with ‘Mithak’ & Adwait Dadarkar’s group, where I have learned a lot about acting.

Q: How did you bag this role of ‘Runji’ ?
A: I have done many auditions for the same. I would like to thank my director and the production house, who have shown faith in me and given me an opportunity.

Q : Are you like ‘Runji’ in real life ?
A: To certain extent ‘yes’, but not cent percent. Actually, I am not so bold and dashing like Runji . But, I can talk for hours, can crack jokes.

Q: Now a days, there are lots of social issue related to problems faced by women. What is your reaction?
A: Yes, there is endless list of women’s issue, from toilet to transportation, from home to work. But, somewhere we should start facingthem. Unless we suffer and raise our voice, we can’t get the solution. Most of females still keep quite. They are scared to come forward and raise their voice, against injustice. They should come forward and be bold to raise their issues. Basically, such people should change their mentality. And, it should start from our home.

Q: Tell us something about your film assignments.
A: I have completed couple of Marathi films, which are due to release. One of them, is ‘ Kadhi Ambat Kadhi Goad'(KAKG) a comedy film and another is Sameer Aathlye’s directorial debut film ‘Dhangarwada’ . In both these films, I have done major roles. I’m looking forward to hear audience feedback on my performance.

Q: Tell us something about your role in ‘Kadhi Ambat Kadhi Goad’.
A: I’m playing a lead character of a ‘full of life bubbly girl’. My co stars in this film are Ashok Mama (Ashok Saraf) and Madhav Deochakke. It’s a full entertaining rom-com film.

Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Since my Mom and Dad hearing and speech impaired, I know sign language very well. In free time, I visit the NGO and work for them. Sometimes, I act as an interpreter for them. I also love cycling.

Q : There was Sonali kulkarni Sr. Then came Sonalee Jr. There are two Swapnil Joshi and now we have seen two Pallavi Patil. Isn’t it? Don’t you think, this may confuse the fans? Do you have plans to change your name?
A: Yes, this is confusing. But, I don’t think one need to change her or his name. After all, people know you on the basis of your work.

Ashok Shinde
Interviews

Ashok Shinde – Returns back to stage after 12 years

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Ashok ShindeKnown for his simplicity, modesty, commitment and positive attitude, veteran Marathi actor Ashok Shinde, is very popular in Marathi entertainment industry. Originally from Pune, his father was a commercial makeup artist. After completing his B.E. degree, he worked in Telco for 6 months. He also worked as a makeup artist for a few days, with his friend Vikram Gaikwad. But, soon thereafter, he left this work and since 1987, opted for acting as a full time career. Presently, he lives in Mumbai, with his wife Pooja and daughters Neha and Yojana who are MBA and Interior Designer respectively.

During the 27 years of his career in the field of acting, he has worked on stage, television and films, as a hero, villain and anti hero. As on date, he has done 111 films and 100 TV serials, apart from 42 daily soaps on Sahyadri Channel . After successfully completing 1200 episodes of ‘Swapnanchya Palikadale’ in the prominent role of Yashwant Patkar , he has come with new avatar in ‘Lagori – Maitri Returns’ on Star Pravah, which is his 100th TV Serial. He also did a guest appearance, in Nana Patekar’s Hindi film ‘Yashwant‘. Now, Ashok Shinde is returning to Marathi stage after a log gap of five years. Marathi Movie World spoke to him, on this occasion.

The excerpts from the interview :

Q : You have come back to stage after a gap of 12 years? How do you feel?
A : That’s right. I have come back with a play ‘Prem Prem Aste’. Feeling great and enjoying. I love to work on stage, but due to other commitments, I could not give time for stage, but I will definitely do more plays in future.

Q : Can you please share with us your experiences about your co-actors? What would you tell about Laxmikant Berde and Kuldip Pawar?
A.: Yes, certainly. Laxmikant Berde, was my best friend, he was very jolly. Kuldip Pawar was Full of life. Both were very good human beings and I am missing them a lot. I also enjoyed working with Alka Kubal, Aaishwarya Narkar, Surekha Kudchi, Pratiksha Lonkar, Asavari Joshi etc. I did maximum films with Alka Kubal, in 22 films she was my heroine. I was very fortunate to work with the great actors like Shriram Lagoo, Vikram Gokhale, Nana Patekar, Mohan Joshi and could learn a lot from them.

Q: Do you think it’s a better time for Marathi films?
A: Yes, that’s true. In the past two to three years, there has been an increase in the screening and success of Marathi films. Now market for Marathi cinema is almost unexplored and has the potential to give tough competition to Bollywood.

Ashok Shinde, Actor, MoviesQ: How many awards did you get during your acting career as on date?
A: I was nominated Nine times and got Five awards, 2 for TV serial and 3 for Marathi films. I was also nominated for two international awards for ‘Evadhase Aabhal’,one was ‘Heart of England festival award’ and another ‘Mauritius film award’.

Q : To establish as an actor what are the important things?
A : Firstly, you should be a good human being, be with your producers, when they are going through a bad patch, you should have self-respect, try to adjust with all generations. You have to be humble for your long run career. Don’t underestimate your people, fans, do your work neatly and wholeheartedly.

Q: What are your hobbies?
A: My favorite hobby is to watch movies. I also like doing regular exercise. Whenever I am free, I give time to my family. I have a limited friend circle.

Q: What is a secret of your fitness?
A : In 27 years of my career, I daily give 1 hour to myself, I do exercise regularly. After shooting if it is possible, I go walking from studio to hotel. While on outdoor shootings I take morning walks regularly.

Q: Who is your ideal and who is your favorite actor?
A: Mohan Joshi is my ideal, guru, friend, everything. My favorite actor is Amitabh Bachchan.

Q: Besides these what are your upcoming projects?
A: I have just completed, Kranti Redkar directed film ‘Kaakan‘, in which Urmila Kanetkar-Kothare is my wife and Jitendra Joshi has played as her lover. It is expected to be released in the next 2-3 months. Second film is Pradyumn Aangre directed ‘Aadesh-The Power of Law’, made on the life of famous Advocate Ujjwal Nikam, in which I have played the role of one of the advocates.

Marathi Movie World wishes him best of luck for his future career.