One more wedding in Marathi film industry : Gaurav Ghatnekar weds Shruti Marathe
It seems that Mrunmayee Deshpande has made a beginning to indicate that it’s time for wedding season. Now, following Mrunmayee, another popular TV and film actress Shruti Marathe also tied her knot with her ‘Tujhi Majhi Love Story‘ co star Gaurav Ghatnekar. Ever since both of them worked in this film, we have been hearing about their good friendship. And, the same has now grown into life partnership with their wedding.
Incidentally, there are few more weddings on the cards. But, we are not sure about their probable dates. Shruti Marathe and Gaurav Ghatnekar marriage reminds us about all those marriages in the past among the Marathi artistes. The beginning was perhaps made by Ramesh Deo- Seema, followed by Laxmikant-Ruhi, Ashok Saraf – Nivedita Saraf, Sachin- Supriya, Sanjay Mone- Sukanya Kulkarni , Avinash – Aiswarya Narkar, Lokesh Gupte and Chaitrali, Umesh Kamat- Priya Bapat, Hemant Dhome-Kshiti Jog and Saurabh Gokhale- Anuja and others.
Shilpa Navalkar wants a debate on AIDS awareness
Shilpa Navalkar is not only a popular script writer and actress , but she is also spreading awareness of important social issues in the society. Being the daughter of Late Pramod Navalkar , former Cultural Minister of Maharashtra, she has been blessed for her commitment to the society. Shilpa Navalkar has now taken the lead to spread more awareness about AIDS among the people. “Unfortunately people are fearing to discuss about AIDS, as they relate this disorder only with sex. Today, in schools they have included the subject of sex education, but still the knowledge about AIDS is not reaching the youngsters. And therefore, the actual reasons for spreading AIDS is not reaching to target population. There is an urgent need to have debate on this issue,” feels Shilpa, while taking about this subject.
We have been watching some dramas, TV serials and films talking about this issue, but that’s not reaching the masses. Speaking on the occasion of World AIDS awareness day, veteran actor Ashok Shinde also feels that one should go beyond the medium of TV and cinema to explain how people get affected by AIDS. Actress Namrata Gaikwad says that every citizen of this country should be explained how to take precautions by regular testing of blood and to remove the misunderstandings about this ailment. Actor Suvrat Joshi feels that it is very necessary for the person affected with AIDS to properly communicate with the doctor and at the same time should find morale support from his friends and family members.
With this initiative taken up by these few members from Marathi entertainment industry, let us hope that more artiste will come forward to create more awareness among people in Maharashtra about this ailment and precautions to be taken to avoid this ailment.
Mrunmayee Deshpande weds Swapnil Rao
Popular Marathi Stage, television and film actress Mrunmayee Deshpande have a biggest surprise to her fans, when she herself disclosed her wedding with businessman Swapnil Rao today. There were rumors floating about Mrunamyee’s marriage, but not many were aware as to who would be the lucky boy? But, now it is confirmed that Mrunmayee married Swapnil Rao in Pune, in a colourful ceremony, comprising of ‘haldi’, ‘mehendi’ application, besides dance performed by the couple.
With her notable performances, Mrunmayee had already won the hearts of home viewers from Maharashtra through TV serials like ‘Kunku’ and ‘Agnihotra’. At the same time, she also invited attention of film lovers through her wonderful performances in films like ‘‘Mokala Shwaas‘ & ‘Katyar Kaljaat Ghusali‘. She had also co-produced a film ‘Anuraag‘, in which she also played lead role, besides being assistant director. Now, it remains to be seen, whether she will continue with her acting career, or switch over to direction? MMW congratulates Mrunmayee on this happiest moment in her life.
Bhushan Pradhan waiting for a big hit ..
Bhushan Pradhan who entered Marathi film industry five years ago, is waiting for a big hit film. So far, the slim and fit handsome actor has worked in about 15 Marathi films and has already has his big fan following. But, as a solo hero Bhushan Pradhan hasn’t received much success through films like ‘Time Bara Vait‘ and ‘Dhinchak Enterprise‘, released last year . However, some of his films like ‘Time Pass‘, ‘Time Pass 2‘, ‘Coffee Aani Barach Kahi‘ in which he was seen in supporting roles, turned out to be hit films.
Incidentally, Bhushan Pradhan has been lucky to find variety of roles . But, all that he needs is some luck. Bhushan’s film ‘Bhootkaal‘ was released this Friday, which is a suspense filled thriller, according to the makers of this film. Bhushan plays a young ambitious collegian Akshay in this film, who is against superstition. Hemangi Kavi is his co star in this film and the film is directed by debutante Anil Waghmare. Now, it remains to be seen, whether this film proves to be lucky for Bhushan.
Prakash Bhende to auction his precious paintings to raise money for his serial ‘Balasaheb’
We have already heard about some passionate film makers mortgaging their land or house or even selling their properties, to meet the production cost of their films. Today, there are such zealous film makers in Marathi film industry too. A mega TV serial sometimes costs more than the budget of a Marathi film. And if there is a serial being made on a legend like late Balasaheb Thackeray, it has to be a big budget production. Veteran Film maker Prakash Bhende, who was close to Mr. Thackeray, is now producing a mega TV serial ‘Hind Hridaysamrat Balasaheb‘ which will go on the floors soon.
For any big budget serial, Finance is a big issue ; but Mr. Prakash Bhende is not worried. Instead of depending on financers, at this stage, he wants to fulfill his desire, by raising finance on his own. This 70+ artist, whose rare and unique paintings have received good response at many art galleries in India and in London, have always been admired by top industrialists and celebrities. Besides managing his art work, Mr. Bhende has also produced and directed many Marathi films in the past, along with his wife Uma Bhende, a former award winning actress, under his home production. Now, he wants to make a comeback after 15 years, but this time it will be on small screen.
Mr. Prakash Bhende has already written the script of the serial ‘Hind Hridaysamrat Balasaheb‘ and is ready with the audio version of the three episodes. “I am sure, the admirers of Balasaheb Thackeray scattered all over the world, will come forward to purchase these ‘close to my heart’ possessions, to enable me to start shooting for my dream project,” said Mr. Bhende while speaking to MarathiMovieWorld , in an exclusive interview. When asked, which TV channel would telecast his serial, Mr. Bhende confidently said, ” So far, I have not decided on the channel, but I am sure, whichever channel decides to take up this project, will increase its TRP’s.”
Speaking about his close relationship with the departed leader, Mr. Bhende spoke about his helping nature and terrific sense of humour. “Balasaheb has not only helped me to sort out my problems while making films, but has also helped late film maker Dada Kondke with his morale support. He has helped many in Bollywood, who faced problems with their films. His word was always final and his huge followers always respected it. Through this serial, I want to project Balasaheb’s straight forward attitude while taking stand on important issues. But, I will be focusing more on the period of 90s, when there were ups and downs in his life. I will also be mentioning about his ancestors, to show their roots in Maharashtra. I have already received permission from Mr. Uddhav Thackeray , who has been kind enough to give me approval letter, to make this serial. All that I am looking forward is support from real admirers of Balasaheb and also my well wishers to purchase these paintings, to enable me to proceed further with my dream project.”
Mr. Prakash Bhende’s dream will surely come true, as many art lovers are expected to respond to his appeal soon. In the meanwhile, interested buyers are requested visit his ‘Art Window Gallery‘ housed at 18 B, shop no. 2, Ground floor, Kitte Bhandari Hall,Gokhale Road(N), Near Sena Bhavan, Shivaji Park, Dadar, with his prior appointment. Mr. Bhende can be contacted @ 9699804151 or 9322736066 . The cost of each painting is minimum of Rs. 30,000/- to a maximum , what a real admirer would quote. Most of his paintings on different subjects are drawn with acrylic on canvas, while others are with oil on canvas. Those interested can also view his paintings on his official website prakashbhende.com.
Prakash Kunte’s new film’s shooting begins at Hampi
Known as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi, located in Karnataka, has its own historical importance. Popular Marathi film director Prakash Kunte ( ‘Coffee aani Barach Kahi‘ and ‘& Jara Hatke‘ fame) has selected this place, to begin shooting of his next untitled Marathi film. Produced by Yogesh Nivrutti Bhalero for Swaroop Samarth Entertainment, the film’s story has some relevance with this historical place in Karnataka.
The story of this film revolves around an emotional journey of a young girl. The film stars four talented artistes like Sonalee Kulkarni, Prajakta Mali, Priyadarshan Jadhav and Lalit Prabhakar. Amlendu Choudhari is the cinematographer of this film. Speaking about his new film, director Prakash Kunte has expressed his confidence that Marathi audience would appreciate his film, for its new subject.
Bollywood actress Sonali now in Marathi
Marathi girl Sonali Raut, who became popular after winning the Kingfisher Calendar Girl contest, later joined Bollywood, performing in films like ‘The X Pose‘ and ‘Great Grand Masti‘ also appeared in TV reality shows Big Boss and ‘Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa‘ to remain in limelight. A song ‘Lipstick Lagake‘ picturised on her in the film ‘Great Grand Masti‘ had become very popular.
Now, Sonali Raut is all set to make her debut in Marathi films. She will perform an item number in the forthcoming Marathi film ‘Hero‘ and the same will be picturised soon. Now, it remains to be seen, whether this new Sonali Raut will be able to capture the attention of Marathi audience. It may be recalled that in the past, Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre had also performed an item song in Kedar Shinde‘s film, which had become very popular.
‘Braveheart’ selected at the Third Eye Asian Festival
Forthcoming Marathi film ‘Braveheart – Jidd Jagnyachi‘ has been selected at the prestigious 15th Third Eye Asian Film Festival, Mumbai which is scheduled between 15-22 Dec, 2016. This film will be screened in section – ‘New Marathi Cinema‘. Produced by Mr. Sachidanand Karkhanis and Santosh Mokashi and directed by Dasbabu , the film ‘Braveheart – Jidd Jagnyachi’ is a true inspiring story of a youngster. The film also marks debut of young stage and TV actor Sangram Samel. This is also veteran actress Sulbha Deshpande’s last film, as she passed away after completing shooting of this film.
Prior to ‘Braveheart – Jidd Jagnyachi‘ film, director Dasbabu had directed popular television serials like ‘Ladhaa‘, ‘Hey Bandh Reshmache‘, ‘Ek Dhagaa Sukhacha‘ and a sensible film like ‘Tahaan‘. Award winning writer Shrikant Bojewar has written the screenplay and dialogues of this film, besides writing lyrics, while music is composed by Arnab Chatterjee. Background music is by Amar Mohile, while executive producer is Shyamrao Pawar.
Besides Sangram Samel, who plays title role, ‘Braveheart – Jidd Jagnyachi’ film also stars TV star Dhanashree Kadgaonkar, Arun Nalawade, Kishore Pradhan, Atul Parchure, Dr.Vilas Ujawane, Ila Bhate, Vijay Chavan, Kshama Ninave, Abhay Kulkarni, Swamikumar Banavali, Master Atharva Talvekar and Late Sulbha Deshpande. The film will be released soon.
Milind Gawali to direct South Star in Marathi
South Indian Film star Thakur Anoop Singh will be making his debut in Marathi films. Recently, he also rendered a song ‘Dhina Dhin Dhana..‘ in his voice for a Marathi film directed by Popular Marathi actor Milind Gawali. Thakur Anoop Singh is playing a lead role in this untitled film, which is produced by Shreyas Kamble and Rajendra Kamble under the banner of Global Media Corporation.
Prior to this film, actor turned director Milind Gawali had directed a film ‘Athang‘, while Thakur Anoop Singh , who was earlier a Pilot by profession, had worked in Hindi serials like ‘Mahabharat‘ and ‘Kahani Chandrakanta Ki’. Thakur Anoop Singh is also a body builder, having won Mr. World in World Body Building competition. His forthcoming films will be ‘Singham 3‘ and Puri Jagannath’s south film. But, at present his debut in Marathi has generated a lot of interest among the film audience, as this film is expected to be an action film.
First Marathi Silent thriller on Zee Talkies
Zee Talkies channel has always tried to offer something different from time to time to entertain the home viewers. Now, their next offering will be First Marathi silent thriller ‘Tathastu‘. With no dialogues in the film, the makers of this film are very confident that the film’s story, presentation style, performances of artistes like Sandeep Pathak and Madhavi Nimkar and direction will be the USP of this film.
‘Tathastu‘ will be telecast by Zee Talkies on Saturday 3rd December 2016 at 10 pm , with repeat show next day, i.e. Sunday 4th December 2016 also at 10 pm. Will this film offer a new experience for Marathi home viewers ? Let us wait and see.