Third Eye Asian Film festival begins in Mumbai
The 15th Third Eye Asian Film festival was opened on Thursday 15th December, with the opening ceremony at the hands of Mr. Ram Naik, Governor of U.P. On this inaugural day, well known film maker Govind Nihalani was felicitated with the prestigious Film Culture Award, which was presented to him by chief guest Mr. Ram Naik. Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Govind Nihalani stressed the need of producing films connected with Indian soil. ” We should be proud of our own culture and see to it that our films go worldwide,” he said.
Chief guest Mr. Ram Naik praised the hard work put in by Mr. Sudheer Nandgaonkar for organizing this festival every year. Present on this occasion were Mr. Kiran Shantaram, president of the organizing committee, Jury member of short film section Ramesh Talwar and others. This seven day festival will be held upto 22nd December, when films from countries like Iran, Nepal, Bangladesh, Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon will be screened. There is a separate section for Marathi films in this festival, besides competition for short films.
Hindi TV actress Ulka Gupta to make her debut in Marathi films
After Bollywood actresses like Sonali Bendre, Urmila Matondkar, Tisca Chopra, Gurleen Chopra, Huma Khan made their debut in Marathi, few Hindi television actresses like Navni Parihar, Sulagna Panigrahi, also performed in Marathi films. Now, one more Hindi television actress Ulka Gupta, who played little Laxmibai in the serial ‘Jhansi Ki Rani’, will be making her debut in Marathi films. Along with her newcomer Ganesh Tovar will also be making his debut in Marathi.
Ulka is playing lead role in forthcoming Marathi film ‘Odh’- The Attraction’ produced by S.R.Tovar and directed by Dinesh Thakur. The story of this film revolves around strong friendship existing between a boy and a girl of same age. At present the shooting of this film is going on at Latur, Tuzapur and Takviki in Maharashtra. Ulka who has also worked in south Indian films, is well conversant with Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and English languages. Now, she is taking lessons in Marathi, for acquiring proficiency of this language too.
The film’s story and screenplay is by director Dinesh Thakur, while music is by Pravin Kunvar and cinematography by Ravikant Reddy. The other artistes of this film are Mohan Joshi( who plays Ulka’s father in this film), Bhau kadam, Bharat Ganeshpure, Shashikant ketkar and Jaywant Bhalekar.
Marathi film ‘Copy’ is being shot in a village to give a realistic look
Now days, new Marathi film makers are preferring to shoot their films at real locations. And, this is helping to take Marathi cinema to the world level. Forthcoming Marathi film ‘Copy‘ produced by Ganesh Ramchandra Patil and directed by Hemant Dhabade & Dayasagar Wankhede is presently being shot in Kasu village in Pen, which is close to Mumbai but is a typical village. Having completed the first schedule of shooting, the makers are now busy completing the second schedule.
However, the story of this film is set on the backdrop of corrupt practices existing in education system, at such places. According to the makers of this film, the village shown in the film, represents all such schools spread across India at village level. Popular comedian Anshuman Vichare is playing the role of a bearded teacher with high moral standards in this film, for a change. Another character actor (‘Lakshya‘ Serial fame) Jagannath Nivangune, who has been typecast as a police officer, also gets an opportunity to play the role of a school teacher.
Besides Anshuman Vichare and Jagannath Nivangune, the other co artistes of this film are, Kamlesh Sawant, Milind Shinde, Vipul Salunkhe, Anil Nagarkar, Rahul Belapurkar, Ashutosh Wadkar, Poonam Rane, Saurabh Surtar, Pravin Kapde, Ravi Virkar, Shraddha Sawant and others. Camera by Santeneo Trazio and music by Rohan-Rohan are the other credits of the film.
Shahrukh Khan gives clap for Vikram Phadnis Marathi film ‘Hrudayantar’
Renowned Bollywood dress designer Vikram Phadnis is now turning into a Producer. Recently, in association with Purvesh Sarnaik, he launched his own Marathi film ‘Hrudayantar‘ in presence of Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan, who as a chief guest, gave the clap during the launch of this film. The film stars Subodh Bhave, Mukta Barve and Sonali Anand Khare in lead roles.
Besides Shahrukh Khan the other celebrities present during this event were, director Duo Abbas Mastan, Vipul Shah, Sanjay Gupta, Sohail Khan, Athiya Shetty, Ritesh Sidhwani, Sanjay Kapoor, Baba Siddique, Kiyara Advani, Neel Nitin Mukesh, Shweta Bachchan Nanda, & Anu Diwan.
Speaking on the occasion, Shahrukh Khan wished a grand success for this first production of Vikram Phadnis and added that he was capable of producing even a Hindi film.
Vikram Phadnis while speaking about this film said that being a Maharashtrian , he felt that it was more convenient for him to produce a Marathi film first. “Luckily, I had a good script, which was most suited to artistes like Subodh Bhave and Mukta Barve“.
Big ‘B’ launches Ganesh Acharya’s Marathi film ‘Bhikari’
His mere presence during the launch of a film, inspires the artistes and crew members. Amitabh Bachchan still tops the popularity chart in the film industry. On Wednesday evening he was chief guest during the launch of forthcoming Marathi film ‘Bhikari’ to be directed by well known Bollywood choreographer Ganesh Acharya. Produced by Sharad Shelar, the film stars Marathi super star Swwapnil Joshi and Rucha Inamdar, who is making her debut in Marathi. This film is a remake of a popular Tamil film ‘Pichaikkaran’, which has also dubbed in Telugu.
Mr. Amitabh Bachchan who is always punctual ,arrived at the scheduled time, showing the way to Marathi film industry, to start such functions in time. Tiger Shroff, who was also one of the guests of honour, was also invited to the dais to join the ceremony, in which Mr. Bachchan gave the muhurat clap. All those dignitaries present on the dais made short speeches wishing the makers a grand success. Popular Marathi actress Pooja Sawant anchored the show.
Also present for the function were other important artistes of this film, Sayaji Shinde, Manoj Joshi, Milind Shinde, Guru Thakur, Kirti Adarkar, Sunil Pal & Pradeep kabra. Among those who attended this function to wish the makers of this film were film makers Ajay Phansekar, Milind Kavde and others. Ganesh Acharya who is making his debut as a director in Marathi through this film, was seen in a new look, losing about 30 to 40 kgs of extra weight on his body.
Rohini Hattangadi returns to Colors Marathi after 3 years
Popular veteran actress Rohini Hattangadi always gave preference to Marathi TV serials, despite her assignments with Bollywood films. Trough her award winning performances, she has not only won awards in Bollywood, but also Richard Attenborough’s international film ‘Gandhi‘. But, how can we forget her mega serial ‘Char Divas Sasuche‘, which had created record run on Colors Marathi channel. Through this serial she had reached the hearts of many Maharashtrian households.
Now, after a gap of three years Rohini Hattangadi will be returning to Colors channel through forthcoming Marathi serial ‘Sakhya Re‘. Through this serial another young TV star Suyash Tilak will also be returning to small screen along with newcomer Dnyanada Ramtirthkar. In this serial Rohini Hattangadi plays a well suited powerful character of Maa Saheb from a princely family. We are hopeful that the home viewers will welcome their favourite actress in this new role.
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.