Ashwini Bhave gets ready to welcome Narendra Modi in California
This is a big news for Marathi film industry. Ashwini Bhave, who is at present settled in USA, in the West Coast, California, is all set to welcome Indian prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. Mr. Modi, who is on visit to USA, will be arriving at the Silicon City, to address a gathering organized by Indo American Community of West Coast . There will a gathering of about 18,000 dignitaries at SAP Centre, at the event hosted by three persons and we understand that Ashwini Bhave is one of them
It may be recalled that the talented actress married a software professional Kishore Bopardikar, who is now running his own company in USA. But, she hasn’t forgotten her roots in India. Therefore, every year she finds time not only to visit India; but also finds time to perform in a film or present a TV show. Few years ago, she also made a comeback to Marathi films, by making her own film ‘Kadachit’, which won many awards.
‘Urfi’ will be next film of Prathamesh Parab
Having entertained the audience in the film ‘Time Pass’, with his character of ‘Dagadu’ a teenager ; Prathamesh Parab is now back, to offer an action filled love story with a touch of comedy . That’s what, the trailer of this film, released on social networking sites, clearly indicates. The film is now ready for release on 23rd October 2015; and Prathamesh is all excited to see the response of the audience. His young co star in the film Mitali Mayekar has already made her debut in films, as a child star in Priayadarshan’s 2009 film ‘Billu’ produced by Gauri Khan.
In ‘Urfi’ Prathamesh will be seen as a young real estate agent Deva. Directed by Vikram Pradhan, the film also stars well known artistes like Upendra Limaye, Kavita Lad, Milind Pathak . Produced by Yuvraj Varma, Sartaj Mirza and Mahelka Shaikh, the music has been composed by Chinar Mahesh on the lyrics of Mangesh Kangne and Kshitij Patwardhan.
‘माझे पती सौभाग्यवती’ मालिकेमधून वैभव मांगलेचा वेगळा प्रयोग
बाईचं दुखणं समजून घेण्यासाठी बाईच व्हावं लागतं असंही म्हटलं जातं. बाईच्या मनातील हेच दुखणं समजून घेण्याची एक आगळी वेगळी कथा प्रेक्षकांना बघायला मिळणार आहे झी मराठीच्या आगामी ‘माझे पती सौभाग्यवती’ या मालिकेतून. वैभव मांगले हे वैभव मालवणकरच्या मुख्य भूमिकेत दिसणार आहेत. येत्या २८ सप्टेंबरपासून ही मालिका प्रेक्षकांच्या भेटीस येत आहे.
या मालिकेची कथा आहे एका स्ट्रगलर अभिनेत्याची. अभिनयाची आवड ज्याच्या मनातच नाही तर रक्तात भिनली आहे असा हा अभिनेता. अनेक वर्षे संघर्ष करूनही मनासारखं काम तर मिळालच नाही उलट वाट्याला आली ती अपमानास्पद वागणूकच. त्याच्या संघर्षामध्ये त्याच्या प्रत्येक पावलावर त्याची मनोभावे साथ देतेय ती त्याची पत्नी. आपल्या पतीने खूप नाव कमावावं आणि मोठा अभिनेता व्हावं हे तिचंही स्वप्न. याच दरम्यान वैभवच्या आयुष्यात एक अशी घटना घडते ज्याद्वारे अभिनयाच्या संधीचं एक मोठं दार उघडतं. हाडाचा अभिनेता असलेल्या या नटाला जी मोठी भूमिका मिळते ती असते एका स्त्री पात्राची. अभिनेता म्हणून ओळख कमवायला आलेल्या नट पहिल्यांदाच एक मोठी भूमिका मिळते पण तीही स्वतःची ओळखच मिटवून टाकणारी. पण हे आव्हान स्वीकारून स्वतःच्या अभिनेता या ओळखीबरोबरच या पात्राची नवी ओळख निर्माण करतो का ? आपल्या दैनंदिन आयुष्यात बाईचं अस्तित्वदुर्लक्षित करू पाहणाऱ्या त्याच्या आयुष्याला या कामामुळे कलाटणी मिळते का? त्याच्या स्वप्नांची पूर्तता होते का ? या सर्व प्रश्नांची उत्तरे मिळतील ‘माझे पती सौभाग्यवती’ या मालिकेतून.
झी मराठी वर दाखल होणाऱ्या या मालिकेची निर्मिती मंदार देवस्थळी ह्यांनी केली आहे. ज्यामध्ये वैभव मांगले बरोबर नंदिता धुरी, अशोक शिंदे, रमेश भाटकर, उदय सबनिस, स्नेहा माजगावकर, अद्वैत दादरकर हि कलाकारही या मालिकेत असणार आहेत.
National award winning ‘Court’ will be India’s entry for Oscars
National award winning multilingual film ‘Court‘ will be India’s entry for the 2016 Academy awards. Announcement to this effect was made today by the Film Federation of India, headed by Amol Palekar as Chairman and Supran Sen as Secretary General and the Jury members.
There were 30 shortlisted films from different languages, to select India’s entry into the foreign language category of Oscars. And, prominent among them were Hindi films Bajarangi Bhaijan, NH10, PK, Bahubali, Kaaka Muttai, Masaan, Mary Kom, Haider and others.
It may be recalled, that besides winning National award, ‘Court‘ had won 18 other awards at various international film festivals, in India and abroad. The film revolves around a rebel poet, accused of waging a war against the state. In the process, the film has presented the delayed procedure of our Courts, handling such cases.
Will Atul Kulkarni give a surprise through ‘Rajwade and Sons’
Every actor has an ambition to produce his own film. And, Atul Kulkarni is no exception. Being from a business family in Solapur, Atul is the only member of the family, who landed into acting field. Now, he has turned a producer, with his production house ‘Kaffe Kamera’ ;which is all set to release their Marathi film ‘Rajwade & Sons’.
The first look of this film is now unveiled and it gives an impression that it is the story of a big joint family from Pune, who are into business. Obviously, it has to be story of three generations, with their different way of thinking.
Atul himself is performing in this film, which is directed by his ‘Happy Journey’ director Sachin Kundalkar. Being a family drama, they have opted for the best talent, with Sachin Khedekar,Mrinal Kulkarni, Sattish Alekar, Jyoti Subhash, Rahul Mehendale forming the elder group, with support coming from youngsters like Siddharth Menon, Alok Rajwade, Mrinmayee Godbole, Krutika deo, Pournima Manohar , Amitriyaan Patil,Suhani Dhadphale & others. Story and Screenplay is by Sachin Kundalkar himself, while Y,.M. Deosthalee is co- producer. The film is all set to release on 16th October 2015. So, it remains to be seen, what surprise Atul has for all of us, through this film.
Now, all eyes on Vaibbhav Tatwawdi
If you ask any collegian from Pune or Nagpur, who is their favorite Marathi star today? The answer will be ‘Vaibhav Tatwawdi’. When we recently saw him at a function, he was surrounded by maximum media persons, waiting to speak to him. Ever since Vaibhav was selected to play the role of Chimaji Appa in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Mega film ‘Bajirao Mastani’ , he has become very popular Marathi celebrity on social networking sites. Vaibhav himself loves to read, what people write about him. “Reaching out to my audience with Fun, clean and simple cinema! If you like my films, like my page!” is a tag posted by him.
Presently, Vaibhav is at his home for Ganapati festival and did post his photo with Ganapati Bappa and his mother, as his latest posts, which indicates that he wants to remain in touch with all his admirers and friends. A good way of maintaining good public relations. Vaibhav’s next film will be ‘Mr. & Mrs. Sadachari’, where he will be seen with his ‘Coffee Aani Barach Kahi’ co star Prarthana Behere. But, if you ask his fans, they will tell you that their eyes are on the release day of ‘Bajirao Mastani’. For Vaibhav, it is good sign, as he is gaining more and more popularity, with his presence in Hindi films. By the way, he possesses good personality, to make his presence felt, while on the sets or at functions.
Vaibhav has already made his debut in Hindi, through ‘Hunterr’ and his progress is keenly watched by some Hindi film maker. Those who have seen him perform on the sets of ‘Bajirao Mastani’ were all praise for his looks . Surely, ‘Bajirao Mastani’, will be something special for Vaibhav and his rising number of fans. But, that doesn’t mean, that they should not support his Marathi film ‘Mr.& Mrs. Sadachari’. Because, Marathi film industry wants this talented actor , to continue with Marathi films too.
Ankush and Pooja – tallest pair in Marathi films
In Bollywood, we have seen tall actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Shatrughan Sinha, Vinod Khanna, Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Sunil Shetty , Akshay Kumar ; while among actresses , we saw Susmita Sen as the tallest female, followed by others like Zeenat Aman, Pooja Batra, Deepika Padukone, Sonali Bendre, Tabu & Shilpa Shetty. All others were in the 5 ‘ 4’’ to 5’7” range. No wonder, pairs like Amitabh-Zeenat, Sunil Shilpa, Sanjay –Pooja matched well , on the screen.
In Marathi, when we look at the past, we couldn’t notice any tallest pair, except for watching Ajinkya Deo, as the tallest actor. But, today, we find lead actors like Ankush Choudhary, Kashyap Parulekar and few others like Varad Chavan, who is playing lead role in ‘Dhangarwada'; making their presence felt, during parties and functions. In the recent past, when Kashyap and Manasi, lead pair of ‘Bugadi Majhi Saandali Ga’ appeared on dais, during the music release of their film, they really displayed striking looks.
Last week, we met Ankush Choudhary and Pooja Sawant together , as they posed for photographs; to promote their forthcoming Marathi film ‘Dagadi Chawl’. And, together they displayed an elegant look , clearly indicating that they were the tallest lead pair, in Marathi cinema today. With her blessed height of 5’8″, Pooja is certainly the tallest popular leading actress in Marathi cinema today. Earlier, Pooja had worked with Ankush in ‘Zhakaas‘, but, it was a multi-starrer film. Now, both of them are working together in this action filled love story and hence, their respective heights will also play an important role, in all the important sequences of the film.
By the way, following Pooja, is Manasi Moghe with her height of 5’7″ .We also understand that one more newcomer actress Atula Dugal , who is also very tall; but, she is yet to establish herself in the lead role. However , presently, this pair of Ankush Choudhary and Pooja Sawant is inviting all the attention.
Saurabh & Anuja are happy with their progress in films
Two years ago both Saurabh Gokhale and Anuja sathe were doing well in Marathi TV serials, when they tied their wedding knot. Saurabh had earned his name and fame through ‘Radha Hi bavari’, in the lead role; while Anuja had invited all the attention in the team of ‘Lagori’ and ‘Lagori Returns’. Now, both husband wife are progressing very well in films. Met them together recently at a music release function of forthcoming Marathi film ‘Shinma’, in which Saurabh is playing an important role along with veteran actor Ajinkya Deo.
Both of them seemed to be in a happy mood, as Saurabh spoke about his forthcoming Marathi film ‘Partu’, which is produced by an American based company. “This film has a very good story and is sure to invite the attention of all those who love to watch Marathi films with a good subject.” he said. Saurabh has already made his film debut with ‘Yodhha’, but , he has two more films in hand, besides ‘Shinma’, which is now due for release.
When we asked Anuja, his wife, seated next to him and also an excellent actress; about her progress, she said that she had done a Marathi film ‘Mr. & Mrs. Sadachari’, which is now due for release soon. But, she was more than happy to disclose that she was playing an important role of ‘Bhiubai’( Bajirao’s sister), in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s mega film ‘Bajirao Mastani’, shooting of which is going on, with first look now out. When asked about the other Marathi artistes in this mega film, besides herself and Vaibhav Tawawdi, she mentioned the names of Mahesh Manjrekar and Sukhada Khandkekar, who are also playing important roles.
Incidentally, Anuja has few film offers and she is seriously thinking over them. But, at present, she is busy with ‘Bajirao Mastani’. Anuja, the most popular star of TV serial ‘Lagori Returns’, had also done a film ‘Rakhandaar’ in the lead role. Now, with Bhiubai’s role, she will get noticed in Bollywood. At the same time, her husband Saurabh is also doing well in Marathi films. We wish both of them a grand success.
Film makers trying to cash on the popularity of Ganesh Festival
There was a time, when during the 10 days of Ganesh festival celebrated at different mandals, we used to hear the melodious song on Lord Ganesha ‘Gajanana Shri Ganaraya …’ sung by Lata Mangeshkar . Then, slowly its place was taken over by the famous song ‘Deva Ho Davaa Ganapati Devaa..’ composed by Ram Laxman for the film ‘Humse Badhkar Koun’ in the year 1981. And, it remained popular almost for two decades. But, now days, you find all sorts of item songs played during the festival at different mandals at every street corner, with loud music.
Observing this change, many Marathi and Hindi film makers, try to promote the songs of their forthcoming films, during this period of Ganesh festival. Now, Ganesh Festival is just few days away and we find many Marathi film makers, trying to release the music of their films, so as to popularize them during the festival time. Film maker Arun kavade has released music CD of his forthcoming film ‘Shinma’ and he is confident that one of the songs, which is an item number pictured on Ganesh acharya and Gurleen Chopra, in the rocking voice of veteran Anand Shinde would be a hit, during the 10 day fest.
R.Viraj, who has released his film ‘Vaajlach Paahije!’ this Friday, also hopes that the item number from his film, picturised on Bhau Kadam, will be a hit, during this festival time. But, makers of forthcoming Marathi film ‘Biker’s Adda’ are more confident that their song on Ganesha ‘Aala Re Aala, Bappa Tu Aala’ will be a hit during the festival period, which begins from 17th September . All in all, we find that the attitude of the film makers is to cash on the popularity of Ganesh Festival
Kamal Nathani takes Marathi film to Europe with ‘One Way Ticket’
Kamal Nathani is a well known figure in Advertising, television, corporate films and feature films, with over 20 years of experience. On Wednesday afternoon, he launched his Marathi film ‘One Way Ticket’ which will be shot in Europe at places like Italy, France & Spain. So, this will perhaps be the first film to be shot on a big cruise, besides these three countries.
The film was officially launched in presence of entire team and media persons at Empire Studios, Andheri, with a teaser of the film, also shown, to give an idea of the theme of this film. Produced and directed by Kamal Nathani under the banner of KNC Productions & Mhalsa Entertainment of Suresh Pai , the teaser of this film, promises thrill and entertainment. The film stars Sachit Patil, Amruta Khanvilkar, Gashmir Mahajani, Neha Mahajan and TV star Shashank Ketkar, who is making his debut through this film .
During the launching ceremony, the makers of this film, recorded the first song of the film ‘Befiquir..’ sung by Apeksha Dandekar & Rohit Raut on the lyrics of Ashwini Shende & music of Gaurav Dagaonkar. The audio was played later, for the invitees. With this big launch, it gives an impression that ‘One Way Ticket’ is going to be a grand film; i.e. something never tried before, in Marathi cinema.