Sad demise of Aatmaram Bhende
Well known Marathi stage, television and film artist Aatmaram Bhende is no more. He was 93. He passed away today morning in Pune. Mr. Bhende was being treated at Ratna Memorial Hospital , Pune, where he breathed his last. For the past few months, he had kept himself away from functions. In November 2014, he was conferred with the lifetime achievement award at the first Zee Comedy awards. The award was presented to him personally at his residence, due to his ill health. Mr. Bhende was last seen in a Marathi film‘Yanda Kartavya Aahe’ and Hindi film ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’. Some of the ad films he did, still keep appearing on television.
Mr. Aatmaram Bhende completed his Textile Engineering in from V.J.T.I. and later worked as an Engineer in executive positions in several reputed organizations. But, he found time to perform on stage. He retired in 1981; but continued his acting on Marathi and English stage, besides directing some plays.
Mr. Bhende had offered his services as the Joint-Secretary of the Marathi Natya Parishad , the representative body of the Marathi theatre, during 1954-60 and was responsible for setting up and organizing the Mumbai Branch of the Marathi Natya Parishad.
The news of his sad demise came on the inaugural day of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Sammelan,being held in Belgaum. We at MMW, pray for his soul to rest in peace.
Neha Rajpal turns producer
One is a national award winning writer of a hindi movie ‘Chillar Party’ and another is a highly acclaimed writer of films, ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’ and ‘Tendulkar Out’. They are Vijay Maurya and Yogesh Joshi respectively. Both have joined hands together to write screenplay together for an upcoming untitled Marathi movie, produced under the banner Neha Rajpal Productions. The story is written by Dr Akash Rajpal and Omkar Nagesh. This film is about twin sisters, falling in love with the same boy, resulting in funny situations.
The makers, after toying with different names, have identified Vijay Maurya’s name for directing the movie. They are of the opinion that since Mr Maurya has the experience of directing ad-films and also being a good scriptwriter, will be able to do justice to the subject convincingly. Mr Maurya, apart from being a well known and respected ad-film director, is a fine actor too. He has been part of the cast, in films like ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan’ & ‘Black Friday’. Speaking about his debut, the director is believed to have said that Marathi films are rich in content and the script is predominantly important part of Marathi films and that he is happy to be working with sensible producers like Rajpals. He has assured an emotional sensitive fun loving fresh movie, this year.
At the moment, this movie is in pre-production stage.
“My present experience will help me in future projects” – Shhyam Singhania
As the release date approaches near , the film makers are keen to be more visible through Digital, Print, Electronic media as much as possible. They find different reasons to be in the limelight, so as to create a buzz about their product. The latest to join the bandwagon of promotions is an upcoming new marathi film ‘Bugadi Mazi Sandali Ga’ (BMSG) . At a press conference on Tuesday evening , team BMSG interacted with the media persons.
The script writer, lyricist and director of ‘BMSG’ Mansingh Pawar welcomed the attendees and briefing about one-line story of the film, he opened up the arena for Q & A session. He was specifically asked about inspiration, as there are few films which boast about the life stories of Laavni performers, one example being V Shantaram’s Pinjra. Mr Pawar had hard time convincing media, that his story was original, although it may bear resemblance to some other film. He claimed his film, being musical, dramatic and romantic, besides entertaining.“We had a tough time finalising lead pair. Getting suitable artists for the respective characters, took a long time, but the wait was worth it, as we have now beautiful (Miss India 2013) Manasi (Moghe) and a very natural actor Kashyap Parulekar, ( Taptapadi fame) as the lead pair. And I am happy with their output,” said Mr Pawar.
Mr Shhyam Singhania, producer admitted that being a producer is a tough job but the experience will help him in his future film projects. ‘How do you adjust with the new lot of actors?’ To this question Ramesh Bhatkar mischievously replied ‘ I am still active(young) in the field, so no issues about working with anyone.’ Ila Bhate stated to have been able to do a varied shaded mother’s role in the film. Another veteran actor, part of the cast, Mohan Joshi could not attend the conference due to prior commitments. Kashyap Parulekar light heartedly stated that he learnt things from Mansinghji and taught the same to Manasi. On a serious note he stated ” I did not feel pressure working with Manasi (she being Miss India) and really I am glad to be part of BMSG.” Manasi Moghe reiterated “I can speak Marathi, though not chaste; but, our director helped me grasp the Kolhapuri marathi accent. Also visiting real Laavni shows and observing the performers have helped me.” When asked about the timing of the release of the movie during Cricket World Cup, the makers stated that their marketing team have taken all aspects into account, before deciding on the release date.
The executive producer Vivek Shah thanked the attendees and expected a positive response to the film ‘Bugadi Mazi Sandali Ga’, since it is hitting the theatres on 20th February 2015.
‘Chitrafit 3.0 Megapixel’ – A Marathi film on sensational subject
Sexual crimes are not new to the society. These are prevalent everywhere, around the world. And, we find females facing the brunt and are being victimised by lecherous, animalistic behaviour of men from a section the society. Each country is trying to fight this menace, but has not been successful in eradicating it completely. Authorities are fighting tooth and nail to nab the culprits, but such crimes keep happening, time and again.
Taking a cue from such incidents, many have tried to capture the pathos of victims on celluloid and latest to join the bandwagon is a new marathi film Chitrafit 3.0 Megapixel.
In the era of importance of promoting the films in a novel way, to attract public attention , the producers of Chitrafit 3.0 Megapixel, have used a new idea. They have pasted the posters of a young person in ‘Wanted’ fashion, in many cities, so as to generate curiosity with a text message. It warns all females, to beware of him, as the person in picture notoriously shoots obscene and vulgar videos of females. The makers are happy, because it did generate curiosity and they have been able to make their film’s presence felt all over. It is believed that the film recently launched its first look along with a poster release.
Chitrafit 3.0 Megapixel is produced under the banner Jafraan Films Pvt Ltd by Rahul Borse and Abdul R C, in association with Somnath Deokar and Jivan Patil. It’s story and direction is by Divakar Ghodke and will be released all over Maharashtra on 20th February 2015.
Ramesh Deo – The Evergreen actor of Marathi films
Only few days ago director of hit film ‘Classmates’ Aditya Sarpotdar had displayed his photo with veteran actor Ramesh Deo, on his social networking page. He had mentioned that it was a big honour for him to work with a veteran with young heart. Aditya had also stated that the evergreen actor of Marathi films had acted in his grandfather’s film 50 years ago. And that was a big tribute to the veteran actor, who is turning 89 today ?
Born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra , his ancestral roots are from Jodhpur in Rajasthan. His great grandfather and grandfather were both engineers. They had built the Jodhpur Palace. Later, his ancestors shifted to Kolhapur. His grandfather came down to become the chief engineer to Shahu Maharaj, and his father was his legal advisor. They were called by Chatrapati Shahu Maharaja to build the city of Kolhapur. His father, also became the judge of Kolhapur.
Unlike his Grandfather and father, instead of becoming an Engineer or a legal expert, Ramesh Deo took up acting as his career at a young age. He performed cameo in few Marathi films, before making his proper debut in 50s through Marathi film ‘Andhala Magto Ek Dola’ directed by Raja Paranjape. He started off as villain in Hindi films through Aarti in 1962 . And , thereafter till date, he has been working non stop in the films. In the recent past, we saw him in films like ‘Pipani’, ‘Chandi’ and ‘Jolly LLB( Hindi), playing important roles. Only two weeks ago, we saw him playing a veteran politician in ‘Classmates’. His tow more films are getting ready for release. Isn’t that a big compliment for his being active in his profession ? Marathi Movie world, wishes the Grand Old man with young heart, a very happy birthday.
Sonu Nigam to sing two songs for ‘Cheater’
Celebrity Singer Sonu Nigam has already created his millions of fans with his harmonious voice. Now, he is making waves in Marathi music industry. Having made his debut as a singer in Marathi through the film ‘Navra Majha Navsacha’. Later, he once again rendered his voice for a song in Sachin Pilgaonkar’s film ‘Ekulti Ek’. But, Sonu Nigam enthralled Marathi audience with his popular song ‘Tik Tik Vajte’ from the super duper hit Marathi film‘Duniyadari ‘.
Now, you will watch him sing two songs, for forthcoming Marathi film ‘Cheater’, which is written and directed by Ajay Phansekar. Recently, muhurat of this film took place, followed by a song recording in the voices of Sonu Nigam and Anandi Joshi. This was possible, only because of the music director of this film Abhijeet Narvekar, who was an arranger and instrument player, in Sonu Nigam’s shows. Sonu had expressed his desire to sing a song on Abhijit’s music, being his debut as a music director in Marathi. But, later, he agreed to sing another song for Abhijit. And, this itself is a big news for Marathi cinema and Marathi Music lovers.
Song written by Akhil Joshi. The film stars Asawari Joshi, Hrishikesh Joshi, Vaibhav Tatwavadi, Pooja Sawant, and Suhas Joshi. The DOP is B.Laxman. The film is set for an early release, sometime during this year.
‘Mann Majhe Guntale’ on Universal Music
Belonging to Nilje village, off Dombivali , upcoming poets Kiran Patil, Jaydas Khandale and Rajendra Patil have really worked hard, to reach out to maximum people through their songs. In the recent past, they had released their album on Ganapati songs, which popularized instantly.
Now, Universal Music India, are releasing their album of 8 songs in different mood, suitably titled ‘Mann Majhe Guntale’ . The title song is rendered by Swapnil Bandodkar, while other popular singers like Ravindra Sathe, Neha Rajpal , Rushikesh Ranade, Mandar Apte & Savani Ravindra, have also rendered their voices for other songs. Newcomers like Janardan Dhatrak and Reema Thakur have also been given scope through this film, on the music of Aditya Oak and Amit Padhye.
Shreyas & Jitendra to celebrate birthdays together
27th January happens to be the birthday of both Shreyas Talpade and Jitendra Joshi.Every year, they celebrate their birthday separately. But, this being special for both of them, they have decided to celebrate together. For the past one year, both Shreyas and Jitendra have been working together for the film ‘Baji’, which is now all set to release on 6th February 2015.
Both Shreyas and Jitendra have made a big group of friends, during the making of ‘Baji’. Many of them are from the production team and some of them are common friends in Marathi film industry. film. Holding the birthday event together, will also help in the promotion of ‘Baji’ and therefore it is a good decision. Shreyas is playing a Superhero for the first time in Marathi, while Jitendra is playing the main villain of ‘Baji’. Hence, it will be interesting to see the hero and villain celebrating their birthday together, off screen. Besides the cast and crew members of ‘Baji’, many celebrities from Marathi and Hindi film industry are expected to attend this event. As per reliable sources, even some of the media persons are invited for this party.
Elegant Music launch of Adventure filled ‘Biker’s Adda’
Biking has become a new adventure sports among youngsters today. Watching the rising popularity of Biking among youngsters in Maharashtra, producers Maruti Lokhande, Vijay Haria are making an action filled film ‘Biker’s Adda’ under their banner Shree Navakar. The film is written and directed by Rajesh Latkar. Recently, the first look and music release of this film was held in a grand way at a Mumbai hotel, where Central Minister Mr. Shripad Naik was present as the chief guest. Among other special invitees were Politician Amar Singh, actress Jaya Prada, Bollywood music director Anand Raj Anand, Kumar Mangat & others. While speaking on the occasion, Mr. Amar Singh compared Santosh Juvekar with Salman Khan , while he praised Prarthana, calling her a combination of Katarina and Deepika.
During this elegant function, hero of the film Santosh Juvekar made his entry riding a Super Bike. The highlights of the function were, performances given by lead pair Santosh Juvekar and Prarthana Behere, a song ‘Valla vallah’ from the film rendered by Shalmalee Kholgade on the music of film’s music directors and other dance performances by junior artistes in the film. The first look of the film was also shown on this occasion. The film’s story revolves around four young friends and their passion for biking. The other artistes in the film are Shrikant Moghe, Shrikant Wattamvar, Rahul Dongre, Hrishikesh Mandke, Aniruddha Harip, Devendra Bhagat, Aditya Giri& Nikhil Rajeshirke.Cinematography by Shakeel Khan & editing by Mansoor Khan are the other credits of the film. The film will be released on 10 th April 2015.
Amol Bhosale’s slow but sure progress
Every artiste has to struggle in his life, to find recognition. This Friday release ‘Ghumsat’ also presents one such actor, who has no godfather in this film industry. Amol Bhosale a talented actor from Pune, is playing the central character of Pandhari from a Varkari family, who plays the traditional musical instrument ‘Pakhwaj’. Amol had to take training for 3 months from an expert, to play this instrument with perfection. Even otherwise, he has worked very hard to establish his identity as an actor.
Having done modeling and performed in few TV serials, Amol finds his role in ‘Ghumsat‘ as the most challenging one. He stars along with other artistes like Surekha Kudchi, Priyanka Bhide, Pradeep Kothmire, Mohini Kulkarni & Shripad Amle. The film is produced & directed by Rajesh Nimkar. He is also playing an equally important role in his forthcoming Marathi film ‘Rang Aboli‘ where he plays a youth suffering from schizophrenic youth. Even for this role, Amol visited many jails in the state to study the body language of such people.
Amol also has an ambitious project in hand, in the form of a television serial ‘Chakradhar Swami’, where he is playing the title role. All in all, it is a ‘slow but sure’progress for this talented actor. But, year 2015 seems to be lucky for him, as his film ‘Ghumsat‘ is received good response at various film festivals.