Aatmaram Bhende was a Comedy Superstar
It’s ironical that on the inaugural day of 95th ‘Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natyasammelan’, a refreshing news arrived about a marathi litterateur Prof. Bhalchandra Nemade being honoured with prestigious Dnyanpith award. But, a sad and disturbing news also reached, about sad demise of veteran actor Atmaram Bhende.
Atmaram Bhende enthralled the audience in his long and successful acting career, spanning sixty years, entertaining the viewers with his impeccable comic timing. He started his career with INT (Indian National Theatre) which was operational in its full glory those days; and won the hearts of the viewers, while teaming up with legendary comedy icon late Baban Prabhu. Together they gave splendid hit marathi plays like ‘Dinuchya Sasubai Radhabai’,‘Zopi Gelela Jaaga Zala’. Mr Bhende was hugely appreciated too, in plays like Tuze Aahe Tuzapashi, ‘Pala Pala Kon Pudhe Pale To’ & ‘ Tarun Turka Mhatare Arka‘.
He was not only active on marathi stage, but won the hearts on Hindi and English theatre too. He donned various hats, Producer, Director & Actor successfully, in his long stint in the entertainment arena, inclusive of marathi drama, serials and movies. Many awards have been bestowed on him and the State Government’s Cultural Affairs Ministry too felicitated Atmaram Bhende with ‘Rangabhoomi Jeevan Gaurav’ award. Recently, he was conferred with Lifetime Achievement award at the inaugural Zee Comedy awards.
We at MarathiMovieWorld.com offer heartfelt condolences to his family. RIP Atmaram Bhende.
Ketan Pawar in ‘Katti Batti’
Ketan Pawar attained popularity through the film ‘Shala’, in which he had performed an adolescent school boy ‘Surya’. With his humor filled dialogues, he entertained the audience. Producer Yuvraj Paar and director Rajendra Pawar, who had spotted his talent, engaged him to play the role of an adolescent in the film ‘Katti Batti’. The film is about the new lifestyle of teenagers and their addiction to television and internet. Through this film, the director wants to convey a message to the parents, suggesting their role to handle such children, during this age, so that they do not fall into bad company.
Along with Ketan Pawar, the film stars Prajakta Yadav, Pritam Bhujbalrao, Arun Nalawade, Dr. Vilas Ujavane, Sanjivani Jadhav, Jairaj Nair, Deepjyoti, Prabhakar More, Mahendra Abhang & Deepali Kulkarni. The film will be released on 27th February 2015.
Ila Bhate to perform at Kala Ghoda Fest
Two Marathi plays will be staged at the prestigious Kala Ghoda festival in Mumbai, which opens next week. One of them is a one act play ‘Pai Paishachi Goshta’ to be performed by versatile Marathi stage-TV and film actress Ila Bhate. Based on the original story of Vijaya Rajadhyaksha, with the same name; the conversion into drama form had been made by Vipul Mahagaonkar. The first show of this play is scheduled on 9th February at 6.30 pm at Gallery Beyond, Fort, Mumbai.
Another Marathi play ‘Do Baki Ekaki’, which is a sequel to already popular play ‘Ek baki Ekaki’, will be presented by group of talented artistes from award winning colleges at the Inter Collegiate Drama competitions. Written by Sanket Tandel and directed by Sanjay Jamkhandi, this play presents Abhijit Pawar, Tuishar Ghadigaonkar, Shruti kamble, Sayali Parab, Rajratna Bhojane, Vaibhav Pisat , Bhavesh Titwalkar, Suvedha Desai, & Gourav More in important roles. The first show of this play will be staged on 13th February , 8pm at Cawasjee Jahangir Public Hall, kalaghoda.
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.