Cinematographer Rajan Kothari is no more
Renowned cinematographer of Hindi and Marathi films, Rajan Kothari is no more. he passed away at his Mumbai residence today evening around 8.30 pm. He was 60. He is survived by his mother, wife and two children. A FTII Graduate, Rajan kothari had done cinematography of some well known projects like ‘Ghayal’, ‘Zubeida’, ‘Page 3′, ‘Godmother’, ‘Ek Krantiveer- Vasudev Balwant Phadke’, ‘Welcome to Sajjanpur’, ‘Rustomjee’, ‘Samar’ and the recent marathi film ‘Tukaram’. He was busy with his ongoing project. Speaking about him, his student and cinematographer Nikhil Idurkar said that he was a gem of a person.” I had the privilege to learn so many technacalities about cinematography from him at Whistling Woods’, where he was my teacher,” said Nikhil.
His funeral is likely to take place day after tomorrow, as the family is waiting for the arrival of close relatives. Marathi Movie World pays sincere tributes to his departed soul.
Dum Asel Tar-Shankar’s fight against injustice
At present we find so many agitations taking place in the social and political circles, where youngsters are in the forefront. Right from collegiate level to corporate sector, we find youngsters speaking openly against injustice. This is also visible through their frank comments on social networking sites.
The change observed in the youth of this country has been clearly shown in the forthcoming Marathi film ‘Dum Asel Tar’ produced by Sagar Sankude and directed by Vijay Gokhale. Story of this film, which revolves around the youth of today, goes on to send a strong message to the society, as to how the youth of this country can bring in the desired change, if they unite together against injustice. The hero of this film Shankar, who plays a protagonist, gets good support from youth, in his fight against corrupt and selfish politicians.
The hero of this film Shankar is the product of Subhash Ghai’s ‘Whistling Woods’ acting school and is making his debut through this film in the company of popular artistes like Manva Naik, Smita Shewale, Uday Tikekar, Mohan Joshi, Shubhangi Latkar, Vighnesh Joshi, Vijay Gokhale and Anant Jog. The theme of this film, which is timely, is all set to release on 28th September 2012.
‘Dum Aasel Tar’ is a timely film – Vijay Gokhale
Producer Sagar Ramchandra Sakunde and director Vijay Gokhale addressed a press conference on Saturday 22nd evening at Hotel Kohinoor, Prabhadevi, to present the first look of their forthcoming sensational film ‘Dum Asel Tar’. During this event, they introduced their hero Shankar along with other artistes, besides showing the clippings and songs from the film.
While speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vijay Gokhale made it very clear that ‘Dum Asel Tar’ was a timely film, revolving around a youngster, who comes to India to attend a ceremony; and meets with an unfortunate event in his life. His conscience forces him to help a family, who suffer a loss because of him. The hero of our film is the best example to the society, who otherwise feel that today’s young generation is selfish and self centered. Our film’s hero takes on all challenges in his life and tries to help all, in his own style. Finally, he has to land himself into politics to face the opposition of politicians. Our film will send across a message about the role of young generation to bring in the desired change in the society,” he said.
Producer Sagar Sakunde, in his short speech appealed to the media to spread the film’s theme to people all over Maharashtra. “ I was highly impressed by the appeal of the new hero and suggested Mr. Vijay Gokhale to not only direct my film; but, also find a suitable script to suit his debut. And Mr. Advait Dadarkar helped us find a suitable script’” he said. Actress Smita Shewale said that she was all excited with the role she was offered. “ I have done nine films in past six years; but, this role is the best,” she said.
Shankar, whose real name is Shankar Shingare, is a product of Subhash Ghai’s ‘Whistling Woods’ Acting school, was dressed up like a Rock star, indicating the arrival of a Mod hero in Marathi film industry. Mr. Anant Jog, who entered the venue with all his shirt buttons open; had to give the real reason behind it, when Programme host Smita Gavankar poked him, while introducing him. “I am suffering from an allergic reaction due to excess heat in the body and hence I am dressed up like this,” he clarified. Others present on the occasion were Cinematographer Sameer Athlye, Veteran Ravi Patwardhan and entire unit of the film. The film is all set to release on 28th September 2012.
Sandeep Kulkarni returns with ‘Night School’
Known for some of his best performances in films like ‘Shwaas’, ‘Dombivali Fast’, ‘Sane Guruji’, ‘Bedhund’, ‘Made In China’ and ‘Pratisaad’, renowned actor Sandeep Kulkarni had switched over for a while to TV serials and Hindi films. But, now he is back again in Marathi films through his upcoming film ‘Night School’. Directed by Mansingh Pawar on his own script, the film will present Sandeep in the lead role of a social worker, who starts a Night school to spread education among the poor children.
According to Mansingh Pawar, the story of this film is the backbone and he has tried to spread a message to the society through this Big screen of entertainment. Produced by Raju Mawani, the film’s other star cast comprises of Prasad Pandit, Shrikant Yadav, Anway Bendre, Deepa Chaphekar, Raju Govilkar, Shivraj Walvekar, Ashit Ambekar, Raju Mawani and 40 children from a Night school. Music by babru Bhosale, Camera by Prakash Shinde and editing by Paresh Manjrekar are the other credits. The film has completed its entire shooting and ins in the post production stage.
Bhojpuri Star Ravi-Kishan to appear in a Marathi film
Bhojpuri Superstar Ravi-Kishan is soon scheduled to play an important role of a journalist in a Marathi film. This Marathi feature film ‘Madhyamvarga – Middle Class’ presented under the banner of Vasan Arts Media Pvt. Ltd, is being produced jointly by Mrs. Laxmi Babaji Anjarlekar and Sanjay Gopal Chabriya.
Directed by Mr. Harry Fernandes, the muhurta of this film was held recently, in presence of artistes and technicians of this film. Popular Marathi artiste Siddhartha Jadhav is appearing as a Police Inspector along with Ravi-Kishan. Among the other artistes in important roles are, Nayana Apte, Nisha Parulekar, Kashmira Kulkarni and Anant Jog.
Conceived by ‘Vasant-Sanjay’, the story of the upcoming Marathi feature film ‘Madhyamvarga – the Middle Class’ is the brainchild of Harry Fernandes, while the cinematography is being handled by Shafiq Sheikh with Arvind Tyagi as its able and competent editor. Badshah Khan is looking after the costumes. Gunawant Sen will compose music and the songs have been penned by Babasaheb Saudagar and Sawanta Gawal.i The action scenes being directed by R.P. Yadav. Vasant Abaji Anjarlekar, Mrs. Shafi, Sanjay Adhav, and S. Pramod are the Executive Producers of this film.
One Beat Fellowship for Aditi Bhagwat
Renowned Classical dancer and actress Aditi Bhagwat has received fellowship from American Educational and Cultural Forum and Found Sound Nation. 30 representatives from different countries in the world have been invited to attend a workshop for one and a half month duration between 7th September and 15th October 2012. Aditi will represent India.
One Beat Fellowship concept has been founded by Ms. Hillary Clinton to promote peace and harmony around the world through the medium of Art and culture. The workshop will begin in Florida and will move to Washington visiting different universities to conclude at New York. The participants will get a chance to perform in the concluding session.
Ujwalla Annachatre’s Music album ‘Vibhor’ released
Popular poet from Pune, Ujwala Annachatre recently released her music album ‘Vibhor’ in presence of renowned poet Aruna Dhere and popular music director Prabhakar Jog. Present on the occasion were Sudhakar Joshi from Utkarsha Prakashan, Prof. Nilima Gundi, Music director Milind Joshi, popular singer Ravindra Sathe, Raghunandan Panshikar and Kantibhai Oswal of Fountain Music.
During this ceremony, poetry recitation and some songs from this album were also presented live. Shri Arun Annachatre welcomed the guests and Manjiri Joshi anchored the show.
Mhaiskar MIFTA Festival in Thane from Sept 2-9
Marathi International Film and Theatre Awards have gained popularity worldwide in a short time. This year’s Mhaiskar MIFTA awards 2012 will be held in Singapore soon. This year the organizers have found a new Travel Partner ‘Kesari Tours and Travels’. But, as per the practice of nominating the films and Dramas, the yearly festival will be held in Thane’s Kashinath Ghanekar auditorium between Sept 2nd and 9th 2012. 10 films and 10 Dramas have been short listed for the first round of this festival by the Jury. Nominations will be declared thereafter. Reasonable rates for tickets will be offered to the audience during this festival by the organizers.
The 10 Dramas selected for the festival are ‘Vaishali Cottage’, ‘Sargam’, ‘Keshava Madhava’, ‘Alibaba aani Chalisitle Chor’, ‘Shivaji Underground in Bhimnagar Mohalla’, ‘Mee Revati Deshpande’, ‘Saasu Majhi Dhansoo’, ‘Tom aani Jerry’, ‘Khall Khatak’ & ‘Lagnabambaal’. Among the 10 films competing the first round are ‘Masala’, ‘Zhakaas’, ‘Satarangi Re’, ‘Tukaram’, ‘Shala’, ‘Ajintha’, ‘Badam Rani Gulam Chor’, ‘Kakasparsha’, ‘Deool’ and ‘Bharatiya’.
Three Marathi films to release on 24th August
With ‘Bharatiya’ still holding the fort in 35 theatres in Mumbai during the second week; we did not notice release of any Marathi film during the week. But, on coming Friday, i.e. on 24th August 2012 will see release of three Marathi films together.
‘Aghor’ a sensational film made by Nagpur film makers, talks about corruption in medical field, especially taking place in so called Multi-specialty clinics. According to the makers, the film shows the good and bad side of the profession with two popular heroes from Marathi film industry- Santosh Juvekar and Aniket Vishwasrao heading the star cast in the company of Sai Tamhankar, Manasi Kulkarni, Tejasvi Patil, Kishori Shahane, Dr. Vilas Ujavane and others. The film is directed by Salim Shaikh a theatre personality from Nagpur.
Another film ‘Hridaynath’ is a film by Amar Gupte, revolves around a teacher from Konkan and is based on crisis with principles. Jackie Shroff, who made his debut in Marathi through Renuka Shahane’s film ‘Rita’ will be playing the lead role in this film along with other Bollyowood actor Aditya Panchol besides a team comprising of Chinmay Sumeet, Swarang Marathe and Ameya Husanwadkar. Highlight of this film is that Urmila Matondkar performs an item number for the first time in Marathi.
The third film ‘Yedpat Gaon’ is presented by Ajay R Singh and directed by debutant S. Vikram. This is comedy film, which presents the story of cursed village. Bajrang Badshah and Nisha Parulekar play main lead. Others in the cast comprise of Milind Gunaji, Mohan Agashe, Usha Nadkarni, Ashalata, Ujjwala Shinde, Twinkle, Deepa Tapekar, Deepak Shirke and Kishor Nandalaskar. Music of this film is by Milind Shinde.
Nihar presents his video- audio music album ‘Split Personality’
Nihar Shembekar has presented his multi-genre video-audio music album ‘Split Personality’, which comprises of songs belonging to various different languages in a single album. The official launch of this music album was recently held at the Sathe College in Vile Parle in presence of prominent dignitaries like Shri. Suresh Wadkar, Jonny Lever, Kishori Godbole and Vijay Kadam.
Nihar acquired the basic knowledge of music from his grandfather and famous veteran singer and musician Jawayant Kulkarni. Nihar was inculcated with the lessons of music from his parents also and earned several distinctions both, at the national as well as the international level. Apart from music, he also made his presence felt by playing a role in the famous Hollywood movie, ‘The Jungle Boy’. After being asked about the exclusive
The album contains a soft soothing song such as ‘Bavriya Dhun Me Magan Tere Savariya’ and a Gazal making a heart-throbbing appeal for love such as ‘Saanz’ apart from a Punjabi Hip-Hop song ‘Fant-Sit’ and a ‘Swayam’ song. There are seven songs included in this album and they can be heard in various Indian languages like Marathi, Hindi, and English. For this album, he has received valuable contribution from rhythm programmer Anupam Ghatak .