9x presents 24 hour Marathi Music channel

The first 24 hour Marathi Music Channel has been launched by 9x on 31st October 2011, with the name of ‘9x Jhakaas’ with a tagline ‘Aai Shapath’. With the popularity of Marathi channels going up with four channels offering non stop entertainment, the addition of 9x Jhakas will take care of the Marathi music lovers
.
9x Jhakas channel has opened a new platform for promotion of Marathi music worldwide. It will also help the Marathi film makers to popularise music of their forthcoming films. Besides Marathi music, the channel will also offer humour filled animated shows, with the characters speaking in marathi. At present the service is live on their website and also on cable network and soon will be available on DTH.
Zee Talkies Favorite Kon 2011 nominations declared

Lux Maharashtracha Favourite Kon- is back with 2011 edition. The only award show, that determines the final winner. It’s the only award of its kind where the winner is decided by the fans. Zee Talkies is just the medium, to bring the the fans and their stars closer.
After having a blast last year, Zee Talkies will break its own boundaries of celebration. With keeping viewers choices in mind, Zee Talkies is all set to honor viewer’s favorite stars in Maharashtracha Favourite Kon 2011.
Keeping with the tradition of igniting the passion of devoted fans, Lux Maharashtra’s Favourite Kon 2011 had given the viewers an exclusive opportunity to nominate their favorites through various categories. Lux Maharashtra’s Favorite Kon 2011, is all about respecting and rewarding viewer’s choices’! This year there are total 15 nominations including some exclusive categories like Favorite Style Icon & Favorite Popular face.
Santosh Juvekar, Aniket Vishwasrao and Jitendra Joshi are nominated for Favourite Style Icon while Tejasawini Pandit, Kranti Redkar and Urmila Kanetkar will compete for the crown of Favorite Popular face. This year films from different genres like ‘Mee Sindhutai Sapkal’, ‘Taryanche Bait’, ‘Balgandharva’, ‘Lalbaug Parel’ and ‘Fakta Ladh Mhana’ will compete with each other for favorite film category.
For Favorite Actor’s category, Sachin Khedekar (Taryanche Bait), Subodh Bhave (Balgandharva) and Swapnil Joshi (Mumbai Pune Mumbai) are nominated while for Favorite actress section , Tejaswini Pandit (Mee Sindhutai Sapkal), Madhura Velankar (Haapus) and Mukta Barve (Mumbai Pune Mumbai) have neen nominated. So, get ready to for the viewers’ choice awards of Marathi Cinema world from Zee Talkies i.e. Lux Maharashtracha Favourite Kon 2011 .
Zee Talkies Favorite Kon 2011 nominations declared

Lux Maharashtracha Favourite Kon- is back with 2011 edition. The only award show, that determines the final winner. It’s the only award of its kind where the winner is decided by the fans. Zee Talkies is just the medium, to bring the the fans and their stars closer.
After having a blast last year, Zee Talkies will break its own boundaries of celebration. With keeping viewers choices in mind, Zee Talkies is all set to honor viewer’s favorite stars in Maharashtracha Favourite Kon 2011.
Keeping with the tradition of igniting the passion of devoted fans, Lux Maharashtra’s Favourite Kon 2011 had given the viewers an exclusive opportunity to nominate their favorites through various categories. Lux Maharashtra’s Favorite Kon 2011, is all about respecting and rewarding viewer’s choices’! This year there are total 15 nominations including some exclusive categories like Favorite Style Icon & Favorite Popular face.
Santosh Juvekar, Aniket Vishwasrao and Jitendra Joshi are nominated for Favourite Style Icon while Tejasawini Pandit, Kranti Redkar and Urmila Kanetkar will compete for the crown of Favorite Popular face. This year films from different genres like ‘Mee Sindhutai Sapkal’, ‘Taryanche Bait’, ‘Balgandharva’, ‘Lalbaug Parel’ and ‘Fakta Ladh Mhana’ will compete with each other for favorite film category.
For Favorite Actor’s category, Sachin Khedekar (Taryanche Bait), Subodh Bhave (Balgandharva) and Swapnil Joshi (Mumbai Pune Mumbai) are nominated while for Favorite actress section , Tejaswini Pandit (Mee Sindhutai Sapkal), Madhura Velankar (Haapus) and Mukta Barve (Mumbai Pune Mumbai) have neen nominated. So, get ready to for the viewers’ choice awards of Marathi Cinema world from Zee Talkies i.e. Lux Maharashtracha Favourite Kon 2011 .
Hi Vaat Jeevaanachi’ to release by year end

Today, we find some of our senior citizens living a lonely life. One such couple is presented through forthcoming Marathi film ‘Hi Vaat Jeevanachi’. Dr. Vilas Ujavane and Alka Athlye play the older couple, who have lost their only son in an accident.
The film is produced by Harbans Siddhu, who is a Punjabi, but born and brought up in Mumbai. He likes to be associated with Marathi films qand therefore decided to complete the film under his direction, after his director left the film half way. But, with good support coming from senior artistes like Dr. Ujavane and Alka Athlye, he was motivated to move further towards the completion of this project.
The film which also stars Pooja Nayak, Gouri Jadhav, Sunil Holkar and Sanchit Vartak will be released by end of December this year.
First Look at ‘What an idea Mai !’

You may think it’s a tagline for the advertisement of Idea mobile, but ‘What an idea Mai!’ is the title of the new Marathi film (Perhaps inspired by the Idea ad) due for release on 4th November 2011. The Press conference of this film was held at Hotel Kohinoor, Prabhadevi today evening, when the first look of this film was released. Producers Madhavanand Bhatt and Meenakshi Bhatt who are making a debut through this film as Producers, have given an opprtunity to Praveen Shetye to direct his first independent film as a director. Based on the script of Anil Pawar, the film also introduces a new actress Twisha Bhatt in the role of grand daughter to Usha Nadkarni, who plays the title role being the head of a middle class family.
Present on the occasion were Usha Nadkarni, Vijay Chavan, Abhijit Chavan (Comedy Express fame), Megha Bhagwat, Shivani Karadkar, dirctor Praveen Shetye alongwith Bhatt family members and the crew members of the film . The story of the film revolves around the head of the family- Mai, who puts in all efforts to save her joint family from a split. After return of her grand daughter from abroad, what trick she plays, is the theme of the film. “It is a family social, delivering a message to the society.” said director Praveen Shetye, while briefing about his debut film. “It’s an entertainer, besides offering a timely subject.” he added.
While speaking on the occasion Producer Madhavanand Bhatt, spoke in Marathi stating that he lived in Mumbai for the past 50 years and thought of doing a film for his karmabhoomi. Mr. Bhatt, had already attempted one film ‘Sipahee’ in Hindi based on soldiers, since his birth place being Uttarakhand, which is known as soldier’s hub. “I am a builder by profession, but my interest in films and the story of Anil Pawar inspired me to do this film in Marathi. I could not find a better person than Praveen Shetye as a director; as I had full faith in his work.” he said.
Usha Nadkarni was in a great mood to speak on the occasion. Firstly, she thanked the producer and in particular his wife, who according to her was there all the time with the unit to look after the needs. “It was so nice of her, to personally take interest in all our requirements. I thank her for her enthusiasm. Even the new acress is hard working and bright girl.” she said. Mr. Vijay Chavan and Mr. Abhijit Chavan narrated few funny incidences during their shooting schedule. Both thanked the director for doing a good job on his debut. Lyrics by Prasad Kulkarni , music by Yug Bhusal and Cinematography by Rajaram Patil are the other credits of this film.
Shatjanma Shodhitana – a tribute to Veer Savarkar

Aami Goenkar celebrated their 8th birthday today with a tribute to Great freedom Fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar through a musical programme ‘Shodh ha Nava – Shatjanma Shodhitana’ presented by Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak Mumbai and Maharshtra Military School, Murbad; at the Savarkar Auditorium, Shivaji Park.
The three hour long programme comprised of clippings from Savarkar’s film and a musical programme comprising of songs and dances on his writings in the form of Lavani, Powada, folk art and drama skits. The presentation of the programme and the sequencing was the best to give a glimpse of the life of the freedom fighter, his sacrifice for the country and his literature.
The programme was anchored by Manjiri Marathe and Shriram Kelkar. While some of the performers were, Amruta Satbhai, Varsha Bhave, Rupali Desai, Nandesh Umap, Chaitanya Kulkarni, Sayali Joshi, Ketki Bhave and Deepak Velankar. Nandesh Umap for his folk song and Varsha Bhave for the title song received big applause from the wholehearted audience. Superb Production design by Ranjit Savarkar and wonderful stage lighting by Sheetal Talpade are other credits. Amog many dignitories present were Dr. Premanand Ramani (World renowned Spinal surgeon) with his wife and Dr. Girish Pai. Mr. Sanjay Hegde and his wife Dr. Asmita Hegde worked hard to make this programme a grand success.
Swarajya MP3′ Music launched

Raees Lashkaria’s new Marathi film ‘Swarajya – Marathi Paul Padate Pudhe’ is all set for release on 11the November 2011, but the music of this film was launched today at the Mini Auditorium of Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi. The entire star cast of this film was present besides the technical crew and those behind its music.
There are total seven songs in this film including the title song with leading singers like Sudesh Bhosale, Sadhana Sargam, Tyagraj Khadilkar, Ravindra Sathe and Nandesh Umap rendering their voices. Sudesh Bhosale and Tyagraj Khadilkar were present on the occasion and also spoke a few words about the beautiful compositions. Besides a strong script the film is also banking on its music. Music by Nitin Hivarkar and background music by Amitraj are the other cedits of the album. The lyrics are by Vihar Ghag, who has also written the script besides directing this film alongwith Vishal Ghag.
Before releasing the Music CD Mr. Vishal Ghag, invited all the artistes and the crew members including the people associated with songs and music and felicitated them. He also did not forget the film’s PRO Ganesh Gargote. He thanked the producer Raees Lashkaria, for encouraging him to make this film. This is a debut film for the director duo, who were all excited about the concept of this film which inspires Marathi Manoos to come forward leaving aside that inferiority complex within him. ‘Swarajya MP3′ is also the debut film for leading lady Namrata Gaikwad, who has come from stage background and done one serial of Alka Kubal before getting this role. ‘Zhenda’ fame Rajesh Shrigarpure plays the strong lead character of Ram Marathe, who fights against injustice along with Anshuman Vichare and the leading lady. The other artistes of this film comprise of Darshan Jhariwala, Arun Nalawade, Ila Bhate, Kiran Mane, Nirmala Kotnis, Hemangi Kavi-Dhumal, Varsha Dadale, Sushrut Mankani, Mahesh Kokate, Mahendra Dhule, Abhay Rane, Bala Javkar, Arun Bhadsavale, Jaiwant Patekar, Dilip Khadvilkar, Priya Sonavne and others.
Music of ‘Deool’ launched in a big way

The music launch of much talked about Marathi film ‘Deool’ took place today late evening at Mumbai’s PVR theatre, Juhu in a big way. The star attraction of the evening was the presence of two stalwarts from the film industry – Mr. Naseeruddin Shah and Mr. Nana Patekar, who are coming together for the first time through this film.
While Naseeruddin Shah has a small role to play, it is the presence of Nana Patekar in ‘Deool’ has invited the attention of Marathi film lovers and that too opposite another versatile actor – Dilip Prabhavalkar. The film has a very big star cast comprising of popular and talented artistes like Dr. Mohan Agashe, Sonali Kulkarni, Shashank Shende, Smita Tambe, Vibhavari Deshpande, Kishore Kadam, Atisha Naik, Jyoti Subhash, Hrishikesh Joshi, Usha Nadkarni, Shrikant Yadav and others.
While speaking on the occasion, Producer Abhijit Gholap a software professional expressed his gratitude to the writer director pair comprising of Girish and Umesh Kulkarni for their sincere efforts in making such a wonderful film. “Both of them are my good friends and hence through this film, it was a good occasion to present something memorable to the audience.” he said.
Director Umesh Kulkarni, also appreciated the attitude of the producer for being liberal and showing complete faith in him. “Besides the strong script, the film’s music is something special and I am sure, it has gone very well with the theme of this film,” he added. Music director Mangesh Dhakade and Lyricists Sudhir Moghe and Swanand Kirkire also spoke on the occasion. Sanjay Chhaberia, who is distributing this film wished the entire team a grand success. But, it was the duo Naseeruddin Shah and Nana Patekar received all the attention.
While Naseeruddin Shah recalled his days of struggle and the kind of films he did and compared the change taking place in film making. “I am happy that while doing commercial films in Hindi, I am also associated with a sensible film like ‘Deool’, he said in his short speech. But, Nana Patekar was in great form, as he called the producers during his struggling days for being partial, only favouring the actors from Hindi stage. “It is for this reason, Naseeruddin Shah got an early break into films and I remained behind. I really used to envy him.But, he is no doubt an excellent actor and I really admire his talent.” he concluded.
‘Deool’ is all set for release after Diwali, on 4th November 2011.
‘Nave Valan’ Marathi film fest at NCPA

The National Centre For Performing Arts, after showcasing the best of Marathi contemporary cinema for the past two years; is back with ‘Nave Valan 2011′, its third edition, with five films that have won both critical acclaim and popular vote at various film festivals.
The festival opens at their Little Theatre with Sujay Dahake’s film ‘Shala’ on 9th October 2011 with two shows at 3.30 and 6.30 pm respectively. The other four films to be shown between 10th and 13th October are : ‘Champions’, ‘Balgandharva’, ‘Taryanche Bait’ and ‘Babu Band Bajaa’ (All with English sub-titles) at 6.30 pm daily. There will also be an interactive session ‘Chauraha’ after the show everyday.
Sad demise of Sushma Joshi

Classical Singer Sushma Joshi is no more. Mother of popular actress and TV programme Producer Pallavi Joshi and former actor Master Alankar, she was ill for a long time. She breathed her last at 3pm today at Lilawati Hospital, Mumbai. She is survived by husband Madhusudan Joshi, 2 daughters, son, sons in law and grandchildren.
Sushma Joshi was an exponent of classical music and took lessons in classical singing from Pt. Manohar Barve, Master Damle & Jaymala Shiledar. Her guru fro classical music was Laxmiprasad Jaipurwale. She acquired her Master’s degree in Music from SNDT University. Her funeral will take place on at 10 am Friday 7th October 2011 at Shivaji Park, Dadar.