Big ‘B’ Amitabh Bachchan to be part of Marathi play
After producing a Marathi film ‘Vihir’, which received international acclaim, Big ‘B’ Amitabh Bachchan is in news once again in Marathi entertainment. Recently, he confirmed his participation at MIFTA Marathi awards in Dubai and now there is a news that he will be part of Mahesh Manjrekar’s new play ‘Mee Sharukh Manjarsumbhekar‘ which stars Siddharth Jadhav in the lead role.
What role Mr. Bachchan will play is not yet clear. Whether, he will actually perform on stage or be a narrator through Video projection system during the play, is to be seen. If Mr. Bachchan really takes part in the live show, all the shows will run to full house; but, even if he plays a narrator, it’s a fine gesture on his part.
Saurabh Vakhare turns Professional singer
Saurabh Vakhare who managed to reach the last 5 stage in E-TV’s reality show “Gaurav Maharashtracha” , has turned a professional singer, with an offer coming from Dr. Salil Kulkarni. Saurabh recently recorded a song for Dr. Salil, in the film ‘Jana Gana Mana’, scheduled for release soon.
Saurabh, who is studying in std. 8th, hails from Nagar district in Maharashtra. He had taken part in the trials for the show, which were held in Nashik and qualified for the show. His talent was noticed by Dr. Salil, when he visited the show as a guest.
‘Jana Gana Mana‘ directed by Amit Abhyankar, stars Nandu Madhav, Madhura Velankar and Santosh Juvekar in lead roles. The film has three songs , out of which one is sung by Saurabh.
M. D. College bags maximum ‘Mrugajal’ awards
Maharshi Dayanand College artistes from Mumbai proved their supremacy in the inter-collegiate circle, when they bagged maximum awards in the final round of ‘Mrugajal’ one act play competition held at Dinanath Mangeshkar hall, recently. Besides bagging the best One act play award for their presentation ‘Girgaon via Dadar’, they also bagged awards in best writer, best direction, best actress, best lighting, best music and best art direction categories.
The second prize went to Mumbai University’s ‘Ek Don Adich’, which also bagged an award for best presentation in Viewer’s choice category. The third place was secured by M .L. Dahanukar’s ‘Lapachupi’. The best actor’s award was bagged by Ninad Limaye (Ek Don Adich) and the best actress award went to Rujuta Bagwe (Girgaon via Dadar).
Amitabh Bachchan to attend MIFTA awards
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be the star attraction among the host of celebrities who will be part of the first ever Marathi International Film and Theatre Awards (MIFTA) to be held in Dubai from December 16-18. Apart from the awards function, about 13 Marathi movies would be screened during the three-day event…
According to reliable sources, Mr. Bachchan is preparing his speech in Marathi for tis occasion. The organizers also wish to honour Big ‘B’ banner marathi film ‘Vihir‘, which will be screened . Filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, who is the brain behind the concept to take Marathi cinema overseas, is all set to make this awards function a grand success.
‘Aatapitaa’ to release on 10th December
Samarth Art Innovatives ‘Aatapitaa’ is all set to release in Maharashtra (excluding Vidarbha) on 10th December 2010 in about 70 to 80- theatres simultaneously. Written and directed by Uttung Shelar, the film stars Bharat Jadhav and Sanjay Narvekar in this so called situational comedy.
On Saturday 4th December 2010, the director introduced his team (excluding Bharat Jadhav, who was absent) to the Press at a function held in Punjab Association Hall, Kings Circle, Mumbai; when promos of the film were shown. While speaking on the occasion, Mr. Uttung Shelar made it clear that his film was a commercial film and that he has focused on both Single screen and Multiplex audience.
Story of the film revolves around Ashutosh (Bharat Jadhav) , who works in Municipality’s Water Department and lives in a chawl. His dream is to become a top writer and accordingly works in that direction. He is highly impressed with the behaviour and attitude of Nandu (Sanjay Narvekar) and decides to make him the hero of his story. But, after he begins to write, strange happenings take place in Nandu’s life. The film is about all those twists and turns, before Ashutosh successfully completes his story.
The other important stars of the film are Ashwini Apte, Girish Salvi, Pradeep kabre, Mohan Khambete, Pratibha Goregaonkar, Raju Shisadkar, Santosh Patil, Rahul Kulkarni, Rohan Bhalekar, Pradeep Doifode, Nikhil Khairnar and Satish Pulekar in special appearance. Produced by Bhooshan Patil, Deepali Samant and Aachal Rane, the dialogues of the film have been written by ‘Comedy Express’ fame Prashant Loke. Lyrics by Girish Salvi and Music by Sanjeev Kohli are the other credits. Cinematography is by Prasad Bhende.
Many Marathi films lined up for release before year end
While Gajendra Ahire gets ready with his next film ‘Samudra’, young director Nitin kamble is also set to release his new film ‘Chandrakala’ on the same day, i.e. 17th December 2010. While ‘Samudra’, a period film is based on the backdrop of picturesque Konkan offering a triangular love story, ‘Chandrakala’ offers the challenge taken by the daughter of a Tamasha organizer, who refuses to carry forward the profession of her mother. She revolts against the system. There is no doubt that both the films are handling sensitive subjects.
In ‘Samudra’ you will find Sonalee playing the beautiful girl Nanda, with the introduction of new male star Amogh, while in ‘Chandrakala’ Megha Ghadge plays opposite Varad Chavan, son of Vijay Chavan. Both the films have a strong supporting cast.
Another film to follow on December 24th will be ‘Chal Dharpakad’ which is also based on injustice on women, where director Atmaram Dharne has used the game of Kabaddi to indicate challenge posed by females led by Nirmiti Sawant. On the defending side is Nagesh Bhosale.
But, the most awaited film is Vikram Gokhale directed multi-starrer film ‘Aaghaat’ based on medical science in which Bollywood actor Kiran Kumar also makes his appearance. At the same time, two more multi-starrer Marathi films ‘Ideachi Kalpana’ and ‘Shahanpan Dega deva’ are also expected to be released before the end of this year.
Tanveer Sanman for Sulabha Deshpande
Veteran Marathi actress Sulabha Deshpande will be honoured with the prestigious Tanveer Sanman 2010 for her contribution to theatre, films and television. The award, initiated by Roopwedh Pratishthan, will be presented to her at the Yashwantrao Chavan auditorium, Kothrud, between 6.30 pm and 9 pm on December 9. The award comprises Rs 1 lakh, a memento and a certificate. Actor Nana Patekar will be the chief guest of this event.
The Tanveer Natyadharmi Puraskar is a fellowship of the Pratishthan worth Rs 30,000, which will go to theatre artsite Veena Jamkar. Initiated in 2004, Roopwedh Pratishthan felicitates every year theatre personalities who have made rich contributions to theatre, but are no more in the spotlight. Dr. Shreeram Lagoo executive president of Roopwedh Pratishthan, has made this announcement.
‘Natasamrat’ on Big Screen with Nana Patekar
“If I think of doing ‘Natasamrat’ on Big screen, it will be with Nana Patekar playing the title role,” said film maker Mahesh Manjrekar in the past. Today, we see the chances of watching this film soon. Nana has given his nod for playing the role of Ganpat ( Appa) Belwalkar, which was done on stage by many popular veteran Marathi stage artistes.
Based on the tragic story in the life of a famous actor who was once conferred with the prestigious ‘Natasamrat’ award , the play in Marathi had received overwhelming response in the past. Now, it remains to be seen, how much of success the film receives in days to come. But, one thing is sure that Nana Patekar with his graceful voice and extra ordinary acting talent would certainly offer something different.
According to the latest reports, few changes will be made in the original story, to suit the requirements of the screenplay of the film. May be, few more characters will be added. But, all eyes would be on this new form of ‘Natasamrat’. The other artistes of the film are yet to be finalized.
Vinod and Makarand strike the Googlies from Avadhoot
Avadhoot Gupte has now taken over the responsibility of an Anchor of the new show on Zee Marathi. In this new entertaining programme – ‘Fair & Lovely – Khupte Tithe Gupte‘ he will be bowling his Googlies in the form of questions to two popular personalities- Vinod Kambli and Makarand Deshpande. We are well aware of Vinod kambli’s ability to strike every ball he played, but it may be recalled that Makarand too has played his cricket at national level in the past. In short, both of them are good strikers of any googley bowled to them.
The first episode has been well received with Ashok Saraf and Chhgan Bhujbal facing the googlies from Avadhoot very well. This particular episode, which has been shot on Vinod and Makarand will be telecast on Saturday 27th November 2010 at 9.30 pm on Zee Marathi. Besides, recalling some of their memorable moments, both the celebrities have also performed dance to entertain the audience.
Popatpanchi Soon On Marathi Stage
Producers Vikram Watve and Pradeep Muley under the banner of Magic Wall, (a professional institute offering a platform to capable artistes to display their talents) have decided to launch their Marathi stage play ‘Popatpanchi’ with the first show to begin from 4th of December 2010. In a Press conference held at Kohinoor Hall, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, the writer and director of the play Mr. Shafahat Khan made his intentions very clear about presenting this play, which has a team of promising artistes instead of popular faces. “ We are very confident about our theme which is based on an ancient tale ‘Shukabahattari’ where a Parrot entertains a person’s wife, while he is away on tour; so that she doesn’t feel lonely at home,” said the producers.
“Popatpanchi’ is actually based on a Don who flees to a foreign country, leaving behind his wife Myna, in the company of a person named Popat, to narrate her different stories, to entertain her. However, Myna puts a condition to Popat, for listening those stories. With the presentation of these stories, which are very much related to the present day situation in the society, the drama tries to offer a kind of entertainment with a message.
‘Popatpanchi’ is a two act play with talented artistes like Kishore Chougule, Mangesh Salvi, Sudesh Mhashilkar, Rasika Agashe, Yogini Chouk, Pradnya Shastri, Rupesh Jadhav, Praveenkumar Dalimbkar, Siddhesh Shelar & Purnanad Vandekar. Most of whom have passed out from reputed acting schools. Rahul Ranade has offered the music to this unusual play.