Babasaheb Purandare passes away at 99
Writer, historian and theatre personality Balwant Moreshwar Purandare popularly known as Babasaheb Purandare passed away early hours today. He was 99. He was undergoing treatment for Pnemonia at Pune’s Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. Babasaheb was an authority on all the information about Shiv Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj . He had made all efforts to bring alive the epoch of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through his 900 page magnum opus ‘Raja Shiv Chhatrapati’ which was first published in 1950.
During his young age, Babasaheb started writing stories related to the period of Great Maratha King Shivaji’s reign, which were later compiled and published in a book titled ‘Thinagya’ ( Sparks) . His other works include books titled ‘Raja ShivChhatrapati’, ‘Kesari’ and a book on life of Narayanrao Peshwa. But the most well-known of his works is the mega drama, ‘Janata Raja’ a widely popular play on Shivaji Maharaj published and first staged in 1985. Since then the drama has been staged over 1000 times in 16 districts of Maharashtra, Agra, Delhi, Bhopal, and the United States.
A 2008 TV show ‘Raja ShivChhatrapati’ depicting the life of the great Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj was based on the novel of Babasaheb Purandare. With his passing away, we have lost a great historian.
Trailer of Bhushan- Prarthana starrer ‘Ajinkya’ released on social media
Trailer of Bhushan Pradhan and Prarthana Behere starrer film ‘Ajinkya’ has been released on social media, which has received very good response. Written and directed by debutant A. Kadir, this film is all set for release in theatres in Maharashtra on 19th November 2021. The film speaks about the economic crisis noticed in rural and urban areas. In this film, Bhushan who is seen in a corporate look has plenty of scope while portraying this character. Prarthana is also having an equally important lead role in this film, as noticed in the trailer.
The film also stars other important artistes in prominent roles. They comprise of Uday Tikekar, Arun Nalawade, Ganesh Yadav, Aniket Kelkar, Prasad Javade, Padmanabh Bimb, Triyug Mantri, Vandana Vaknis and Pallavi Patil. Rohan- Rohan music will also be one of the highlights of this film with four well composed songs, which have been receiving good response from the music lovers. So, let us hope that this film succeeds in drawing the crowds to the cinema halls, after a long period of lockdown. This film is produced by the team comprising of Arunkant Shukla, Neeraj Anand, Raghvendra K Bajpayee, Babalal Shaikh, Rahul Londhe and Ved P Sharma
“I am very excited about release of ‘Jhimma’ in theatres”- Hemant Dhome
Hemant Dhome directed film ‘Jhimma’ will be the first Marathi film to be released in theatres after reopening of the cinema theatres after the long lockdown period. And therefore, there is a lot of curiosity among the Marathi film lovers about this film. Recently, the makers of this film Amey Vinod Khopkar Entertainment , Crazy Few Films , presenters Chalchitra Company and director Hemant Dhome released the trailer of this film in a preview theatre in Mumbai, to give a feel of cinema hall to the invited media persons.
Speaking on this occasion, director Hemant Dhome said, “After a long period of lockdown, cinema halls are opening for filmlovers and going to cinema halls is safe now. And therefore, to remove the fear of corona from the minds of people and encourage them to go and watch the film in theatres, we organised the release of trailer in this preview theatre. This is the third film shot in London which is directed by me. I am therefore, very excited about the release of this film. In this film you will find women from different age groups who are talented artistes. Being a multi starrer film, we all had a great fun during shooting . And our off screen fun filled enjoyment can also be seen onscreen in this film.”
This England trip fun filled film stars a big team of artistes comprising of Suhas Joshi, Nirmiti Sawant, Suchitra Bandekar, Kshiti Jog, Sonalee, Sayali Sanjeev, Mrunmayee Godbole, Siddharth Chandekar in lead roles. The film is all set for release on 19th November 2021.
Makers of ‘Ajunahi Barsat Aahe’ celebrate 100 episodes
Produced by Vidydhar Pathare and directed by Kedar Vaidya, the popular Marathi TV serial which was premiered on 12th July 2021 has now completed 100 episodes. Recently, in the latest episode we saw the wedding of the lead pair Mukta Barve and Umesh Kamat taking place in a dream sequence. So, it is expected that their characters Dr. Meera and Dr. Aadiraj will get married soon in the coming episodes.
At present we are watching Dr. Aadiraj’s father Dr. Sudhir Pathak in deep trouble and is being helped by his friend Dr. Vaishampayan, who in return is demanding the marriage of his daughter Sanika to Dr. Aadiraj. At the same time we find Dr. Meera’s friend Dr. Nikhil trying to help Dr. Vaishampayan in his mission, so that he could marry Dr. Meera. But, will this happen, when Dr. Aadiraj and Dr. Meera are made for each other? Let us wait and watch. One thing is sure that the big team of versatile artistes comprising of Rajan Bhise, Uma Sardeshmukh, Rajan Tamhane Suhita Thatte, Mihir Rajda, Samidha Guru, Sachin Deshpande, Sharmila Shinde, Sanket Karlekar, Purva Phadke, Vidyadhar Joshi, Prajakta Datar, Nikhil Rajeshirke, Smita Sarode Pallavi Vaidya and Mugdha Godbole ( guest appearance) have given their best performances to support the talented lead pair of Mukta and Umesh.
Gripping Screenplay by Rohini Ninave , good dialogues by Mugdha Godbole and appealing music by Ashok Patki are the other plus points of this serial for gaining popularity
‘Kesari’ fame Virat Madake leaves for Mangalore to shoot for new film
Marathi actor Virat Madake who shot into prominence after release of his debut film ‘Kesari’ is known for his strong built. Originally from Kolhapur, Virat first stepped into acting field while studying his Engineering, when he performed on stage through experimental plays. While he performed in one act plays, he also paid more attention on his physique, by shaping his body, which enabled him to find his role in the film ‘Kesari’. No wonder he found a big fan following after release of this film./’
Virat has also worked hard since then and now he has shared a good news on his social media page. He has revealed that he has found a new role in forthcoming film to be produced by Deepak Rane and will be proceeding to Mangalore for the shooting of this film. Virat is certainly excited about his new role, but it will be interesting to see what type of role he will be playing now. Incidentally, happy days are back for many artistes like Virat, as normalcy is returning everywhere after a long period of lockdown.
Historical ‘Ravrambha’ brings together Girish Kulkarni & Om Bhutkar
National award winning director and actor Girish Kulkarni will be seen along with talented young actor Om Bhutkar in forthcoming Marathi film ‘Ravrambha (रावरंभा)’ . Though Om Bhutkar will be playing the character of Rao, the character of Rambha will be played by Monalisa Bagal. The role of Girish Kulkarni has not bee finalised yet. ‘Raorambha’ is being produced by Shashikant Sheela Bhausaheb Pawar and is directed by Anup Jagdale, who had earlier directed films like ‘Bebhaan(बेभान)’, ‘Jhala Bobhata (झाला बोभाटा)’ and ‘Bhirkit (भिरकीट).
The shooting of this film will begin in Solapur from the month of December. In the history of Maharashtra the story of ‘Ravrambha’ was set on the backdrop Sahyadri mountain and this will be the first film being made on this subject. Incidentally, both Girish Kulkarni and Om Bhutkar have worked together in films like ‘Deool (देऊळ)’ and ‘Faster Fene (फास्टर फेणे)’. And now, they will be seen in this historical film, which will be a treat for their admirers.
Diwali Pahaat Musical programme ‘Bhimanna’ dedicated to Pt. Bhimsen Joshi
With some restrictions of theatre attendance still implemented, instead of hosting live programmes in presence of audience in theatres, Planet Marathi have come up with a novel idea of presenting a musical programme ‘Bhimanna’ on the occasion of ‘Diwali Pahaat’ on 5th November 2021 on their OTT platform. This being the centenary year of celebration of his birth anniversary, this programme which can be seen worldwide, is dedicated to Pt. Bhimsen Joshi and his classical presentations such as, ‘Tirth Vithha’, ‘Sakhi Mand Jhalya Taraka’, ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’ and many others will be presented on this occasion.
The main attraction of this programme is that all these songs of Panditji will be rendered by Ustaad Rashid Khan, while this programme will be anchored by Sunil Barve, who will also speak to Panditji’s close relatives and friends. The programme will also present the other side of Panditji and his way of encouraging new young singers. In all, it will be a good treat for music lovers, on the occasion of Diwali.
Revival of Marathi ‘Ovis’ on the occasion of Diwali
Ovis are devotional Marathi lyrics traditionally used by women while doing grinding work at home. They are four liners which form part of Marathi literature in Dnyaneshwari and Dasbodh. To remind one and all about this rich Marathi tradition and sweetness of the language, Planet Marathi will be offering this treasure series of Ovis on the occasion of Diwali. These Ovis have references to many important happenings from our history. This will help the new generation to understand our Marathi culture better.
This treasure of Ovis are offered in 23 different types which are presented by Samira Gujar in her melodious voice and directed by Jyoti Shinde. Speaking about this presentation, Planet Marathi chief Akshay Bardapurkar said, “Our effort is to revive the traditional Maharashtrian culture, by introducing these traditional Ovis to the new generation . And, there is no better time than Diwali, which is festival of happiness.”
Auto Workshop Manager to promote ‘Jayanti’ on a bicycle
In today’s digital era, when promotion of films is possible with a click of button, the traditional way of promoting a film on a bicycle still holds good. This was witnessed during promotion of Marathi film ‘Jayanti’ (जयंती). Shoeb Bagwan, a workshop manager in an automobile company in Mumbai, came forward to help the makers of ‘Jayanti’. He approached them after taking a month’s leave from his job.
Shoeb was very much impressed with the name of this film and its poster and teaser which was released on social media recently. He felt that this film deserved better publicity and wanted to be part of it. He decided to travel 830 kms distance from Dadar Chaityabhoomi to Nagpur- Deekshabhoomi on a bicycle by taking halt at every village boundary on the way, to explain people about the film. Speaking about the initiative taken by Shoeb, writer- director of this film Shailesh Naravade says, “ If this film can find an enthusiastic admirer before the release of the film, it is a clear indication that the film will receive a good response.” The film is all set to release on 12th November 2021.
Bhushan – Prarthana starrer ‘Ajinkya’ to be released on 19th November
There are many Marathi films, which were supposed to be released last year. However, due to Corona pandemic, they could not be released. One of them is Bhushan Pradhan and Prarthana Behere starrer film ‘Ajinkya’ (अजिंक्य ). Now, with announcement of reopening of theatres, Film ‘Ajinkya’ is all set for release on 19th November 2021. The film is directed by A. Kadir, who has also written the script of this film. This is his debut film as a director and for the first time the lead pair of Bhushan and Prarthana are working together in this film.
This film is produced by a big team producers comprising of Arunkant Shukla, Neeraj Anand, Raghvendra K Bajpayee, Babalal Shaikh, Rahul Londhe and Ved P Sharma while Umesh Narvekar is executive producer. Presented by Luminary Cine World and Exotic Media Pvt. Ltd. Besides Bhushan and Prarthana, this film also stars Uday Tikekar, Arun Nalawade, Ganesh Yadav, Aniket Kelkar, Prasad Javade, Padmanabh Bimb, Triyug Mantri, Vandana Waknis and Pallavi Patil in lead roles.
