We had seen some of the film makers, openly opting for product endorsement through their film’s screenplay. But, now our TV serial producers have also started the same. As it is, there are plenty of commercial ads, during the frequent breaks, taken by popular serials almost on all TV channels. On Monday 29th June, we witnessed the characters of Archana and Mai, openly advertising a particular Pain relieving cream. It was not just a casual mention of the cream, but repeatedly hammered its brand name, stating that it was also recommended by the doctors.

Since, the beginning has been made now, others are likely to follow; taking the home viewers for granted. So, don’t be surprised, if you find Shree suggesting his Aai Aaji to massage his hair, with a particular brand of oil, recommended by a popular actress. Then, Runji suggesting her sister to use a particular brand of lipstick and Shubhra using a particular brand of baby soap and oil, for her new born baby. And, what if, Ashu is presented a popular brand of longer lasting vest , by his room mates? By the way, Meenal is already in search of a cream for her face and shampoo for her hair care. Can you guess, which brands Anna would suggest her?

Now, there is a good news for actress Mrunal Dusanis fans. The popular small screen actress is returning back to small screen soon. This time, she will be seen on Colors channel, through their forthcoming serial ‘Asa Saasar Surekh Bai’. Promos of this serial have already started appearing on Colors channel. But, this time Mrunal will not be seen with her previous co star Chinmay ; as he is busy with ‘Tu Majha Sangati’. His place, seems to have been taken by Santosh Juvekar, another angry young man of Marathi films. By the way, this time Mrunal is playing a smart young woman, unlike her previous roles of woman undergoing sufferings. Frankly speaking, she did need that change. Hope, this serial doesn’t turn a typical Saas-Bahu serial, after few episodes. All the best Mrunal.

Sanskruti Kala Darpan awards programme was telecast on Colors channel on Sunday evening. With the rains arriving in Maharashtra , it was the right time for this show, to have maximum audience viewership for this programme. And it turned out to be a wholesome entertainment, with variety offered through this colorful event. Even otherwise, the home viewers watch such programmes, not only to see the artistes receiving the awards but to watch the performances of their favourite celebrities. And, they did not let down the audience.

With their 15th year of awards, the organizers of the Sanskruti Kala Darpan seemed to have shown a lot of improvement in selection and presentation of dances in particular, besides selecting the right and deserving people for awards. It was nice to see the talented actresses like Pallavi Patil (television serial – Runji) and Dnyanada Panse ( Drama – Tya Tighanchi Goshta) receiving their awards in their respective categories . Both of them were decently dressed up for the occasion.

The spectacular show arranged by Archana Nevrekar Foundation and Chandrashekhar Sandve saw some wonderful performances by celebrities like Sanskruti Balgude, Aarti Solanki, Smita Gondkar, Manasi Naik , Hemangi Kavi and others. The carnival show with Maria.. dance performed by Sanskruti Balgude was really a worth watch. Pushkar Shrotri anchored the show very well; but Kranti Redkar was involved in lot of unnecessary overacting, as a co anchor.

The grand huge set erected for this purpose, also showed the dedication of the hosts in presenting the best. However, it was surprising to find some of the award winners not present, to collect their awards. Some of them perhaps had valid reason; but when some award functions are held abroad, we generally find good attendance of award winners. Isn’t that something strange?

Anyway, thanks to Colors channel and Archana Nevrekar Foundation, for offering a quality entertainment to home viewers. Those who have missed the telecast, may expect the repeat telecast, if there are more requests made to the channel. They will surely oblige. After all, every channel offers, what their viewers like the most.

India’s Former Test Cricketer Sandeep Patil’s son Chirag is all set to make his debut on small screen, through Star Pravah’s new serial ‘Yek Number’’ This serial, on the backdrop of an Engineering college, will be telecast from 22nd June 2015, from Monday to Saturday at 9 pm.

Chirag had already made his debut in Marathi films, through ‘RadaRox’ released four years ago. But, that film didn’t do well. Sai Tamhankar was also part of that film. But, now, Chirag will make his debut on small screen in a big way, as he is playing the lead character of Deva Bhandari, son of a big industrialist, who is studying engineering; but, wants to earn quick money. However, his leading lady Veda in this serial, is played by Madhuri Desai, who is also making her debut through this TV serial. With the introduction of this serial, Star Pravah is all set to capture young audience at prime time.

While one Patil is making his debut on small screen, another Patil, i.e. Vikas Patil from the serial ‘Majhiya Mahera’ on Colors channel, is now playing hero opposite Prarthana Behere, in coming Friday film ‘Tujhya Vin Mar Javan’ . By the way, there is one more Patil, i.e. Pallavi Patil, lead star from Star Pravah’s serial ‘Runji’, who is also making her debut in Marathi film. through ‘Dhangarwada’.

Another Star Pravah serial ‘Preeti Pari Tujhavari’ recently completed 100 episodes; but it is yet to pick up, as far as its viewership is concerned. Today, any new serial is facing tough competition from reality shows on different channels. And, when we talk about the shows for couples, especially for housewives, we can surely count ‘Aamchya Gharaat Subai Joraat’ on Colors channel, presented by Prasad Oak. This show has surely posed competition to Aadesh Bandekar’s Home Minister on Zee Marathi, because of holding good family competition, with variety of games.

Maharashtra, which is known as the land of saints, has witnessed miracles performed by these saints since 12^th century. Some of them were disciples of Lord Vitthala, which enabled them to perform miracles. Today, we still find devotees of these saints and prominent among them is Tukoba alias Saint Tukaram. At present, we are watching a serial ‘Tu Majha Sangati’, on Colors Marathi channel; which is a biography of Tukaram. And, this serial has attracted a good viewership.

Till now, we saw the happenings in the family life of Tukoba; but now, the stage has come to see Tukoba turning into Saint Tukaram, because of villagers witnessing his miracles.  So, for the first time on small screen the viewers had an opportunity to witness an ordinary family person like Tukoba achieving the status of a saint.

It is understood that actor Chinmay Mandlekar, who had earlier played a negative type of role through his previous serial, has now won the hearts of millions of viewers across Maharashtra, while performing the character of Tukoba, in this serial. Recently, we saw him chanting the name of Lord Vitthala, continuously. Chinmay himself is reported to have said, that he has himself attained peace   of mind in the process, which is so necessary in today’s busy lifestyle. ‘Tu Majha Sangati’, which is a period serial, is telecast from Monday to Saturday at 7.30 pmon Colors channel.

In the past, we had seen the promotion of forthcoming Marathi films taking place in reality comedy shows on television. But, in the recent past, we noticed the stars of these films also making a guest appearance, to openly promote their films. And, that really looks funny, as the ongoing story of the serial deviates. Now, we understand that Swapnil Joshi is entering Zee Marathi’s serial ‘Dil Dosti Duniyadari’ for few episodes, playing an actor himself. So, let us wait and see, whether he is sincerely making a guest appearance or is coming to promote his forthcoming film ? Sometimes, well known artistes have to remain in limelight, through such guest appearances or modelling assignments, if there is time for their next film.

In ‘Majhe Mann Tujhe Jhale’ serial on Colors channel, we did see Shekhar and Shubhra exposing the business of Bapuji and getting him arrested. But, that is not enough; as we saw this Bapuji stating that he would come back, because of his plenty of supporters. But, we have always seen only few supporters on screen so far. May be in forthcoming episodes, we will get to see a big mob, demanding his release. Because, there is nothing more left in this serial now. Is it concluding with a happy end ?

She has taken over from Madhura Deshpande, who was earlier anchoring the show ‘Comedy Chi Bullet Train’. With the arrival of Tejaswini Pandit, the show has gained more popularity, as she is very  impressive through this show. Her arrival  has brought a special flavor to this comedy show. With the presence of Makarand Anaspure and Renuka Shahane as encouraging judges, the show only boosts the confidence of  the participating teams, to perform better and better.

In this comedy show on Colors channel, there are resourceful artistes like Supriya Pathare, Vishakha Subhedar and Paddy kamble; but the performances of  Shashikant & Namrata performing together, cannot be ignored. They are simply superb. Even otherwise, little known comedy performers have found this show, as a good platform, to display their talent. Best thing about this programme are the subjects selected for the skits. They are related to day to day happenings in the life of common man and the jokes generated from it, are really enjoyable.

In another serial on Colors channel ‘Tu Majha Sangati’ , till now, we had noticed only the family affairs of Tukaram;  but now,  the serial seems to have picked up, showing his encounter with people, who ill treated him. Now, it remains to be seen, how the makers would make it more interesting,  to show his remaining encounters with people who opposed him.

Do you know that Pankaj Vishnu, whom we see in a new commercial ad with his new hair style and who keeps on appearing  sometimes, in the detective serial ‘Asmita’;  hosts an interesting  show ‘Crime’ on DD-Sahyadri.? ‘ This programme is presented every Monday, Tuesday at4.30 pm. Now, talking about DD-Sahyadri, there are other interesting serials  on variety of subjects. ‘Ashi Hi Dharmakanya’, ‘Aamhi  Ithale  Sikandar’ & ‘Bandhan’, are just few names to mention.

During the week,  on Marathi news channels, we noticed the glimpse of  Amruta Khanvilkar’s performance on Star Plus reality show ‘Nach Baliye 7′. Amruta is representing Maharashtrachi Marathi mulgi in this show. It is understood that she has practiced very hard along with her hubby, who is her dance partner in this show. Amruta will appear on Sunday 8 pm show, as advertised on Marathi news channels .But, Sundaywill be the finals of IPL. So, how many people are going to watch her performance? Those who are going to miss it, should not regret, as Amruta is going to stay in this competition, as she has worked very hard, during rehearsals.

Accidents and hospitalizations  are very common in TV serials. We have seen this happen, in case of Janhavi in ‘Honar Suun Mi Hya Gharchi’. And, now we see Aditi from ‘Ka Re Durava’, meeting with an accident on road and being admitted to hospital. So, now there is a lot of curiosity among the viewers of this serial, whether she will also lose her consciousness, on the lines of Janhavi ?  If that happens, let us try to find out, what are the possibilities?

In the first case, she will be taken home by her parents. In that case, she may not even recognize her husband Jai. So, there will be plenty of scope for her Boss Avinash to come closer to Aditi. And, that is what her father would want to happen. Another possibility is that Aditi may declare in front of her Boss that Jai is her husband. But, is that possible in the serial, which wants to extend its screenplay for a longer period ?  Anyway, Let us wait and see, what happens in the coming week.

On the other side, ‘Honar Suun Mi Hya Gharchi’,  which had become terribly boring in the recent past , is slowly picking up, as the viewers would  like to see Janhavi back with Shree, with her mother getting exposed, for her wrong deeds. But, when will Bapuji played by Rahul Mehendale in ‘Majhe Mann Tujhe Jhale’ get exposed ? Well, it’s time for all the bad characters getting exposed. And, the best example was that of Mothi Aai getting exposed, in the serial ‘Runjhi’. But, she is still waiting for an opportunity to strike back.

As pointed out last time, most of the other serials are just passing  time, as the craze for IPL Cricket would reach its peak, for next few days. We are watching this happen in the case of Marathi films, which have also postponed its releases and so is the case with TV serials. The only option left with ongoing serials,  is to drag on with not so important happenings. Instead of finding promotion of films in some of the promotion based show, now we find the promotions of two or three Marathi dramas happening together. So, wait till 25^th May, to watch all twists and turns to take place, in our Marathi serials

After showing the double role of lead actor Harish Dudhade, ‘Majhe MannTujhe Zhale’ serial on Colors channel, is now presenting some violence filled acts. So, actress Swarda Thigale has been sidelined, with the arrival of Rahul Mehendale, playing the prominent role of a fraud Swamiji, who is into illegal business, under the pretext of running an ashram for poor children. While Rahul shows his dominance through his character, we notice the original hero becoming his disciple, having blind faith in him. Isn’t that something strange, as the hero of this serial, is shown as a well educated person?

What is shocking is that in last few episodes, we saw the character of Swamiji cold bloodedly killing two persons, who came to know the truth about him. One doesn’t understand, how such a character, who is a criminal, has been hyped in this serial ? Isn’t that sending a wrong message? Serial makers and the channels have some responsibility , to see that such characters are not glorified. By the way, few months ago Rahul Mehendale who played a committed team leader of Maharashtra Police team, in the serial on the same channel ‘Jai Maharashtra Police..’ is now playing a criminal. Will it benefit him, if the same serial starts again with new cases?

During the month of May, every Sunday Zee talkies channel have started showing Disney cartoon films, which are dubbed into Marathi. Instead of showing these foreign cartoon films, it would have been better, if they had shown Hindi cartoon films based on Indian mythology, by dubbing them in Marathi. At least, that would have offered some knowledge to the little children. Many popular Marathi artistes have played dubbing artistes for the cartoon characters. But, don’t think our little viewers will be able to identify their voices.

There are no interesting happenings noticed in ongoing Marathi serials; except ‘Asmita’, which had taken up the issue of senior citizens. Many popular Marathi TV artistes are seen in every new story in this serial. It seems that other serials are still worried about the ongoing IPl T20 cricket matches, telecast of which coincides with prime time.