Few years ago, we saw her making her debut as a heroine into Marathi films through Kanchan Adhikari’s film ‘Manini’. In that lead role Girija Oak proved that acting was in her blood. Her father Dr. Girish Oak, being a versatile popular stage, TV and film actor. With the background of medicine and science coming from the family (mother a Pharmacist) , Girija completed her graduation and is presently doing her MBA with distant learning.

Acting is not new to her. For the past fifteen years, she has been associated with it. After doing few Marathi films, for a long time she was looking for a suitable role in a Marathi TV serial. Finally, ‘Lajja’ offered what she actually deserved. It was a central role of Manu who struggles in her life at a very crucial stage when as young girl, she is exposed to good bad world of city life. Girija is happy that she got a chance to emote the true feelings of a girl under such circumstances and is trying to inspire others with her bold decisions. Till now, she has been able to attract viewers through her extra-ordinary acting skills. She communicates a lot through her eyes and brings in a lot of variation through her voice modulation, depending upon the circumstances in the scene.

Her much awaited Marathi film ‘Adgula Madgula’ opposite Subodh Bhave will be released in a month or two. She is also doing a film with Balaji productions, titled  ‘ Shor’ where she plays one of the three leading ladies, opposite US-based South Indian star Sendhil Ramamurthy. Tushar Kapoor is also there in this film. We have already seen her ability in Hindi, in Aamir Khan’s film ‘Taare Zameen Par’. But, watching her presently in the role of Manu, certainly goes on to say a lot about this talented actress. Marathi Movie World caught up with her during the Zee awards function. Excerpts from an interview
actress Girija Oak

Q: Were you seriously interested in acting career or landed in this industry just because your father is also a part of this industry?
A: I have been in this profession for the past fifteen years. It was only due to my education that I was not able to give time. But, now that I have time, I have devoted myself completely to this acting profession.

Q: But, you are also doing your MBA. What’s the reason for that ?
A: In my family, all have done post graduation. So, why should I stay behind? It will certainly help me in near future.

Q: Do you think that your MBA qualification will help you in film making ?
A: Knowledge is never a waste. I don’t say that I want to become a director, as I am too young to think about that. But, surely it will help me to produce my own film, if everything works well.

Q: You made your film debut through ‘Manini’. How did you get that role ?
A: I had given an audition, while the selection process was going on. Based on the audition, I got selected.

Q: Have you switched over to TV serials from films ?
A: No, I am doing both. Two of my films, one Hindi and one Marathi are due for release soon. For a long time, I was looking for a role in a TV serial and ‘Lajja’ offered me, what I exactly wanted. I really enjoy playing this role of Manu in this serial.

Q: How do you look at the recent changes noticed in Marathi cinema?
A: Marathi cinema is going for a better change. We see a lot of variety in scripts and presentation form. Even the marketing has improved.

Q: But, don’t you think that in a city like Mumbai, there is less response from Marathi viewers, when it comes to watching the film in multiplexes?
A: When we talk about Mumbai in particular, I feel that here we have a cosmopolitan culture. When there are three types of films i.e. Hindi, English and Marathi releasing on the same day; obviously the audience gets divided in theatres, resulting in a limited response for Marathi films.

Q: Tell us something about your forthcoming ‘Balaji’ film ‘Shor’?
A: Well, I am playing one of the leading ladies in the film, opposite US-based South Indian star Sendhil Ramamurthy. Tushar Kapoor is also there in this film. It’s a satirical, cool, smart comedy based in urban India. There are three different stories in the film and all are inter-connected like film ‘Metro’.

Q: Any future plans ?
A: I am equipping myself with knowledge. But, I don’t know what will I do in near future. I am keeping all the options open. May be, I will be into film making or I may become a writer. I love to write. There is also a possibility of taking up higher studies in bio technology. Only time will decide.