For almost little more than thirty years, she has been in the acting field. Out of 41 films in which she has performed, most of them have been in Hindi. However, though she has done only 10 Marathi films, without finding a lead role, she has always been considered as the most talented and respected actress in Marathi film industry. Even with a small role, she has the ability to create an impact of her character, through any film.

Neena Kulkarni started her acting career with Marathi Theatre, followed by television and then films. She has done a lot of work, during the past three decades. She has also worked in a couple of international projects including one English film ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ and a French serial ‘Raani’. Though she has done selective movies in Hindi and Marathi; all her roles have been remarkable. She has also done many Television Ads, like Bisleri, Sprite, Mother Diary, Cadbury & others.

Couple of years ago, we saw Neena Kulkarni in Sachin Kundalkar directed film ‘Gandh’. And, now, she is also a part of one more similar kind of experimental Marathi Movie ‘Bioscope’ , where 4 different short films will be clubbed together. Her other two movies are also releasing this month, including ‘Hello Nandan‘ and ‘Taptapadi’. Marathi Movie world, spoke to this versatile actress. Excerpts from an interview:

Q: You are getting noticed for your performance in Hindi entertainment Industry. Your roles in the film ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’ and TV serial ‘Yen hai Mohabbatein’ have been highly appreciated. What is your reaction ?
A: It was a really great time, working in ‘Hasee toh Phasee’. I enjoyed a lot. I always like to work with new talented people. It is interesting to see, how they perceive every situation in the film. .

Q: How you have managed to keep good contacts with people from Hindi industry?
A: (Smiles). I haven’t kept any contacts, as such., I’m a terrible person, honestly. I never engaged a PR agency and all sort of such things. But, believed in one thing, that ‘Good Work speaks for itself’. Also, from the very beginning, I’m working in Hindi industry. I’m also comfortable in that language. There was a time, when I have done more work in Hindi than Marathi. I would genuinely like to work in Hindi. There is a different perspective about acting, in Hindi industry. I’m glad that I am working in both Hindi and Marathi industry equally. It depends on you, how much you take from them.

Q: So, it seems, you are still choosy while selecting films ?
A: Yes, to be frank, there is a difference in making a choice about Marathi and Hindi., In Marathi, I’m very particular, while choosing the films. The role should be appealing . I don’t do same kind of roles, which I have played previously.

Q: Tell us something about your upcoming films?
A: I have done two Bollywood Films one is ‘Hunter’ which is directed by Harshavardhan Kulkarni and another untitled Movie is directed Bejoy Nambiar, who directed ‘David’ ‘last year. I have quite a few more ads, coming up soon.

Q: What about Marathi Movies?
A: Two movies will release in this month. Also, in next month there is another release where I have done a major role in ‘Dil-E-Nadan’ directed by Gajendra Ahire.

Q: Tell us something about your role in Taptapadi?
A: ‘Taptapadi’ is based on the story written by Rabindranath Tagore. I’m playing the character of ‘Durva Aatya’, who is typical woman of that olden era, who is always in the forefront blowing her own trumpet. I haven’t done that kind of role before. It’s an interesting character. The director of this film, Sachin Nagargoje tried to move the film in the same manner, as the original story written by Tagore. Even though, he was a newcomer, I was ready to work in this film, only because of the way he narrated me the story and explained my role. I was impressed by it. I’m sure, People will surely appreciate the film.

Q: How you look at television field ?
A: After my husband’s untimely passing away, I had to look upon television as a new career. My first daily soap was ‘Adhuri ek Kahani’ on Zee Marathi. During the earlier days, I was little bit scared about daily soaps. Working for 12-14 hours was a hard task. Moreover, I was also doing Hindi serials those days. And today, I can say, I love Television. It is close to theatre. Every day, there is something new in your role.

Q: We haven’t seen you on television after ‘Unch Majha Zoka’, Why so ?
A: To be honest, I’m not much interested in Marathi television. I have done Unch Majha Zoka’, just because there was something new and different. I would like to play only good roles. You have to stick to your choice of good roles. You can’t take up any and every role that comes to you. I do remember, I had an offer from Ekta Kapoor, for the role of Usha ‘s mother, in ‘Pavitra Rishta’. But, I didn’t find that character interesting. So, I refused the same.

Q: Whom do you treat as your Guru in this acting field?
A: I highly respect Vijayabai Mehta. Now days, I am always with her, and I find time to assist her in her works. Even she likes my company. You may call it ‘Guru seva’. Even I learned many things from Satyadev Dubeji.

Q: So, in days to come, can we see you playing the role of a director ?
A: Can’t say. But, I am keen to direct a project. I would also love to teach acting to new comers. Side by side, my acting work in films and serials would go on.

Q: Which role portrayed by you has been close to your heart?
A: That way, all roles are dear to me. But, special mention is about my role in ‘Shevari’. It was my own home production. Besides that my role in ‘Savat Majhi Ladki’, has also been close to me.

Q: Are you missing your husband – Dilip, today?
A: Yes, but I get the feeling that he is always with me.

Q: But, do you think that his presence today, would have taken you miles ahead in achieving success?
A: I never thought that way. In fact, when I made the film ‘Shevari’, it was a tribute to my late husband, as he always desired to produce a film. Perhaps, with his presence, together, we could have produced more films. I haven’t changed myself, after his death and haven’t done anything, that he did not like.

Q: What is your message, to all the newcomers in this acting profession?
A: If you have to give your best, you need to focus more on reading book and observing different people. Today,we find many artistes thing big, after performing in one or two serials or films. All that is important is to be sincere to yourself.