In the golden era of Marathi Musical based plays ie. More than 100 years ago, no female artist was coming forward to act in a drama. Therefore, male artistes used to perform female roles. In those good old days, artist Narayanrao Rajhans was acknowledged as an actress of Marathi stage. He was then named as ‘Balgandharva’. Today’s popular Marathi Television and film actor Subodh Bhave was enthused with an idea to produce a film on the life and history of Balgandharva. His dream has come true. The film will be released on 6th May in many theatres all over Maharashtra.

In order to know more about the film, Marathi Movie World spoke to Subodh Bhave after congratulating him on his winning the Zee Gaurav puraskar and Mata Sanman.

Q What prompted you to have a theme on the life of Balgandharva for your film ?
A. After directing a musical drama like ‘Katyar Kaljat Ghusali’, many misconceptions about Musical play were erased from my mind. I had an opportunity to read a book named ‘Gandharva Gatha’. With an intention of making an ordinary man familiar with the caliber and struggle of this Marathi stage artist – Narayanrao from the past century, I approached Mr. Nitin Desai and he appreciated the idea and agreed for the production.

Q. His 80 years of lifespan to be covered only in 2 hours was a big challenge. How you could make it possible?
A. Oh! It was really a difficult task. We have tried to cover only the important events of 50
Subodh Bhave as & in ‘Balgandharva’ years of his career. So basically it’s a trailer. It’s a tribute to the super star. We approachedseniors from earlier generation who were fortunate to enjoy his female roles and ‘Natya Geete’. In absence of such a movie, the present generation would not have any other option except for referring the contemporary literature.

Q. To give justice to your role as Balgandharva., what efforts have you put in ?
A. Well, he was well-known for his female roles. To make myself fit for such a role, I had to undertake special exercises to slim down. I took inspiration from his photograph. I studied the expressions on his face. His standing style , his poses & gestures. I read many reference books. I met his daughter Ms. Khedekar and daughter in law Anuradha. I also spoke to Ms.. Jaimala Shiledar, a well known female singer on Marathi stage.

Q. Who has played the role of Balgandharva’s wife ?
A. Vibhawari Deshapdne has played the role of his wife.

Q. To the best of our knowledge, you are not a professional singer. Have you learnt classical music? Who has given the playback?
A. Neither I have taken any formal education in classical music, nor I was fond of Natya Sangeet . But, in the company of my friends -Shaunak , Salil, Bela & Mahesh kale, who are classical singers; I could learn a lot. While doing research for this film, I have totally changed . Now, I like Hindustani Sangeet. In this film, playback singer is Anand Bhate.

Q. Do you think that along with old generation, even youngsters will be attracted towards this movie?
A. There cannot be a single Marathi music lover, who has not heard about Balgandharva. But, most of them did not get opportunity, to see his acting and listen to his voice. Most of the youngsters from present generation are curious to know about his talent and personal life. I am sure, all Marathi music lovers irrespective of age, will watch his movie at least once.