Not even one year passed, since veteran Marathi actress Uma Bhende said good bye to this world. Since then, her husband and film maker 77 year old Prakash Bhende was feeling the vacuum in his life. But, for the past 10 months he spent his time writing a book about the couple’s life journey. And, the result was publication of 228 pages coffee table book titled ‘Gandh Phoolancha Gela Sangoon‘, a perfect tribute from husband to his wife on her birthday 31^st May 2018.

This book was officially released on the occasion of Late Uma Bhende’s birthday at ravindra natya Mandir Mini Auditorium in presence of many dignitaries from Marathi film industry like, Ramesh Bhatkar, Mrinal Kulkarni, Jayshree T, Jayprakash Karnataki, Sushma Shiromani, Varsha Usgaonkar, Kanchan Adhikari, Hemangi Rao, Sanjeev Palance & Ashutosh Ghorpade. Many media persons, well wishers of Umatai and entire Bhende family were present on this occasion, when a short film on her film career and video messages from well wishers were shown.

Uma Bhende had acted in more than 50 Marathi films, besides doing Telugu and Chattisgarhi language films. In 1964 hit Hindi film ‘Dosti‘ she performed an important role, with a famous song ‘Gudiya hamse Rooth Rahogi...’also picturised on her. After marriage, she turned producer with the home banner ‘Shreeprasad productions‘ and offered opportunity to many newcomers.

Mr. Nitin Gadkari Hon. Minister of Road transport Central Government , who was close to Bhende family, through his elder sister was supposed to release this book, but could not make it due to urgent meeting with P.M. So, Mr.Prakash Bhende, released this book at the hands of his two little grandchildren, who were very close to Umatai. But, little before that he presented special painting made by him in just few minutes, to all the special celebrity invitees . Speaking on the occasion he turned emotional going down memory lane .. but recovering thereafter, he thanked one and all who stood behind him and his family during difficult times.

‘Gandha Phoolancha Gela Sangoon‘ is certainly a worth reading . It is like watching a film on the life of late Uma Bhende. Cost of the book is Rs. 300/- and is published by Anil Raghunath Phadke for Manorama Publications.