Like Marathi plays old TV serials also need revival
In the recent past, we have seen many old Marathi plays being revived with new artistes. Sunil Barve‘s Herbarium group tried this experiment of the revival of old hit Marathi plays and they received a very good response, in spite of the higher ticket rates. This clearly indicated that ‘Old is Gold‘ And that too, at a time when new subjects were presented by new drama companies.
Today, when we look at the ongoing TV serials, it is observed that initially, they start well, but after about two months run, most of these serials are dragged with nonconvincing story and screenplay. Gone are the days, when we saw some gripping subjects presented by good writers and directors. Some hit serials of yesteryears were ‘Shwetambara‘, ‘Bandini‘, ‘Abhalmaya‘, ‘Avantika‘, ‘Vadalvaat‘ and so on. They certainly presented some good content to keep the audience of all age group engaged. Why can’t we revive these serials with new artistes. When people love to watch films based on happenings during the 80s and 90s, why not present that period now, for the new generation instead of showing them something nonsense. ?
“I don’t feel much difference, while performing in Marathi or Hindi” – Sukanya Kulkarni Mone
She began her acting career through Hindi film ‘Ishwar’. Since then, Sukanya Mone has performed in many Hindi films and serials. In Vijaya Mehta’s popular ‘Lifeline’ TV serial, she played an important prominent role, followed by few other popular Hindi serials like ‘Byomkesh Bakshi’ and ‘Shanti’. Then, we also noticed her as Aamir Khan’s bhabhi in hit film ‘Sarfarosh’. Four years ago, we saw her playing Nandini’s mother in the film ‘Rakhta Charitra’. Her acting career has been going on simultaneously with Marathi, Hindi films & television serials.
In Marathi, Sukanya has worked on stage, television and films, with well known personalities like Dr.Shriram Lagu, Ashok Saraf & Dr. Girish Oak and directors like Vijay kenkre, Vijayabai Mehta & Basu Chatterjee. But, she actually received prominence, through her performance in much admired Marathi TV serial ‘Abhalmaya’. And since then, she is known as the kind hearted and caring mother.
Sukanya married well known actor-director Sanjay Mone and the couple has a daughter- Julia Mone. Even after marriage and birth of her daughter, Sukanya continued with her acting profession and is at present playing a good as well as disciplined mother in the ongoing TV serial ‘Julun Yeti Reshimgathi’ on Zee Marathi. And, watching her expressive face, caring nature and body language, you would just want a mother like her. She is so realistic !
The ease with which she moves on the screen, suggests her versatility as an actress. MarathiMovieWorld, spoke to this popular Marathi TV Luminary, when she expressed her views on different fields of acting.
Sukanya would love to perform on stage; but according to her she has not come across any appealing script, suited to Marathi stage. When asked, as to which field of acting she enjoys the most, she said that all the three fields were equally important and would prefer giving priority to them, according to the time. But, while speaking about her experience of working with young artistes on television, she feels that they are very hard working, honest and possess the thinking power and ability to do something creative.
Like any other mother or working wife, she too has her own commitments at home front. “On Sundays, it is time for family. Even otherwise, whenever, I find time, I give a lot of attention to my growing daughter. In fact, I would like to have more time for her, in near future.” she concludes.
Hello! This is Sub.Inspector Disha Suryavanshi speaking…
We are all watching her on small screen, in popular crime investigation serial ‘Lakshya’, on Star Pravah. Today, Pari Telang is more popularly known as Sub-Inspector Disha Suryavanshi, than her original name. Actually, Pari began her acting career as a child artiste, when she was studying in 2nd standard. It was a role in commercial Marathi play ‘Mantramugdha’. This was followed by Zee Marathi’s ( then alpha Marathi) popular Marathi serial ‘Abhalmaya’, and DD’s ‘Bandini’ and ‘Valvacha Paus’.. As a child artiste, she also performed in one Marathi film. Thanks to her father Bhushan Telang, a film and theatre personality, who encouraged her from time to time. Later, he became an executive producer for serials.
While Pari was in Ruia College, she got better exposure of stage and performed in one of the plays for college. For the past few years she has been working as a dubbing artiste for two serials on Disney. To work as a dubbing artiste, you require special skills in voice modulation and Pari is expert in that. No wonder, she has successfully managed to work in Hindi serial like ‘Choo kar Mere Man Ko’ on DD, where she played an important character of Samiksha.
Today, she is seen on Marathi stage playing the role of Sheetal in the comedy play ‘Vasuchi Sasu’ and as Sub Inspector Disha Suryavanshi in popular Marathi serial ‘Lakshya’. Marathi Movie World met Pari, during the launch of new Marathi film ‘Yashwanti’ in which she has an important role to play. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: You are more popular as Sub Inspector Disha Suryavanshi. How do you react to a situation at a public place, if you notice a crime taking place?
A: Yes, I would certainly react spontaneously, to that situation; but, seeking support from others around. Today, all of us need to be vigilant about the happenings around us. Every citizen should be socially active in preventing any untoward happening at a public place.
Q: But, how did you get this role of Sub Inspector Disha, in ‘Lakshya‘?
A actually, my father was executive producer of this serial. One day, after the shooting, I had gone to pick up my father; when I met Aadesh Da and his wife Suchitraji. And, they mentioned to my father, to cast me in one of the forthcoming episodes. When I returned home, I told my father that if at all I was offered a role, it should be Police Inspector’s role. Later, when Shravani madam of Star Pravah, knew about my wish, she too recommended my name, since she had seen my performance as a child actress. By that time, ‘Lakshya‘ had already completed 80 episodes and were in the process of expanding the team. And, soon I found myself in the role of Sub.Inspector Disha.
Q: You have studied in Ruia College, the cultural hub of Mumbai. How do you feel about it?
A: yes, I am proud to be an ex student of Ruia College, which has been promoting cultural activities, in the best possible manner. No wonder, the college has received top ranking in India.
Q: Who were your batch mates from Marathi film industry ?
A: There are many people from entertainment industry, whom I know and have passed out from Ruia College. During my time, there were people like ‘Duniyadari’ Music composer Sachin Pathak, Aakash Dabhade from Bollywood and Spruha Joshi, who was my junior in college and had seen her perform for the college, during my time.
Q: Now, that you are into all the three fields of acting; how do you feel about it?
A: Since my childhood, I have been doing it and hence don’t really feel the difference. Actually, I started dubbing for TV channels since I was studying in 7th standard in school. Even now, besides working on my acting projects, I find time to do dubbing for two series of Disney channel.
Q: Looking at your popularity in ‘Lakshya’ TV serial, can we expect you to find more offers from Films?
A: I hope so. I have just received this offer in ‘Yashwanti’ and I am all excited to work in this film, as this will be the first Marathi film, with an animated character as part of the cast, on the lines of Hollywood films like ‘Jurassic park’ and ‘Life of a Pie’.
“Working with Amitji, was a memorable moment” – Rujuta Deshmukh
Charming, self assured and talented are some of the adjectives one can use for Rujuta Deshmukh, who has been able to establish her own identity in today’s competitive world. Acting has already been in her blood, being born in the family who owned a drama company in Pune. Her father Avinash Deshmukh, who owned a theatre company, gave Rujuta her first break as a child artiste, when she was studying in 4th standard. Rujuta then played the role of Rajaram, in the historical play ‘Raigadala Jhevha Jaag Yete’. This was followed by roles in Marathi films like ‘Nashibvaan’, ‘Ek Gadi Baki Anadi’ and many others as a child artiste. In short, she has worked in the company of popular artistes like Alka Kubal and likes. Rujuta is a graduate with English Literature from Pune’s prestigious S.P. College, which is also known as a temple of Marathi artistes. Having performed at various Inter school and collegiate competitions, Rujuta was actively associated with GRIPS theatre. She got her first major break through Vinay Apte in the most popular serial ‘Abhalmaya’ and since then she has never looked back.
Her memorable performance in another popular serial ‘Kalat Nakalat’ and her emotion filled role of a blind girl in another serial ‘Goshta Eka Anandichi’ goes on to say a lot about her potential as an actress. Two years ago, she has also proved her dancing skills in a TV reality show, suggesting that as an actress, she was ready for all challenges. Rujuta took time off to have a chit chat with Marathi Movie world. Excerpts from the chit chat.
Q: What are your memories about ‘Abhalmaya’, your first major exposure on small screen?
A: Yes, it was a great moment, which is very difficult to describe in words. Being a part of this popular soap on a popular private channel, gave a nice feeling. I cannot forget that character of Pallavi.
Q: You were also part of another popular serial ‘Damini’. How was that feeling ?
A: Again it was a happy moment to be a part of this big serial and playing Dr. Esha in the concluding part and that too in the company of great stars like Sanjay Mone , Sukanya, Uday Sabnis and others.
Q: You have also worked in one big banner Hindi film. Isn’t it ?
A: Yes, it was in Rajkumar Santoshi’s film ‘Family’.
Q: Wasn’t that a great experience too? How were you selected for that role?
A: Yes, it was a memorable moment in my life and also wonderful experience to be part of this film, as there was also good scope for my character, being an important member of a Sahai family. About playing this role, he just spoke to me and asked about my availability. And, that’s how I was selected. I was literally thrilled, as I had to perform few scenes also with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan.
Q: How was your personal experience, working with a big star like him ?
A: He is a great actor and hence getting a chance to perform with him itself was a great moment in my life. After I gave my first day shot, I went and sat in one corner watching some of his scenes filled with emotions. He was simply a master in that. After his shot, I never noticed him going into his vanity van. Instead he sat on one side, watching others perform. That displayed his modesty. But, when I crossed him in the corridor during the break, he addressed me with my first name and exchanged pleasantries. I was overwhelmed with this gesture from a great actor like him.