A Philosophy graduate, A well known actress in Hindi and Marathi movies, a writer and now a producer, well that’s a small list of Ashwini’s achievements till now.
Ashwini’s acting careers began with the Marathi drama ‘Gaganbhedi’. She debuted with ‘Shabbas Sunbai’ into movie industry and later established herself as a successful actress with hits movies like ‘Ashi hi Banava Banavi’, ‘Kalat Nakalat’ and ‘Aahuti’. She also acted in TV serials Rau, Sainik, Bandhan and Bhairavi. Her entry into Hindi movie industry wasn’t a small affair. Her performance in R.K banner’s ‘Heena’ impressed everyone. Ashwini has received best actress awards from Govt. of Maharashtra for her performance in ‘Aahuti’ and for the role in drama ‘Purush’ (Hindi).
But Ashwini suddenly disappeared from the screen and now, after an absence of 10 Ashwini-Bhave
years, she has returned with a bang!!! This time she is not just the actress but the producer too.
Q: What exactly inspired you to make a film?
A: Well, after marriage , I went to America and got busy with my family, but the actor inside me was disturbing me somewhere. That’s why I did a 4 yrs degree course in ‘Motion Film and Television’ from California University in 2002. As a part of final year project, I prepared a documentary film on Warali Art named “Warali Art & Culture” which was shown in MIFF (Mumbai International Film Festival) 2002. This gave me a confidence me that I can make a film, And I think that’s what lead me to produce ‘Kadachit’.
Q: What did you experience while working as a co-producer?
A: In every field you experience something good and something bad. In fact the idea of this film emerged form our chit-chatting with Chandrakant Kulkarni and Girish Joshi. But soon after I realized that it is very hard to materialize ideas into reality.
As a co-producer, I realised that film production is a team work and not only producer’s responsibility. Each and every stage of production i.e.- Pre Production – Production – Post Production is important and the persons working on that particular stage are of prime most importance. Right from spot boy to actor, editor, sound recordist, cameraman, director…Well, this is only about production team. Once you get sensor certificate the focus changes. Now the responsibility is shifted to distributors, theatre owners, designers and production managers. The most important thing is right from the first moment of the creation to the end of the work, it is producer’s responsibility to keep harmony and zeal of the work among the team members. When it comes to production money matters and I think that there should not be any compromise about finance if you really want to do something to the perfection. Fortunately, I had dedicated team members who worked hard and gave their best.
Q:What is most challenging ? Acting, Writing or Production?
A: You cant say specifically, because everything has its own challenges they give you satisfaction of working. We should learn to take these things as a challenge then it becomes more exciting. It’s important to be honest to yourself.
In acting, the director tells you what to do and what not. You get your compensation and that’s it. Same is the case with writing. But as a Producer, you cant just release your film and stay away as you are emotionally involved in that particular creation. Its all up to audience how they respond.
Q: Any special reason for selecting Chandrakant Kulkarni as a Director of ‘Kadachit’?
A: As I told you before the storyline arose form our discussion with him. Besides, he has given several silver jubilee films like ‘Bindhast‘, ‘Bhet‘, ‘Kay dyacha Bola‘. He has directed around 60 marathi plays. He is simply one of the best directors today. I would like to give him full credit for completing my film within 22 days and that’s not a small deed.
Q: Tell us about your role in ‘Kadachit’.
A: This the story of a modern woman, who is a caring mother, wife and a Neuro-surgeon. It’s about how she confronts the problems arising form her past and present. It was really a challenging role. But, I am think that I have done justice to the character despite being away from acting for 10yrs.
It’s a song less movie as there was no point in thrusting song unnecessarily. Amar Mohile’s inscrutable music would really give you an edge of the seat excitement.