Tejaa Deokar is a familiar name in Marathi entertainment, with many popular serials and films to her credit. She has her background with classical dancing and therefore, today we see her in the popular dance reality show on television. Marathi Movie World spoke to Tejaa, to know more about her background and present career in acting. Excerpts from the interview:
Q: When did you realize that you possess dancing talent ?
A: To be very honest, no one in my family or ancestors were into acting. My father felt that I would become a Pilot. One day during early hours of the morning, I woke up only to declare that I was not interested in becoming a Pilot. Instead, I expressed my desire to be a dancer. To my surprise, father supported my wish. Thereafter, I received good support from my parents. They always told me that I should not regret my decision.
Tejaa Devkar
Q: Then, how did you get into acting ?
A: During my first year in college and that too around the time of my final exams, I received an offer for a film. It so happened that a little before that the producer and director of this film, had seen my dance performance in Pune. They felt that I was suited for the role, though my mother had a doubt, whether I knew acting. But, the producer and director were confident about me. But, unfortunately, this film which was my stepping stone into acting was never released. But, it helped me to find roles in films. For the first 4 -5 films, I was never serious about making a career in acting, as I was serious about my studies.
But when I completed my third year, I realized that whatever was happening to me in acting was good and hence took up this profession seriously.
Q: How have you progressed so far ?
A: I have done 32 films, out of which 30 have been released and 1 film as I said earlier, could not be released; but one film is now due for release. On television, I have done 4 daily soaps. My first serial was Star Pravah’s ‘Kulaswamini’, followed by ‘Ek Junjh Vaadalashi’ and ‘Maaylek’ ( both for E-TV) and then it was ‘Vrindavan’ on Mi marathi channel. I have also done few serials for DD Sahyadri and one for DD national i.e. Koi Toh Hoga Apna’. Thereafter, I had taken a break for films but later was back to television.
Q: Tell us something about your new TV show ‘Dholakichya Talawar’.
A: This dance show is based on Lavani, where one has to perform various forms of Lavani. I have reached among the top six contestants, after few of us returned through the callback.
Q: What do you feel about this callback process?
A: Callback for me is like a short cut. It means that you are out in the 1st or 2nd episode, and then return to be among final 5 or 4. I myself don’t appreciate this method, but I don’t oppose it; because in almost all reality shows there is this callback process. Every show has some technicalities and it is better that I don’t talk much on it. The director and programme producers have an authority to decide and we shouldn’t interfere there. Our job is to perform and entertain.
Q: Why did you opt for this show ‘Dholakichya Talawar’ ?
A: In the past, I had done roles in films and serials, where I had to play serious roles and had to shed tears most of the time. May be, I consumed a lot of Glycerin for that. But, I had a tag of dancer with me and was identified few years ago as a dancer. Therefore, I felt that my dancing skills be also known to audience, through this show. Even the show anchor Subodh once pointed out during the show, stating whether I could smile? And, I told him, “This is real Tejaa, who likes to be cheerful.” Actually, I needed a change and hence this show.