For the past 22 years, she has been there in the field of acting; both in Hindi as well as Marathi entertainment, simultaneously. In spite of her marriage and later after delivery of two children; hasn’t forced her to take a big breaks from acting. When she entered India’s top institution – Ramnarain Ruia College, after completing her SSC; Shilpa Tulaskar was exposed to the competitive world of Inter Collegiate Drama Competitions. And, it was a great experience for this talented actress. Shilpa, actually wanted to pursue her graduation in English literature; but, then decided to complete her B.A. with Economics.
During her college days, Shilpa had to face good competition from other colleges like Ruparel, Dahanukar and Parle; but, she took it up as a challenge and made her presence felt with her extra ordinary talent. She was spotted by stage actor- director Arun Nalawade and that’s how Shilpa got her first break in a commercial play, while she was studying her 12th. Then it was another offer from commercial Marathi play ‘Jawai Majha Bhala’, followed by her performance in popular TV serial ‘Shanti’. And Since then, there was no looking back for her. Shilpa took up this acting profession seriously, with proper time management and planning.
Even today, after marriage to Vishal Shetty and two kids Vivaan and Shaaiva, she manages her busy shooting schedule very well, besides overseeing home front. Shilpa is thankful to her parents and especially her mother, for her support. We have seen some of her best performances in Hindi serials like ‘Dil Mil Gaye’, ‘Ladies Special’, ‘Devon Ka Dev Mahadev’, ‘Veer Shivaji’ in Hindi and in Marathi serials like ‘Megha Datale’,’Vaibhav’, ‘Runijhunu’, ‘Unch Majha Jhoka’. She had the privilege of playing lead roles in Marathi films like ‘Devki’ and ‘Dombivali Fast’, which also won many awards. She has also performed in films like ‘Anandache Zhaad’,’Kalchakra’, ‘Sanai Choughade’ and others, in Marathi and ‘Krazzy 4′ and ‘Mujse Friendship Karoge’ in Hindi.
Only two weeks ago, we watched her portraying very efficiently, a helpless housewife – a victim of harassment, in 4 episodes of ‘Asmita’ a detective serial on Zee Marathi and now she has also made her entry in Zee Marathi’s popular serial ‘Eka Lagnachi Teesari Goshta’ as Om’s real mother. Now, it all remains to be seen, how she confronts with her son and husband during their reunion, in forthcoming episodes. Marathi Movie World spoke to this versatile Marathi actress, who has successfully played variety of roles, in both Hindi and Marathi simultaneously for the past 22 years. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: You belonged to Ruia College, which is now declared the best college in India. How was your own experience about this college?
A: Even during early 90s, when I was a student of this college, it had the reputation of being on top in academics, sports and cultural activities. Dr.Sane was our principal those days and he encouraged all of us in different activities. Actually, the education system of the college and promotion of Marathi language & culture has been a long tradition, being managed by Shikshan Prasarak Mandali.
Q: You have done a lot of stage, during your college days, followed by professional Marathi plays. When was your entry into television and films?
A: I entered television serials through ‘Shanti’, which was during the first year of my college. But, my first film was ‘Devki’ in 2001. In between, I was doing Marathi and Hindi serials, besides performing in Marathi plays.
Q: Now, that you are a busy TV and film actress, would you still like to perform on stage?
A: Yes, why not? If there is a good script, I don’t mind performing in a Marathi drama.
Q: How difficult it is, to manage the shooting schedule, besides home front?
A: As you know, in Maharashtrian culture, we don’t depend much on housemaids. So, in last 20 years, I have become used to managing both the areas comfortably. Earlier, it was with My mother, who was of great help to me. And, now after marriage too, I receive good support from her. On few occasions, I have also taken my children on the sets; when there was no other alternative. And, it all went on well. Responsibility comes with experience.
Q: It is said that to be successful in Hindi, you need the help of a PRO. What is your own experience?
A: At least, I didn’t need any such services. Even my first assignment in Hindi, I got on my own.
Q: How do you look at the present day Marathi Cinema? Do you think that the Story plays crucial role in success of such films?
A: It’s not always the case. The story has to be good. But, what if the story is not presented well in the screenplay? Actually, it is the combined effort of all, that counts in film’s success.
