Tag Archives: ‘Fu Bai Fu’

Shreya Bugade, Actress
Interviews

“I am lucky to find all good hearted people in the field of acting” – Shreya Bugde

Aside

She has done her schooling from a Convent School in Mumbai and she graduated from Mithibai College with a cosmopolitan culture. Having done her stage in other languages like English, Hindi and Gujarathi, she has not forgotten her roots with Marathi language. Shreya Bugde is a TV Luminary today, with three of her shows being aired on TV, at present. Besides her role of Manjusha Holkar, she is playing a College Professor in ETV’s ‘Majhe Mann Tujhe Jhale’ and also giving glimpse of her variety in acting, through Zee Marathi’s reality comedy show ‘Fu Bai Fu’, in the company of another talented actor Hemant Dhome.

Shreya Bugade, ActressAt the young age of 26, Shreya has gained more than 13 years of experience in acting, as she began her acting career as a child actress on stage. Marathi Movie World spoke to this brilliant actress, who promptly responded to our call, exhibiting the best public relations she maintains, in this competitive field.

Q Going through your work experience in brief, we find that you have done a lot of stage in different languages. When did you actually begin ?
A: Actually, my first performance on stage was at the age of 8, when I took part in a competition, while in school. Later, with the timely encouragement from parents, I started performing in children’s theatre. Then, as a child artiste I became part of the famous Marathi play on child abuse – ‘Vatevarti Kacha Ga’, which performed 275 shows.

Q: What were your other projects on stage?
A: ‘Medha’ and ‘Zoombish’ in English, were directed by Ramu Ramanathan, ‘Jantarmantar’ in Gujarathi, which did 250 shows and then there was ‘Pramay’ also in Gujarathi, in which I performed at NCPA festival last year. ‘Missed Calls’ was a mono act. ‘Rabdi’ the Hindi one act play won 13 best actress awards in inter collegiate competitions. In short, it was a good stage experience for me.

Q: You have also done television in Hindi . Isn’t it ?
A: Not only Hindi; but I have also done Gujarathi television, besides Marathi serials. For the past ten years I have done ‘Karamyudh’(DD national), ‘Thoda Hai, Bas thode ki Zaroorat hai’ and ‘Bairi Piya’ ( for Colors), besides ‘Tuzhyavina’ (Zee Marathi), ‘Lek Ladki Hya Gharchi’ (ETV Marathi), ‘Mandala Don Ghadicha Daav’ (Star Pravah). Presently, I am doing ‘Tu tithe Mee’ (Zee Marathi), ‘Majhe Mann Tujhe Jhale’ ( E TV) and ‘Fu Bai Fu’ reality show on Zee Marathi .

Q: But, your role in ‘Tu tithe Mee’ invited all the attention, in spite of many other popular artistes around. What’s your reaction?
A: Yes, my character of Manjusha Holkar has given me an opportunity to play the same character in two different ways. Though earlier, playing the wife of Dada Holkar under the shadow of Milind Shinde, it was like constantly moving under fear, covering my half face with Saree ; but now, they have given me enough scope to communicate with different characters. Performing in the company of Milind Shinde itself was a big thing. This actor is an institution in himself.

Q: How do you look at the change that has come in the entertainment industry? Do you think that it is the right place for young girls to make their career?
A: Today, there is a good scope for artistes. It does not matter, whether you are talented or not; there is work for all. Some people have always spoken about ‘Casting Couch’ existing in this profession; but, I have not experienced any such thing. May be, I am lucky to find all good hearted people in this field of acting, so far.

Q: Being a talented and good looking actress, don’t you regret that you have not been offered lead roles, so far ?
A: Sometime back, I had this feeling in my mind. And, while working with a senior artiste like Neena Kulkarni, I expressed this to her. What she advised me, was very important. According to her, there was nothing like lead role and character role. How you perform your role with total conviction, is important. “I have not played lead roles so far; but I am still existing in this field, with offers coming in,” she said. Soon, I realised that there were many such artistes, who performed lead roles in serials; but later, we never noticed them on small screen. I am lucky that there are roles coming to me, no matter, they are not lead roles.

Q: You are also part of the TV show ‘Fu Bai Fu’, which offers below the belt comedy. How you landed up there?
A: Yes, sometimes it is ‘below the belt’ comedy. It all depends upon the script. But, an artiste performing in this show, finds a lot of variety. Now, the hosts have even given the liberty to the performing pair to present their own scripts and my co artiste Hemant Dhome works on it. When we began, he was not much aware of my ability. But, when in the second episode we were judged the best performers of the day, he realised my potential and now we are doing well, with perfect understanding.

Q: Besides the ongoing three projects, are there any other projects in pipeline ?
A: Yes, I am going perform in a Marathi drama soon. But, I don’t want to discuss the details now. There is also a film with a different subject; but it will be too early to comment, as the shooting is yet to begin.

Q: How you will be able to manage your schedule, with so many assignments at a time?
A: No, I will not be overworking. It’s all planned. The schedule of ‘Tu Tithe Mee’ is going on well for the past 16 months. For ‘Fu Bai Fu’, I have to give two days a week. So, there is always time for Drama and films.

Nirmiti Sawant, Actress
Interviews

Nirmiti Sawant – the undisputed laughter Queen

Aside

She made her debut through Super hit Marathi film ‘Bindhast’ way back in 1999. In this film, she played a warden of a Girls’ Hostel; the role, which was most suited to her personality . And, Nirmiti Sawant made her presence felt through that role. Thanks to director Chandrakant Kulkarni, who opted for her in that role. Thereafter, Nirmiti Sawant found roles in films, but they were not prominent enough to exploit her talent.

Nirmiti Sawant, ActressFilm maker Mahesh Kothare did present her in that memorable role of Gauri Shringarpure in his film; ‘Khabardar’ and later found her a suitable role in the film ‘Shubhamangal Savdhan’, where she played Najuka Aatya, the kind of character with orthodox thinking. In this film, she had plenty of scope to confront with renowned actress Reema Lagoo, in many humour filled scenes.

Nirmiti’s best time was on stage, with her play ‘Jau Bai Jorat’ - a hilarious comedy, which turned a hit among drama lovers. On television, she captured the home viewers with her hilarious performance in the serial ‘Kumari Gangubai Non Matric’, where she played the title role and proved that there was no need to find young lead pair, for the success of the serial. Her co star in this serial was Pandharinath kamble. So much was the success of this serial that a film was made on this pair, with the same name and released recently. Nirmiti played a double role in this film, which had offered ample scope to make maximum use of her talent. Needless to say that Nirmiti dominated the film, with her superb performance.

Being a versatile actress, Nirmiti has terrific timing for comedy. Even in a smallest scene, she is able to create an impact. The best examples are recent Marathi films like ‘Ideachi kalpana’ and ‘Ekulti Ek’. No wonder, she was invited as one of the judges for the popular Comedy reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’. Nirmiti has also performed in two Hindi films ‘Aiyya’ and ‘Horn OK please!’. In ‘Aiyaa’ she played the role of Rani Mukherjee’s mother, offering a variety.

Nirmiti’s ongoing serial on e- TV is ‘1760 Sasubai’ which is filled with non stop comedy. Her presence itself is enough to indicate the humour filled theme. Moreover, she plays a female police; which is sure to generate laughter. Her forthcoming film is ‘Khara Sangoo Khota Khota’, which is also a total comedy film, in the company of renowned artistes like Ashok Saraf and Sayaji Shinde . So, just imagine, what will be the outcome of their interaction with each other? By the way, Nirmiti is playing the character of a Spinster, who runs a marriage Bureau. Watch out for her action in this film.

Always cheerful and open minded, she is very popular among her colleagues in Marathi entertainment industry. In fact, the set on which you find her presence, is always lighted up with jokes and laughter. Perhaps, she considers, ‘laughter’ as the best medicine for good health.

Interviews

“Talent, attitude and PR should go together to attain success”- Magesh Desai

mangesh-desai-interview-image

After the release of latest Marathi film ‘Khel Mandala’, Mangesh Desai has shot into limelight. For the past 17 years, he has been struggling to establish his identity as an actor. Only last year, he established himself as a comedian, through a TV reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’ on Zee Marathi channel. With rich experience of stage and television, Mangesh did enter Marathi films few years ago, but he was branded as a comedian. Now, the character of Dasu, he played in ‘Khel Mandala’ has made a big difference to a committed actor within him. Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented actor. Excerpts from the interview:

Q: Today, you are a recognized actor; but, when exactly you realized that you could make a career in acting ?
A: Actually, I took this decision, while I was studying in 12th standard. At that time, I had won the Best actor’s award in the preliminary rounds of Purshottam Shield, held in Aurangabad. But, since my father insisted that I should first complete my graduation, I obliged him and came to Mumbai after that to make a career in this field.

Q: Did you struggle those days?
A: Yes, there was struggle initially. But, when you jump into the sea, you have to swim according the flow of water.

Q: For the past how many years you are swimming in this sea; I mean into this profession and how has been the experience?
A: I have completed 17 years in this field; during which period I have performed in 10 Dramas. The most popular was ‘Jaoo bai Joraat’. Thereafter, I did many TV serials, but those which are still fresh in my memory are ‘Political’, ‘Vasudha’, ‘Sanj Savlya‘, ‘Oon Paus’and ‘Avantika‘. Then, it was
‘Fu Bai Fu’, followed by more films. I have done about 42 films since 2004, out of which in 24 films, I have played lead roles. In other films, though I played character roles, they were all important, like the ones played in ‘Huppa Huiyya’ and ‘Topi Ghala Re’.

Q: Tell us something about ‘Khel Mandala’.
A: I started working on this film in 2010. At that time, myself and Viju Mane were doing another film. He felt that instead of comedy, I should perform a serious role. When he decided to make ‘Khel Mandala’, and narrated the script to me; he had no other hero in his mind, besides me. He told me clearly that for 2 and half months I should not be working on any other project and I agreed to it, as I felt that it was the best role offered to me so far. The kind of feedback I received after the release of the film from people was, “It was so natural!”.

Q: What are the projects in hand at present ?
A: At present I am busy working in a film, to which I had committed long back. It’s a political satire. It’s the story revolving around two Village Sarpanch. I am one of them and Resham Tipnis plays the other. There are also other popular stars like Santosh Juvekar & Neha Pendse.

Q: Where are you more comfortable. Playing comedy or serious roles?
A: Playing comedy is difficult. Because, you have to keep in mind several things like perfect timing and not to overdo the act. Even performing serious roles is equally difficult, to ensure that it does not become a melodrama. It is very important to see that the audience is totally engaged into the act performed. I am more comfortable with serious kind of roles.

Q: To enter this profession and then survive here, what you consider the most important ? Talent or Good public relations ?
A: First of all, the most important requirement is talent. But, if you can combine it well with your attitude and PR, it works better. Other important thing is destiny. If, destiny is not in your favour, nothing is possible.

News

Grand Finale of ‘Fu Bai Fu’ full of variety

Fu bai

Zee Marathi’s popular Comedy reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’ concluded its 3rd Phase in a style; with live performances in presence of invitees yesterday late evening, at Y.B. Chavan Centre, Cuffe Parade Mumbai. The Brook Bond Red label sponsored Grand Finale presented the last four pairs comprising of Kushal Badrike-Hemangi Kavi, Santosh Pawar- Kishori Ambiye, Satish Tare-Bhalchandra Kadam & Mangesh Desai- Bhargavi Chirmule in this order with two rounds played during this final.

Kushal and Hemangi presented a skit based on the transfer of a Hawaldar to a remote place, where not many complaints received. But, when the Hawaldar encounters a woman entering with the complaint of her husband, the situation creates lot of humour. In the second round the couple played small kids in a maternity ward of a hospital having lost their badges and looking for their real parents. More than the performance, it was their costumes in the second round that received a big applause from the judges and audience.

Satish Tare and Bhalchandra kadam played a skit of the King and his deputy, where the the deputy suggests to the king to hunt tigers to impress upon the Queen. In the second round they posed as Love Guru and his disciple respectively. It was Bhalchandra Kadam, with his perfect timing and superb Body language entertained the guests, while Satish Tare had to use double meaning dialogues to entertain selected audience with a liking for such flavor. It was okay in the beginning, but the repeated utterances spoiled the presentation and chances of the pair.

Mangesh Desai and Bhargavi Chirmule initially presented a girl approaching the owner of a Marriage Beareau and proposing him in an inarticulate style. Their second round was a Saas -Bahu confrontation, where Mangesh was dressed up as an old lady. Both their presentations carried variety. Bhargavi in particular had really worked hard for this event.

However, the couple which entertained the most was Santosh Pawar and Kishori Ambiye. While Kishori played a singer on the lines of Usha Utthup, Santosh was in the get up of Balgandharva and they tested each other’s ability. But, it was their performance in the second round that witnessed non-stop laughter with Santosh playing a Nepali watchman guarding a small village and confronting with a Tamasha artiste on the charges of trespassing. Their chemistry worked very well, with Santosh managing a the perfect timing for comedy. But, it was the non stop enthusiasm and energy of Kishori that enabled them to walk away with the Winner’s trophy and cash award of Rs. 1 lakh each with a 5 day trip to Bangkok and Pataya, sponsored by S.K. Tours. The other three pairs won Rs. 75,000/- each, besides a trophy and certificate.

Nilesh Sable was no doubt at his best as an anchor of the show, but it was the guest anchor for the finals – Vaibhav Mangale who stole the show. During the special stage act for the occasion he was supported well by Anand Ingale and Pushkar Shroti. The later was dressed up as a lady, to give a look of a popular tarrot card reader. The musicians led by Tushar Deval played an important role in every performance. In the variety entertainment during this grand finale, the pairs comprising of Kranti Redkar and Abhijit Kelkar, Urmila Kanetkar – Ananda Kanekar performed group dances.

The overall show was well organized and was attended by many celebrities from the Marathi entertainment industry. Some of the past participants of Fu Bai Fu, like Anand Abhyankar, Aarti Solanki, Sunil Tawde and others were also present. The team of writers lead by Sachin Mote, the director Sachin Goswami, the producer Rakesh Sarang, dress designer- Sangeeta Sarang, Choreographer- Deepali Vichare were also introduced to the audience. The hosts also thanked the efforts taken by the team of technicians behind the success of this show, namely Santosh Shinde and his team of Cameramen and Abhijit Chaugule for his editing work. Mr. Salil karulkar of S.K. Tours, who was the special guest on the occasion, presented the trophy to the winners. The judges – Renuka shahane & Nirmiti Sawant played their roles well. The finals will be telecast after four more episodes of this show, announced Nilesh Sable- the anchor, at the end of the show.

News

New ‘Fu Bai Fu’ from 11th May 2011

Bhargavi chirmule

Zee Marathi’s popular celebrity comedy show ‘Fu Bai Fu’ will begin its new chapter from 11th May every Wednesday and Thursday at 9.30 pm. This time with new celebrities and new judge in the form of Renuka Shahane , who will join Nirmiti Sawant.

The new combination of pairs will be from Marathi stage and films comprising of artistes like Satish Taare – Bhalchandra Kadam, Santosh Pawar – Kishori Ambiye, Kushal Badrike- Hemangi Kavi, Mangesh Desai – Bhargavi Chirmule, Santosh Mayekar – Priya Berde, Also joining them will be winners-runners up of past chapter Atul Todankar – Snehalata Tawde, Sunil Tawde – Atisha Naik.

Popular comedy pair Anand Ingale – Vaibhav Mangale will also join them in special appearance, as they will not be part of the competition. Nilesh Sable will be anchoring this show.

Atisha Naik, Supriya Pathare, Actress
Interviews

Atisha and Supriya – The bad women on small screen, with good heart

Aside

Atisha Naik and Supriya Pathare are known faces on small screen for their negative roles. One doesn’t know, how many housewives totally engrossed in their serials must be cursing them; but, in real life, both of them are fun loving and cheerful women. Marathi Movie world, spoke to both of them simultaneously, a little before an award function in Mumbai, recently. At present, both of them are performing together in an old revived Marathi stage play ‘Varyavarchi Varaat’ and hence were seen together, in a jovial mood sharing their experiences.

Atisha Naik, Supriya Pathare, ActressAtisha Naik, Supriya Pathare Atisha has been in the field of acting since she was 8 years old, when she made her debut in a Marathi play ‘Good Bye Doctor’ as a child artiste. Later, she performed on stage and made her film debut with Mahesh Manjrekar’s Hindi film ‘Pran Jaye Par Vachan na Jaye’. Recently, we saw her playing an important role of a lady Sarpanch, in national award winning film ‘Deool’. With her acting skills and perfect body language, Atisha did invite attention of the audience.

At present, Atisha is also performing in one more Marathi play ‘Suryachi Pilley’; but her role as a cunning Mother in law in Marathi TV serial ‘Pudhcha Paul’, has exploited her potential. Now, instead of being typecast, Atisha is playing an important role in Amol Palekar’s forthcoming humour filled film, ‘We are on, Aata Houn Jaoo De.’ Atisha refuses to speak much about her role and film’s theme, as she wants to maintain the secrecy about it. “But, it’s a kind of role, that I really enjoyed playing,” she said.

For Supriya Pathare, it has been a struggle to reach the position, she has attained now. Sixteen years ago, she used to perform dramas on stage along with her group, during the Ganapati festivals in Mumbai, till she joined Vaman Kendre’s group and performed in ‘Teen Paishacha tamasha’. Born and brought up in Mumbai, she then lived in Dongri area of Mumbai. Those days, she even joined dance classes, to enable her to present her part well. ‘Darling Darling’ was her first commercial play. Being the sister of Ms. Anjali Nevrekar, of Sanskruti Kaladarpan Group, enabled her to begin her acting career professionally.

Her debut TV serial was ‘Kulvadhu’ in which she played a negative role of a selfish step mother, followed by negative roles in serials like ‘Mann Udhaan Varyache’ & ‘Pinjara’. These performances brought her into limelight; but, it was her performance in Zee Marathi’s reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’ brought her name and fame. No wonder, she was offered a cameo in recently released film ‘No Entry Pudhe dhoka aahe’.

“On many occasions in the past chapters of ‘Fu Bai Fu’’ I was rejected. They really had a doubt, whether an actress like me, who was typecast in negative roles, would be able to deliver comedy scenes? But, when finally I got a chance, I proved that I could create laughter. Whatever recognition I have received today, is all because of ‘Fu Bai Fu’.” she concluded.

Hemangi Kavi Dhumal
Interviews

“Strength of the role and not length is important” – Hemangi Kavi

Aside

Graduate from Mumbai’s J.J. School of Arts, Hemangi Kavi is a renowned artistic painter besides being a talented actress.  On stage, she began with ‘Shame to Shame’ and then did ‘Many Happy Returns’ while on television she started off with a serial on Saam TV and became a popular TV artiste with her serial ‘Maddam Sasu Dhaddam Sun’ on Mi Marathi in the recent past.

Hemangi Kavi DhumalHemangi’s role in the film ‘Dhudgus‘ bagged her the Best actress ‘Late V. Shantaram’ award from Zee Talkies in 2009. An actress with tremendous potential, Hemangi promises good performances in days to come. Marathi Movie World spoke to this talented actress. Excerpts from an interview:

Q: Recently you were seen on television through reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’ and comedy TV serial ‘Maddam Sasu ani Dhaddam Soon'( MSDS). How do you rate your success as a TV star ?
A: Now, both my shows are no more there, but I enjoyed working in both of them. In ‘Fu Bai Fu’ there was tremendous scope for variety and MSDS provided me a platform to entertain the audience through a comedy arising out of the Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relations. In Marathi, it worked very well.
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Q: But, don’t you think that you gained popularity faster through your TV appearance rather than being a talented film actress for the past few years?
A: Yes, it could be possible, as TV takes you to almost every Maharashtrian house. I have been doing films, but not all my films were super hit, to become very popular. When I performed in ‘Fu Bai Fu’ as one of the participants, we were provided with the script but given the liberty to perform in our own way using our creativity and that was perhaps more accepted by the audience.

Q: Yes, we liked your part where you and your partner Kushal Badrike played new born babies in the hospital. Wasn’t that a difficult task ?
A: Yes, it was difficult but we rehearsed well before presenting the same. And I really enjoyed being part of this show.

Q: Don’t you think that some of your films in the lead role were good but failed to capture commercial success?
A: Yes, some of my films in the lead role were really good films. But, as we witness today, the poor distribution of such films fail to reach to the true lovers of Marathi films. Many a times, I was told that the movie would be released at many theatres at a time, but on the release day I noticed its release only in few theatres.

Q: Were you disappointed that ‘Kon Aahe Re Tikade’ inspite of having a good subject, failed to reach the audience?
A: Yes, it was for the same reason of distribution. In fact, in this film I was playing the lead role opposite Subodh Bhave and there were renowned artistes like Mohan Agashe, Sharad Ponkshe, Shubhangi Gokhale and others around.

Q: Even after playing the lead roles, you are nowdays accepting small roles in many Marathi films. Why so ?
A: I feel that the strength of the role and not the length is important. In the past, I was offered such roles where there were few scenes, but considering the importance of those scenes in the film’s screenplay, I have accepted these roles. The best example is recently released film ‘Fakta Ladh Mhana’, where I played a small role of a domestic help. When I was explained the character, I knew that this role would create a big impact in the screenplay. If you have seen the film, you will realise it.

Q: Tell us something about your award winning performance in the film ‘Dhudgus‘ .
A: The film had a very good subject and it was all about injustice on a newly married woman. The film was presented well and I had enough scope to prove my ability through this role of a helpless widow.

Q: We also understand that your forthcoming film ‘Pipaani‘ has a challenging role for you ?
A: Yes, for this role, I should thank well known Cinematographer-Sanjay Jadhav. He suggested me that I should accept this role, though it had only 8 scenes. Kranti Redkar is also in this film and we have one such intense scene together. There is a film being shot into this film with Kranti Redkar playing an actress. After completing this film, I realised that I did the right thing by accepting this role. Thanks to Sanjayda once again.

Interviews

“Performing on Big screen is more challenging” – Vaibahv Mangale

Vaibhav Mangale Actor Photo

Whether it is rib tickling comedy or an action packed film; Vaibhav Mangale has always found suitable roles for him. In the year 2001, he came to Mumbai to begin his acting career and had to literally struggle for the next 3 to 4 years. It was his debut in Paresh Mokashi’s Marathi play ‘Mukkam Post Bombilwadi’ where his talent was noticed; as the play performed 550 shows. Thereafter, Vaibhav performed in Musical play ‘Lagnakallol'; for which performance, he won the best actor award. But, it was his exposure in TV reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’ on Zee Marathi; that brought him name and fame.

Today, Vaibhav Mangale has reached such a stage that scripts are written for him. Best example is his just released TV serial ‘Shejari Pakke Shejari(SSPS) on Zee Marathi. Vaibhav has combined very well with his favourite co star Anand Ingale to offer this humour filled theme. Marathi Movie World spoke to this versatile actor. Excerpts from an interview.

Vaibhav Mangale, ActorQ: You spent your childhood and completed your education from Konkan. Did you come to Mumbai in search of a job ?

A: I spent my childhood in Deorukh and completed my B.Sc.D.Ed. from Ratnagiri. But, I could not get a job of a teacher. I took a decision to come to Mumbai, because of the encouragement from my uncle. My uncle was confident that more than a job; a career in acting would open doors for me in Mumbai.

Q: Besides acting and music, you are also a good mimicry artist and you have proved it. Have you inherited these skills from your parents ?

A: My father used to sing in Orchestra. Both my paternal as well as maternal Grandfathers performed in Music based plays of yesteryears. So, obviously, I inherited these skills from
them. Before coming to Mumbai, I used to perform in one act plays, story telling competitions and even took part in the State level one act plays.

Q: Today, Marathi audience recognise you more as a mimicry artist. Why didn’t you develop this skill further?

A: Actually, I can perform mimicry of only certain well known people like Vikram Gokhale, Dr.Shreeram Lagoo and Lata Mangeshkar. But, it is not my passion. Mimicry is not a form of acting art. Every mimicry artist is not necessarily a good actor. Therefore, I focussed my attention on acting career.

Q: It is because of television, you could reach every household and become popular. To avoid being typecast, what different ways you attempted?

A: My entry on television was first through Shrirang Godboole’s programme ‘Ghadlay Bighadlay’ on Zee television. Then through ‘Comedy Comedy’ and ‘Fu Bai Fu’; I received appreciation. Mahesh Manjrekar offered me a negative role in his film ‘Kaksparsha’. And now, I am playing an important character of B.L.Pathak from U.P. in Zee Marathi’s new serial ‘Shejari Shejari Pakke Shejari’.

Q: A man from Konkan, speaking U.P. style Hindi so fluently. What is the secret behind this effort?

A: In a city like Mumbai, you come across Hindi speaking people at every place. Even in our Marathi entertainment, in back stage there are many workers from UP. So, I used closely observe their accent. Even our sound recordist is from UP. His name is Shivaji. He helped me a lot to improvise on my accent. It is because of him, I could portray Brijlal Pathak’s character.

Q:You have been part of all the three areas of entertainment; i.e. stage, television and films. Where you feel more comfortable?

A: Stage and films help an actor to achieve what he aspires for; but, television only makes him popular. I love to do films; as the canvas is big and there is plenty of scope. In just three hours you create your own world; which I consider more challenging. When you are working for television, people watch you while eating or doing some other work; and thus take your performance very casually. But, the same audience pay for tickets and watch your performance seriously.

Q: Haven’t you received offers from Hindi ?

A: I did receive offers from Hindi; but, they were for small roles, which didn’t interest me. First, let me settle down in Marathi entertainment industry. Then, let me see, if any good offer comes from Hindi.

Q: How often do you visit your native place ?

A: At present, due to work commitment, I am unable to visit. But, I try to make it at least 2- 3 times a year. I have a house there, where my brother and relatives live. But, if you ask me about Konkan;I do get a chance to visit between Khed and Goa; in connection with my stage shows. Frankly speaking, I feel homely anywhere in Konkan.

Q: What is your message to the Marathi audience ?

A: I appeal to them to go and watch the Drama and film in theatre; by purchasing tickets. I also feel that they should not expect much from the Government. Being a teacher, I would say that each and every individual should behave like a good citizen. Personally I feel that the lessons about community living Civics should be offered to the children in school, from day one of the school.

Interviews

Meet Aurvedacharya Dr. Nilesh Sable

Nilesh Sable Pic

We have seen doctors with MBBS degree turning actors but did not hear of an MS in Ayurveda becoming a popular actor till the results of reality show ‘Maharashtracha Superstar’ on Zee Marathi were out last year. This youngster came to Mumbai from a village in Kolhapur, only to particiapte in this reality show, after being selected from among thousands of participants from all over Maharashtra. Dr. Nilesh Sable, who was adjudged as ‘Maharashtracha Superstar’, from among 12 other short listed talented participants like Yogini Chouk, Abhijeet Khandkekar, Tejpal & Sneha Joshi; thereafter gained recognition on his own strength, to turn popular anchor of the comedy TV reality show ‘Fu Bai Fu’.

The first season of ‘Fu bai Fu’ saw him presenting the programme very successfully and that found him place for the second season. This time he was sharing the dais with Saie Tamhankar, but once again he proved his supremacy, only to secure his place as popular anchor for the third successive season of this popular programme.

Since childhood, Nilesh has been a great admirer of popular comedian Jhony Lever, who inspired him a lot to take up mimicry. During his college days, Nilesh was very popular among his friends for acquiring this art. At the same time he also learnt from the veteran actor, how difficult it was to survive in this entertainment field. He knew what was the struggle to make an entry and then establish self. But, the collection of video clips of Jhony Lever’s performance and his films
only encouraged him to keep going.

Today, when we watch him imitate Shahrukh Khan so perfectly, we realize how hard it must have been for him to practice this art. But, watching him play the anchor’s role, certainly reminds us of him going on the lines of other popular anchors like Jitendra Joshi and Aadesh Bandekar . Was he influenced by them ? No wonder, when Aadesh Bandekar had taken a break, it was Nilesh who played young Bhauji in the popular programme ‘Home Minister’ which was dominated by the former host for a long time. But, Nilesh too succeeded in winning the confidence of all those sisters in law from Maharashtra, during the period of his interaction with them.

At a time when people had a doubt whether Nilesh could do anything else than anchoring; Nilesh showed his strengths in Marathi theatre. Today, we find him playing an important role in Herberium’s old revived play ‘Aandhala Daltay’, which is written by Shahir Sable and directed by Kedar Shinde. This new role certainly provides Nilesh a new platform to prove his supremacy as an all round actor. The role that Nilesh plays in this play was performed many years ago by veteran Raja Mayekar and that itself is a big honour for Nilesh.

Nilesh has long way to go in this field, which he has chosen because of his passion for acting. Now, he is now all set to work in films and TV serials with new offers pouring in. Marathi Movie world wishes this talented actor a bright success in days to come.