Ashok Saraf – 40 years of non-stop acting
At 66, he is fit enough to work with the same enthusiasm, as he did in 70s, when he made his debut in Marathi films. He has a terrific sense of timing, when he performs comedy scenes with his co stars. No wonder, his pairing with late Laxmikant Berde turned out to be a hit. He must have done maximum Marathi films with Laxmikant Berde in 80s. But, no one can forget his cunning havaldar in Dada Kondke’s 1975 film ‘Pandu hawaldar’ and a ‘Munimji’ in Rakesh Roshan’s film ‘Karan Arjun’ in 1995. During the past 40 years, he has played a variety of roles in Marathi and Hindi films .But, he was more known for his comedy.
Recently, we watched him play an important role of a sympathetic Police Hawaldar in a hit Hindi film ‘Singham’ and we came to know about his versatility in changing from comedy to serious scenes. Not many Marathi film makers have used his skills in emotion filled roles. Very recently, we saw him play a very good emotion filled lead role in a Marathi film ‘Gol Gol Dabyatla’. But, unfortunately, this sensible film did not do good business.
After a long time, we saw him back to Marathi stage and also in Marathi serials through ‘Nana O Nana’. But, how can we forget his past performances on stage and TV ? ‘Prema Tujha Rang kasa’, ‘Manomilan’ on stage and ‘Hum Panch'(Hindi) on television, found him in his best. In the recent past, he returned to his comedy roles, through ‘Ideachi Kalpana’ in the company of Sachin Pilgaonkar and Mahesh Kothare. And, he stole the show in the role of a shrewd advocate. Even ‘Ek Daav Dhobhi Pachad’, became a hit, only because of his presence in the film.
For the past 28 years, he has been performing range of character roles in Hindi films; be it a crooked lawyer in ‘Pratighat’, kasturi in ‘Bade Ghar Ki Beti’, VCR in ‘Benam Badshah’, Gangaram Lalwani in ‘Naseebwala’, Dhaniram in ‘Aa Gale lag Ja’, Pyare Mohan in ‘Bal Bramhachar’, Mr. Patel in ‘Kya Dil Ne Kaha’ or head Constable Savalkar in ‘Singham’, they were all prominent roles.
Next month, we will see him opposite another experienced Marathi actor Sayaji Shinde, who has been a popular villain in south films. In the film ‘Khara Saangu Khota Khota’ these two actors are playing traditional rivals from the same village, whose children are in love with each other.
Today, he is the most respected actor in Marathi Entertainment and there is lot to learn from him; when he is around. Recently, while attending a function of the first look of one of his recent films, he noticed silence among the media representatives; and spoke himself, to break the silence and create an instant laughter. For any actor, it is very important to communicate with the media; and Ashok Saraf possesses this skill. No wonder, he has been in this industry for little more than four decades. And, he is still ready to deliver, given any role suited to him.
by Ulhas Shirke © MMW | 02 November 2013, Saturday
Santosh Juvekar – The angry young man of Marathi cinema
The so called angry young man of Marathi films, Santosh Juvekar is in limelight today. At the beginning of the new year, he had two simultaneous releases and now by end of the first month, we saw two more releases simultaneously. In short, January 2012 was his month. His TV serial ‘Veig’ which is in its second run, is also inviting attention on Saam TV.
Marathi Movie World spoke to Santosh Juvekar, to know more about his acting career. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: When your acting career really took off ?
A: 8 years ago, I stepped into this profession with my debut in Marathi play ‘Aani Makarand Rajadhyaksha’. It was based on the real life incidences in the life of an actor Makarand Rajadhyaksha. At one stage during his downfall, a youngster- Naren Deshmukh comes to his rescue. I played the role of Naren Deshmukh. Having been associated with this play and well known artistes like Vikram Gokhale & Narayan Jadhav boosted my confidence. It was a great experience. The play was directed by Dilip Kolhatkar and presented by Lata Narvekar’s Chintamani Group.
Q: But, after that you shifted to Television or films ?
A: I shifted to TV serials and made my debut through ‘Police Panch’ followed by ‘Ya Gojirvanya Gharaat’, through which I reached every house of Marathi serial lovers. ‘Vadalwaat’, ‘Oon Paus’, ‘Kimayagar’ are some of the serials I was associated with, when I received offers from Marathi films.
Q: Which was your first marathi film ?
A: My first Marathi film was ‘Blind Game’ made by Rajiv Patil.
Q: How was year 2011 for you ?
A: Very fine. I had an opportunity to play different kind of good roles through films like ‘Jhenda’, ‘Morya’, ‘Fakta Ladh Mhana’, ‘Sharyat’ & ‘Ringa Ringa’. The biggest satisfaction was getting a chance to work in Mahesh Manjrekar’s banner. Each film had presented me in different characters and hence could get an opportunity to offer variety.
Q: What do you have to say about your recently released films ?
A: In the beginning of the year my two films ‘Shala’ and ‘Gol Gol Dabyatla’ were released and now last week two more films: ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and ’31 December’ have been released. In ‘Shala’ a schoolmaster- Manjrekar. The film is based on Milind Bokil’s popular novel and Sujay Dahake, a young intelligent director has made this wonderful film. Actually, I had read this novel 7-8 times and was very eager to be part of this film. It was a good experience to work with him. He is one of my favourite directors. ‘Gol Gol Dabyatla’ is a tale of a poor father and his ambitious son, who keeps his parents away after moving to city. It’s about the conflict between father and son. In ‘Jana Gana Mana’, I play the character of Dagadu- an Adivasi and in ’31December’ I play a Naxalite who revolts against the system.
Q: What about your future projects ?
A: My two films ‘Matter’ and ‘Tendulkar Out’ will be released soon. ‘Matter’ is based on a Gangster. It’s about the journey of four friends on a wrong path and how they face the happenings in their life. ‘Tendulkar Out’ is a story of three friends and I play the character of Nair. These friends take a decision, which lands them into a problem.
Q: You have also tried singing in film ‘Matter’. How was that experience?
A: Yes, there is a song ‘Benchik’ which I have rendered along with Jitendra and Sushant. It was my first song and let’s see how audience react to it.
Q: But, are you really fond of singing?
A: I like to listen to songs. But, I am not a singer. I wouldn’t dare to sing again. However, if the situation demands, I would work hard and try to give my best.