Sagar Talashikar – a self made actor
His hard work for the past 15 years seems to have paid dividends. Today, we watch him play a happy go lucky character of Mayank – mischevous son of a businessman, with so much of confidence that he makes acting look so natural. Self made and cheerful Sagar Talashikar began his acting career in Kolhapur under the guidance of Dr. Sharad Bhutadia through his Houshi Natya Kala Group. While he studied his Law, he participated in the Inter Collegiate Drama competitions and performed at the experimental theatre with many plays, some of which were Shakespeare’s plays.
After his arrival in Mumbai sometime in 1997-98, Sagar invited attention of TV serial makers through his performance on stage. ‘Vartamaan’ was his debut serial on E – TV and since then he has performed in about 20-25 serials and equal number of films to follow. In 2006 Sagar also performed in a Bollywood film ‘It’s Breaking News!’ We have seen him in popular Marathi TV serials like ‘Asambhav’ and ‘Avantika’, but his role in ongoing TV serial ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ seems to be a turning point of his career. Sagar is also doing another serial ‘Runu Zunu’ on Saam Marathi channel with a contrast role of a responsible father of a small girl. But, his portrayal of Mayak suggest a lot about his potential as an actor.
On the big screen we have seen him recently in ‘Balgandharva’ and ‘Guldasta’ trying to make his presence felt. He is now waiting eagerly for the release of his much awaited film ‘Vidhilikhit’ where he plays a parralel role in the lead with Arun Nalawade. Marathi Movie World spoke to Sagar Talashikar. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: You took up acting as your career. Who motivated you at that time?
A: I was performing in Inter collegiate competitions while I was in Kolhapur. But, when I joined the drama Group of Dr. Sharad Bhutadia – Houshi Natya kala, things changed . Over here, I learned how to perform a particular role. Dr. Bhutadia was of great help to me at the beginning of my career.
Q: Do you think that script plays an important factor for the success of Marathi Serials and films ?
A: Yes, script makes a big difference; especially in Marathi TV serials and Marathi films. In Marathi we cannot afford big budget and therefore a strong and powerful script supported by strong
dialogues and good performances help a lot to attain success. The camera on its own cannot speak, but it can capture the best moments arising out of a good screenplay. Today, in Marathi entertainment, a writer has a bigger role to play.
Q: To be a successful actor, is talent very important or it works with your personal contacts ?
A: Your healthy contacts with the right people are equally important besides possessing talent. I feel that both the qualities are essential in today’s competitive world. How will people know you that you possess talent. Your PR does help a lot.
Q: Don’t you think that the role of Mayank in ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ is the best role you are playing in the recent times?
A: I would say, it is one of the best roles I have got so far.
Q: But, if you have to rate the best one, which one would you opt for ?
A: Yes, I would go with this character of Mayank, which I am playing right now.
Q: How were you selected for this role ?
A: Director Satish Rajwade is a good friend. My selection for this role was done by him. Perhaps he knew that I was fit for it.
Q: Tell us something about your forthcoming film ‘Vidhilikhit’. We understand that it is something special ?
A: Yes, it is a special film for me. It is made by Moin Khan a NRI with David handling the camera. Myself and Arun Nalawde play parallel roles in this film, which is based on a different subject. There is no leading lady in this film. The film is in the post production stage and will be released after 4-5 months.
Q: How are you looking forward to your future in this field?
A: I am expecting good roles and good films to come to me.
“Now, I have a role to play my age”- Pallavi Subhash
She is young and talented, possessing graceful looks with sharp eyes which she uses to express her emotions clearly. Unfortunately, till now Pallavi Subhash got all those roles in Hindi serials, where she had to play middle aged women. But, after she did an ad for Cadburys, she now has a taste of ‘meetha’ through a meaty role in Zee Marathi’s latest serial ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’.
Few years ago, she performed in Marathi films and serials and for one of the films ‘Kunku Zala Vairi’ she was even nominated for best actress Zee Gaurav award. Later, Pallavi shifted to Hindi serials, but couldn’t succeed in finding roles to test her talent. Now, she finds one through this Marathi serial ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’, where she almost plays a lead role opposite Sandeep Kulkarni through this tailor made character of Ananya that suits her personality and young age. The serial has picked up well during its first week run and Pallavi with her confident looking performance has already created a sensation.
Tall and charming Pallavi was the attraction of the media during the press conference of Zee Marathi channel, when the artistes of ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ were introduced while releasing
the first look of the serial. After the event, she had a chit chat with Marathi Movie World.
Excerpts from the discussion:
Q: Today, you are better known as the Cadbury ad-girl. Do you think that this chocolate ad made you a celebrity?
A: I just don’t know. But, I hope this exposure has helped me to find better roles.
Q: But, you have already done many Hindi serials?
A: Yes, I have done those serials, but I had to play middle aged women in most of them.
Q: What are the film projects you have in hand ?
A: I am doing a Tamil film ‘Om’ opposite South star Arjun.
Q: And, ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ is the only serial you are doing at present ?
A: Yes, I decided to focus on this role for next few months, as this was the kind of role I was looking for. More so, the serial is not going to stretch too long.
Q: Do you think that this particular role will help lift your career ?
A: Yes, I was just waiting for such kind of role to play my age in Marathi and when I received this offer, I immediately accepted it.
Q: How much are you enjoying it ?
A: I enjoyed every moment during our first schedule of shooting and we have a good team work. Satish Rajwade is doing a good job as a director. Just saw the first look of this serial and I am happy to find a good response coming from all.
‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ promises quality script
After the Popularity of ‘Marathi serials ‘Asambhav’ and ‘Agnihotra’, director Satish Rajwade is back. His latest offering ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ produced by Shrirang Godbole is now on Zee Marathi with effect from 27th June 2011. To accommodate this new serial with an interesting subject based on the script of Chinmay Mandlekar, Zee Marathi have extended their prime time till 11 pm; as this serial will be aired at 10.30 pm from Monday to Saturday.
To present the first look of this new serial the Business Head of Zee Marathi, Mr. Nikhil Sane had organized a press meet at Worli. The entire team of the serial right from the producer and director along with the writer and the main artistes comprising of Sandeep Kulkarni, Mrunal Kulkarni, Chinmay Mandalekar
Sandeep Kulkarni, Mrinal Kulkarni and Pallavi Subhash were present. They individually reacted with the media persons after speaking about their association with this serial.
While Sandeep called it a good team work, Mrinal thanked everybody for an excellent presentation of the subject. Producer Shrirang Godbole clearly hinted that this serial was for a limited period of six months according to the present length of the script and was not in favour of stretching it further. “You know, I don’t believe in stretching the serial unnecessarily, even if it popularizes. ‘Agnihotra’ was the best example,” he said. Mr. Nikhil Sane was confident of good viewer-ship even at this new extended prime time. Pallavi Subhash, the Cadbury ad- girl, who is playing an important role in this serial, looked more confident with the media, though she spoke in brief. Watching her in the promos, she certainly shows promise in this challenging role played by her.
With its tagline ‘Disata Tasa Nasata, Mhanun Jag fasta’, this new serial ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ on Zee Marathi is all set to capture a sizable viewer-ship in days to come.
“Patience is the Key to success” – Mrinal Kulkarni
Mrinal Kulkarni, an eminent actress from the Marathi and Hindi entertainment industry is a rare combination of beauty, talent and brain. Highly qualified, she was fortunate to work simultaneously in Hindi and Marathi, gaining rich experience with genuine appreciation and awards, which speaks volumes for her proficiency in acting.
With good family background- grandfather G. N. Dandekar being a well known writer and father being Principal of Pune’s prestigious S.P. College, Mrinal obviously excelled in academics, besides pursuing her acting career. Having won the S. G.. Malshe scholarship for studies in Literature and Linguistics, she did her Masters in Literature from the University of Pune.
Her rendezvous with dramatics began during her college days; although, she shot into fame after her debut at the young age of 16 through television serial “Swami”. After that Mrinal Kulkarni has never looked back. She was fortunate to work with some of the reputed Producers, Writers and Directors in the industry like, Gajanan Jahgirdar, Ved Rahi, Ravi Rai, Vikas Desai, Sanjay Surkar, Sanjay Khan, Surendra Mohan, Basu Bhattacharya, Jabbar Patel, Kumar Sohoni, Amol Palekar and Gajendra Ahire to name a few.
Mrinal Kulkarni
Mrinal also had the privilege of experimenting with a wide range of characters, with diverse persona, like Ramabai, Meera and Jijamata . Who can forget her brilliant double role in the Marathi film “Jodidar” ? This role had won her two awards in the same year. Always looking forward to challenges, Mrinal has always been comfortable in any role, be it a historical character or a contemporary role with composure. A resolute and genuine performer, her sincerity is reflected in all her characters, which have earned her millions of well wishers.
Marathi Movie World spoke to this gifted talented actress. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: We have seen you as a successful actress over the years. Besides acting, what are your other interests?
A: I am an ardent reader and a hard core mountaineer, who loves to go on trekking. I also love to travel a lot. It is for this purpose, I keep my entire month of May free to be with my family. We plan a long vacation during this time compulsorily, once in a year.
Q: You also happen to be the grand-daughter of Great Marathi writer G. N. Dandekar. Whether you have continued his legacy through writing?
A: Initially I used to write my column ‘Maitrin’ . then I wrote my own book titled ‘Make up Utravlyavar’ – a Samakaleen Publication. At present I am regularly writing my column in Sakal paper under the title ‘Tanishqa’. It is mainly to inspire women from different fields.
Q: You mean, it is necessary for people involved in your profession to spend their vacation once in a year ?
A: At least, I feel so. It refreshes you a lot to be back in action.
Q: Newcomers in the industry look upon you as a role model of fitness. How do you maintain your fitness level ?
A: I do at least one hour workout daily. It could be anything, either exercising in the Gym or walking. But, I don’t miss my workout.
Q: How you have been able to maintain a perfect balance between Hindi and Marathi industry, in your successful career ?
A: According to me, For every artiste, patience is the key for success . I was fortunate to use it well without any selfish motive. And, it has worked well so far. It’s a proven fact.
Q: But, it is said that you were lucky to find good roles. What you have to say about that?
A: I wasn’t lucky. I made my selection of roles. Here again, I would say, I could afford to wait. It is not necessary to be 24 hours or 30 days busy to be successful.
Q: Don’t you think that the title role you played in ‘Avantika’ and the present role of Naina in the ongoing new serial ‘Guntata Hriday Hey’ have striking similarity ?
A: No, not at all. On the contrary, these two are totally contrast roles. Avantika was very bold and reacted quickly at any given situation, whereas Naina is a paranoid and emotional housewife.