Aditi Sarangdhar, Aastad Kale get invite from abroad for their popular Marathi play
Discussions on any topic are very common today. Many a times these discussions are harmful in the society. A new Marathi play based on one such discussion ‘Charcha Tar Honarach’ starring Aditi Sarangdhar, Aastad Kale and Kshitij Zarapkar has become very popular among the drama theatre audience. So much so that they have received invitations from Maharashtra mandals of USA, Singapore and Dubai to perform abroad. They want maximum shows to be performed at different places in these countries.
Actually, the subject presented in the play by writer – director Hemant Edalabadkar is timely and worth discussion topic and for this reason this play has been well accepted by the drama lovers. The play is well received in Mumbai and Pune and very soon shows of this play will be performed in Konkan region. This play is produced by Kalpana Kothari and Vinay Algeri.
Actor Sudhir Dalvi returns with his Sai Baba image
Well Known saint Sai Baba of Shirdi is worshipped by many devotees all over India. But, hardly anyone living today, has seen him, as Baba said good bye to this world in 1918. Therefore, Baba is identified only through his photographs and his idols at different places, including Shirdi, in Maharashtra. However, there is one actor, who is a perfect match for the saint. And, he is Sudhir Dalvi. He is a popular Film and TV actor; but he first came into limelight with Manoj Kumar’s hit film of 1977 , ‘Shirdi Ke Sai Baba’ in which he played the title role of the popular saint.
Sudhir Dalvi later found character roles in many Hindi and Marathi films, numbering more than 60. But, in Hindi, he was often used to play a Baba or fakir. Do you remember that famous hit song ‘Aadmi Musafir hai, Aata hai Jataa hai…”? This was from the film ‘Apnapan’, which picturised on him and another Marathi actress Nivedita Joshi Saraf, who was then a child star. Sudhir Dalvi was later repeated in the same role of Sai Baba, by film maker Deepak Balraj in his 2001 film ‘Shirdi Sai Baba’, which was also a multi starrer film. This film was later dubbed in Marathi, as there were other popular Marathi artistes in this film, besides Sudhir Dalvi.
Sudhir Dalvi was last seen in 2011 Marathi film ‘Karuya Udyachi Baat’ by Kshitij Zarapkar. In the meanwhile, he performed in few Hindi serials. But, now he is making his comeback to both Hindi and Marathi films and that too with his Sai Baba image. His hindi film ‘Mere Sai Ram’, is releasing shortly and his Marathi film ‘Lord of Shingnapur’ is also releasing soon. In both the films, he is playing the role of Saibaba, though both the films, talk more about his devotees, rather than focusing more on his character. But, one thing is sure that if any film maker has to show Sai Baba in their films, they cannot think of anyone else, than Mr. Sudhir Dalvi.
‘Golaberij’ is a feast for Pu La’s fans
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Presentor: Different Strokes Communications Pvt Ltd Director: Kshitij Zarapkar Music: Milind Joshi Camera: Vijay Deshmukh Art: Swapnil Keny Cast: Nikhil Ratnaparkhi, Dr. Neha Deshpande, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Satish Shah, Prashant Damle, Sanjay Narvekar, Subodh Bhave, Avinash Narkar, Mukta Barve, Bhargavi Chirmule, Prasad Oak, Anand Ingle, Pushkar Shotri, Sharad Ponkshe, Vijay Kadam… Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
Many years ago, P.L. Deshpande ( Popularly known as Pu.La.) composed music for a children’s song ‘Nach Re Mora’ for an album and Asha Bhosale rendered her voice to add melody to this beautiful song, which is still fresh in the memory of every Maharashtrian household. Even otherwise, unforgettable Pu.La. has always been the most popular writer from Maharashtra for his humour. To make a feature film on the life and stories of this prolific writer, itself is a big news. Filmmaker Kshitij Zarapkar attempted this unusual experiment through his latest film ‘Golaberij’,which is almost like paying tributes to the renowned writer.
The film opens in a typical style of a Marathi play with a ringing of bell and the red curtain raising up and soon we peep into Pu La’s childhood, in a true theatrical style; as we notice Manoj Joshi as a story-teller in a theatre, addressing the capacity filled audience, enjoying every moment. Slowly, he unfolds every important moment in the life of Pu La, right from his childhood. Be it, his family, friends from the school, teacher and then we get the glimpse of some of his popular characters penned through his stories coming live.
Pu La’s youth days have been well captured with Nikhil Ratnaparakhi playing his role with ease. His association with Chitale master ( Played by Dr. Mohan Agashe) other friends like Sonya Bagalkar ( Prasad Oak) , Antya kulkarni ( Pushkar Shrotri), Nanda Pradhan( Subodh Bhave) Nanda’s girl friend ( Bhargavi Chirmule) have been well presented in this cinematic format. Pu. La’s grand daughter- Dr. Neha Deshpande- Kamat plays the important character of Sunitatai, Pu.La’s wife with confidence and that helps to make some of the scenes coming live.
Pu.La’s stay in Ratnagiri and his interaction with famous character Antu Barva ( played by Dilip Prabhavalkar) makes the film more interesting. His shifting to Belgaum and his association with Raosaheb – the theatre owner of Ritz Cinema ( Played by Khsitij Zarapkar himself) goes on to explain, how flexible he was, to fulfill his desire as a story writer of plays and perform as an actor in films. One cannot forget the humour filled train journey incident in the company of Pestankaka a parsi gentleman ( Played by Satish
Shah). Very cleverly, the director posts an interval after this scene and reopens the film with a typical announcement of credits as seen in Marathi dramas, which is something unique.
In the film, you also find the characters of Namu Parit ( Sharad Ponkhe), Hari Tatya ( Avinash Narkar), Sakharam Gatne(Dushyant Wagh), Nandini ( Mukta Barve), Kulkarni ( Prashant Damle), Babadu ( Sanjay Narvekar) Narayan ( Anand Ingale) coming live through their limited but effective performances. Especially, his scene with Babadu, on his return to Mumbai is something special. At the same time Abhijit Chavan and Shrirang Deshmukh get an opportunity to play the famous personalities like G.D. Madgulkar and Ram Gabale respectively, who were close to him. But, unfortunately, due to omission of the scenes based on ‘Mhais’ ( to avoid legal complications) some other talented artistes have been deprived of their appearance. But, luckily Hemangi Kavi Dumal, who is in the scene related to ‘Mhais’ finds herself in title song ‘Nach Re Mora’.
Music that plays an important part of this film with fresh look provided by Milind Joshi to the original songs, goes well with the script. Nach Re Mora being the title song is mesmerizing, while the picturisation of Ethech Taka Tambu has avoided glamour and paid more attention on its lyrics to remind the old version. Thanks to producer Dr. Devdatt kapadia and director Khsitij Zarapkar for this offering, which has turned out to be a feast for Pu La’s fans.
‘Golaberij’ is a story, not a history – Kshitij Zarapkar
You never know, what destiny has in store you. Otherwise, an Electrical Engineer with MBA (Finance) from USA, would never be trying his luck in Marathi film industry. Kshitij Zarapkar was well settled with his job in USA, till he came back to India few years ago, to stage his own drama group’s play ‘Sundara Manamadhye Bharali’ here in India. And, he became a part of this Marathi entertainment industry. Thereafter, he performed in 5 dramas and about 30-35 serials. Kshitij came into limelight as an actor with the show “Ghadlay Bighadlay’.
Today, Kshitij is in news for his new Marathi film ‘Golaberij’, based on the life and stories of P.L. Deshpande, noted Marathi writer known for his humour. This is the fifth film, Khsitij is associated with; and besides writing the screenplay, he is also directing this film. Prior to this, Khitij had written the story of ‘Ishya’, “Ideachi Kalpana’, ‘Karuya Udyachi Baat ( which he also directed), and ‘Thenga’( a commercial film, yet to be released).
Kshitij Zarapkar
For the past three and a half years, Kshitij was into extensive research, seriously planning to stage a play based on the incidences in the life of P.L. Deshpande. All that he wanted to present was some humour associated with people around P.L. and the important Characters created by him, through different stories. But, when the play could not be presented, Kshitij tried to use this collection, to make a film. When he found a producer, Kshitij really became serious about the project and completed this film, which is now ready for release. Today, he is all excited about this film, which has some popular names playing some important characters, either associated with Mr. P.L. Deshpande or part of his stories. But, he has opted for Nikhil Ratnaparakhi, a talented actor to play the role of Mr. P.L Deshpande, as he perfectly fitted into all his requirements.
“Golaberij’ is neither a documentary nor a biopic. It is a story and not a history,” says Kshitij, when you ask him as to what exactly he has presented through his film. But, he has certainly generated a lot of interest through his film. The last time he tried his hands at ‘karuya Udyachi Baat’ a sensible film, which was the first film in the world on the issue of Global warming; but, couldn’t receive much success. When you ask Kshitij, the reason for the same, he blames the producer, who according to him did not promote the film properly, prior to its release.
Highlight of ‘Golaberij’, are the dialogues. Though the screenplay is written by Kshitij himself, he has taken special efforts to retain the original dialogues of P.L. Deshpande, in the script, giving due credit to the great writer. “ While seeking the permission to make this film on his stories, Sunitaji was particular about retaining originality and therefore, I made it a point to use even the comas and full stops in the dialogues,” says Kshitij.
“ Making a film on P.L. Deshpande and the people around him including some of his popular story characters, was itself a challenging job. But, I have worked very hard to present this story in a cinematic form, which I am sure will be appreciated by people from all age groups,” he concludes.