KRANTI REDKAR
“I am very friendly and fun loving in real life ” – Kranti Redkar
Nothing succeeds like the appearance of success. Many a times, You never know which is the stepping stone for your success. The super hit popular Marathi song ‘Kombdi palali, tangdi dharun ….langadi ghalaya laagli’ brought into fame Kranti Redkar as an actress in Marathi film industry. The manner in which she performed on the compelling dancing beats of this song, it easily got registered as a perfect item number of Marathi films. Although, she shot into limelight as a dancer, Kranti as an actress had all the relevant requirements to play different kinds of roles. Above all, she had a striking personality of her own. Watching her play that mod girl in action packed ‘Target’ and that limited yet noticeable emotion filled role in ‘Shikshanachya Aaichha Gho’, clearly indicated that she was a button artiste with a lot of potential to perform at any given situation spontaneously.
Having begun her acting career while studying in Ruia College, Mumbai, she came in contact with Kedar Shinde, who then directed her one act plays for different state level competitions. For five years, she was associated with theatre, besides pursuing her college studies. “In our country, one needs to complete the graduation and then shift to their respective profession of choice, as per our family tradition and I observed that,” says Kranti . “I did exactly the same, as I got attracted to this profession with total involvement,” she quips. Having also performed in two Bollywood films, i.e. Prakash Jha’s ‘Gangajaal’ (as Apoorva-the girl who is kidnapped) and as Raaji, the statistics lecturer in the film ‘U Bomsi n Me’, Kranti is now eagerly waiting for her much awaited Marathi film release ‘Laadi Goadi’, where she is playing lead opposite Sanjay Narvekar. It is a multi-starrer Marathi film with other co-stars like Resham Tipnis, Varsha Usgaonkar, Tushar Dalvi, Subodh Bhave and others. Her other Marathi films in the pipeline are Mahesh Manjrekar’s ‘Shahanpan Degaa Deva’, Kedar Shinde’s ‘On Duty 24 Taas’ and Atul Ketkar’s untitled film. There is also one Hindi production ‘Boys Toh Boys Hain’ with popular comedy stars from Bollywood. With a perfect physique and spontaneity to act at any given time, Kranti has a great future ahead. Marathi Movie world spoke to this radiant personality. Excerpts from an interview
Q: Did you begin your acting career through ‘Jatra’ ?
A: No. My debut in films was through a Marathi film ‘Soon Asavi Ashi’ in the year 2000 opposite Ankush Choudhary. Later I also played an important character of a kidnapped girl- Apoorva in Prakash Jha’s Hindi film ‘Gangajaal’. Actually, I began my acting career through stage. For five years, it was almost like doing my graduation in acting besides my degree course in college.
Q: How important is your educational qualification in your acting career ?
A: As I said before, with my five years of training on stage was itself like taking a degree in acting, besides my college degree. In our country, completing graduation is the base of any career you choose later. It’s not like other countries, where after High school, children opt for their choice of career. My parents had strictly told me to complete graduation first and then think of my career. But, I had made up my mind to choose acting as my career. I personally feel that at 18, you become wise enough to decide what is good for you. Further, the importance of education is that if by chance you fail in this profession, you can at least have a choice of trying out something else.
Q: You have also performed in some of Hindi serials like ‘Chittor Ki Raani Padmini….’, ‘Simply Sapne’ and others. How was your experience there ?
A: Frankly speaking, anyone would be tempted to act in such serials, where you are paid well and where you get an opportunity to get dressed up in variety of costumes. I played the character of Nagmati in ‘Chittor ki Raani Padmini…’ because it was based on a historical theme with Rajasthani culture. However, I had less scope to act there. I would rather love to perform any kind of role, where there is more scope for emotions. ‘Ladies Special’ was one such serial, where I enjoyed every happening with artistes like Neena Gupta and others around. It certainly involves you to give your best under such a situation.
Q: You have become very popular with ‘kombdi song’ in ‘Jatra’ with your mesmerizing dance performance. Tell us your experience about this song ?
A: I am also associated with Indian and English theatre with people like Bharat Dabholkar, Shubha Khote & Feroze Khan. During one such performance in Dubai, I happened to visit a Pub along with my co-artistes, where I was shocked to find this song being played there, with some locals dancing and enjoying the tunes of this song. Till then, I never knew about its worldwide popularity. It was a great moment to experience.
Q: You have performed different characters with grey shades, sometimes a strong headed, ambitious woman. How is Kranti in real life ?
A: I am very friendly and fun loving in real life. That’s what my friends say. Somehow, I try to co-ordinate well with all my friends and also colleagues, while at work.
Q: If given an option, what would be your priority? Film or a Serial ?
A: Obviously, films. When you are signed for a serial, you need to give time and dates in advance and therefore you remain committed and tied-up with that. And, it goes on for a year or may be more. For a film, it is not so. You can easily manage 5 or more films in a year without any dates problem.
Q: Which are your forthcoming films ?
A: I am eagerly waiting for the release of ‘Laadi Goadi’ which will be around coming Ganapti festival time. Then, there are films like ‘Shahanpan Dega Devaa’ and ‘On Duty 24 Taas’ to follow.
Q: What’s so special about ‘Laadi Goadi’ ?
A: It is a totally different kind of experiment in films and I am sure, it will offer something new to Marathi film audience. Watch me play Hema Malini in this film. Actually, I am playing the character of the type of Hema Malini, wearing all those costumes that she wore in different films. Sanjay Narvekar, who plays opposite me, will play Dharmendra. It’s a fun filled film, with Resham Tipnis and Varsha Usgaonkar being the other two heroines. You will find a lot of similarity in the performances of other artistes like Tushar Dalvi, Subodh Bhave with those like Amitabh Bachchan and Jeetendra. And guess, who resembles Sridevi ?
“Dancing is my passion but acting is my profession” – Smita Shewale
She made her confident looking entry into Marathi films through Kedar Shinde’s film ‘Yanda Kartavya Aahe’. Like all time greats Shanta Shelke and Mrunal Kulkarni, she too is an alumni of Pune’s famous Huzurpapga School. Bright and talented Smita Shewale has never missed a single opportunity since her childhood, when it came to competition, be it Dance Competition, College gathering or New Comer’s party; she always used to be around. It was only surprising, how she couldn’t get a call from Zee Marathi’s programme Ekapeksha Ek Apasaras. She was certainly a better choice. Were her dancing talents not known to the organizers?
Anyway, in the days to come, her dancing talents will surely be noticed, as she is certainly one of those sincere and hard working actresses in Marathi entertainment industry. Marathi Movie world spoke to this talented star, to know more about her passion and profession.
Q: How you got your first break through ‘Yanda Kartavya Aahe’ ?
A: One day, I had gone to see a play at Pune’s Sudarshan Manch. Over there, I sensed some confusion on the faces of those people whom I knew. In the meantime Shubhangi Damle approached me and inquired about my present activity. When I told her that I was performing dances, wherever, I was given an opportunity; she asked me to post her my photographs. I totally forgot about it, till I received 2-3 calls from her. This time, she suggested me that Kedar Shinde was looking for a girl, like me as he was doing a film on Rasika Joshi’s script. When I met Kedar Shinde, he immediately finalized me for swati role, without even taking my audition. It looked like that he had found his Swati in me.
Q: How many films and serials have you done so far?
A: My first film was ‘Yanda kartavya Aahe’ followed by ‘Manya Sajjana’, ‘Laadi Goadi’ and ‘Chal Lavkar’. For television, I have done ‘CharChaughi’ and presently doing ‘Shrimant Pehwa Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Mandala Don Ghadicha Daav’ which has recently been launched on Star Pravah.
Q: What type of role you are playing in ‘Mandala Don Ghadicha Daav’?
A: I am playing Anagha, who is a perfect role model of an ideal girl. She is different from others. A very matured girl, who knows how to handle every situation. However, her younger sister is exactly opposite to her. She is a pampered girl and has a different track of living life. It is Anagha, who always protects her, whenever she is in trouble. It’s a challenging role.
Q: After watching initial episodes of this serial, it only reminds us of Juhi Chawla’s film ‘Aaina’, Don’t you think so?
A: May be, you are right. I sacrifice a lot, just to make my sister happy. Sometimes, I go out of the way to protect her and in the process affect my own self. But, you need to see the forthcoming episodes, before arriving at any such conclusion.
Q: Sure, we will see your forthcoming episodes. But, are you planning to continue with serials ?
A: Presently, I am so much occupied with my work through serials that I get exhausted and there is hardly any time to plan future action. But, let me think about it.
Q: You are also passionate about dancing. Are you a dancing actress?
A: I have trained myself in Bharatanatyam for 12 long years and it is my passion. But, acting will always be my profession. Recently I also directed a classical ballet. Whenever I get a chance to display my both talents together, I shall consider it a privilege.
Laadi Godi ( लाडी गोडी )
Genres: Comedy
Rating: na
Censor: U
Duration: 130 min.
Studio/presenter: Uttara Food and Feeds Pvt. Ltd.
Producers: Bala Entertainments
Executive Producer: na
Director: Mahesh Tilekar
Writer: Mahesh Tilekar
ScreenPlay: Mahesh Tilekar
Dialogues: Mukund Taksale
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Cast & Crew
Executive Producer: na
Director: Mahesh Tilekar
Assistant Director: na
Writer: Mahesh Tilekar
ScreenPlay: Mahesh Tilekar
Dialogues: Mukund Taksale
Lyrics: Mahesh Tilekar
Music: Kamlesh Bhadkamkar
Playback Singer: Vaishali Samant, Swapnil Bandodkar, Sudesh Bhosale, Kamlesh Bhadkamkar
Cinematographer (DOP): Debu Deodhar
Editor: na
Starcast: Tushar Dalvi, Varsha Usgaonkar, Bharat jadhav, Dipali Sayyed, Aniket Vishwasrao, Smita Shewale, Subodh Bhave, Resham Tipnis, Sanjay Narvekar, Krani Redkar, Nilu Phule
Costumes: na
Makeup: na
Sound : na
Background Score: na
Choreographer: na
DI, VFX: na
D.I. Colourist: na
Promos: na
Music Label: na
Publicity Designs: na
P.R.O.: na
Distributor : na
Synopsis
‘Laadi Godi’ : na
Videos
News / Article / Interview
na
Movie Still(s)
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Review
‘Laadi Godi’ only mocks Bollywood
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Rating: na
Presenter: Uttara Food and Feeds Pvt. Ltd. Producer: Bala Entertainments Story, Screenplay, Lyrics, Direction: Mahesh Tilekar Camera: Debu Deodhar Dialogues: Mukund Taksaale Music: Kamlesh Bhadkamkar Cast: Tushar Dalvi, Varsha Usgaonkar, Bharat jadhav, Dipali Sayyed, Aniket Vishwasrao, Smita Shewale, Subodh Bhave, Resham Tipnis, Sanjay Narvekar, Krani Redkar…. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
It looks like that our Marathi film makers are devoid of good scripts. In the name of comedy, today they are offering anything that is available ready made. As it is, over the years our Bollywood has offered them so much to imitate in Marathi that the search becomes much easier. Director Mahesh Tilekar’s latest film ‘Laadi Godi’ is one such experiment where you will find lots of popular Marathi artistes together to mock the styles of Bollywood personalities like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra,Jitendra, Hema Malini, Sridevi, Rekha, Anil Kapoor, Madhuri, Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore. Oh, sorry! The list is not over. There is Govinda and Karishma too.
So, using the names of these stars in the respective characters in this film, our Marathi stars comprising of Tushar Dalvi, Sanjay Narvekar, Subodh Bhave, Kranti Redkar, Resham Tipnis, Varsha Usgaonkar, Aniket Vishwasrao, Smita Shewale, Bharat Jadhav, Deepali Syed , Vijay Chavan and Kishori Ambiye have tried their best to mock them. In addition to that Shweta Shinde plays an abrupt role of an auto rickshaw driver just for two scenes. Now, if you try to measure the length of their roles, it will be noticed that they are all on a picnic at a guest house.
Now, to say something about the film’s story, Just as our three heroines – Rekha, Hema and Sridevi hate men the three heroes played by Amit, Daharmendra and Jitendra hate women. The main hero of the film Rajesh keeps on making frequent appearances in between the screenplay in different forms, begging before the three women to vacate his bunglow, as his newly wedded wife Sharmila would only then agree to celebrate their honeymoon there. One wonders, as to why he couldn’t celebrate his honeymoon elsewhere? But, then how would the film progress further? So, Rajesh seeks help from the trio comprising of Amit, Dharmendra and Jitendra to drive away these three women from his bungalow. He accommodates them on the Ground floor.
In comes Anil( Aniket) , who has been brought up by the three men in absence of his father and also Madhuri ( Smita Shewale) who has grown up in the shelter of the three women in absence of her mother. While Anil- Madhuri fall in love with each other, in spite of the opposition of their uncles and aunties; the two attendants of the bungalow- Govinda and karishma also fall for each other in a filmi style . Obviously, watching these two couples, the tenants find each other’s match. And with that we see happy ending of the film.
Such a kind of comedy, where every star tries to mock a bollywood personality suits well in a mimicry item on the stage in a reality show or even to that extent in a stage play, where they are provided the liberty to perform the way they want. But, the same experiment may not necessarily work in a cinema. In Maharashtra, we have different type of audience for drama and movie. The taste differs, as the presentation forms are different. There are few exceptions, where the scripts of both a drama or a movie are based on a real story or suspense filled fiction. However, in the case of ‘Laadi Godi’ it is only mockery of Bollywood, without any specific purpose. So, just by naming the characters with these popular Bollywood personalities, failed to invite the attention of all. The presentation has to be very perfect to create that spontaneous laughter. And frankly speaking, that does not happen in ‘Laadi Godi’.
The biggest flaw in the screenplay is that the sequences haven’t been properly placed in the order. When Anil walks in the house with gifts for his uncles, he presents Jitendra a pair of white shoes, which he is shown wearing in a previous scene. Sanjay Narvekar plays the scene of ‘Sholay’ in a typical Dharmendra style climbing on the top of the water tank, addressing the villagers; but there are no villagers around. There is only Hema. One can understand that while watching such films in a theatre , you have to leave your logical thinking process behind; but, that does not mean that the film maker should taste the patience of the audience. ‘Laadi Godi’ has thus turned out to be just another ordinary marathi film, certainly not for multiplex audience. Late Debu Deodhar, however leaves his mark as a cinematographer; as this is the last film he did before his untimely death. So, is the case with Nilu Phule, who makes a guest appearance in this film.