Star Pravah’s ‘Lakshya’ completes 700 episodes
Popular Police investigative Marathi serial ‘Lakshya’ on Star Pravah has successfully completed 700 episodes. Instead of inviting special guests for celebrating the occasion, the hosts Aadesh Bandekar and Suchitra Bandekar, the producers of this serial had it a home affair. They wanted to share the happy moment with the entire cast and crew of the serial and their family members, which was a fine gesture.
Speaking on the occasion the hosts made an announcement that soon they will bring all the artistes together and will present more interesting stories, to keep the home audience engaged. Present on the occasion were, main artistes of this serial, Ashok Samarth, Shweta Shinde, Aditi Sarangdhar, Jagannath Nivangune, kamlesh Sawant, Ramesh Wani, Pari Telang & Dhanshree Kshirsagar.
Hello! This is Sub.Inspector Disha Suryavanshi speaking…
We are all watching her on small screen, in popular crime investigation serial ‘Lakshya’, on Star Pravah. Today, Pari Telang is more popularly known as Sub-Inspector Disha Suryavanshi, than her original name. Actually, Pari began her acting career as a child artiste, when she was studying in 2nd standard. It was a role in commercial Marathi play ‘Mantramugdha’. This was followed by Zee Marathi’s ( then alpha Marathi) popular Marathi serial ‘Abhalmaya’, and DD’s ‘Bandini’ and ‘Valvacha Paus’.. As a child artiste, she also performed in one Marathi film. Thanks to her father Bhushan Telang, a film and theatre personality, who encouraged her from time to time. Later, he became an executive producer for serials.
While Pari was in Ruia College, she got better exposure of stage and performed in one of the plays for college. For the past few years she has been working as a dubbing artiste for two serials on Disney. To work as a dubbing artiste, you require special skills in voice modulation and Pari is expert in that. No wonder, she has successfully managed to work in Hindi serial like ‘Choo kar Mere Man Ko’ on DD, where she played an important character of Samiksha.
Today, she is seen on Marathi stage playing the role of Sheetal in the comedy play ‘Vasuchi Sasu’ and as Sub Inspector Disha Suryavanshi in popular Marathi serial ‘Lakshya’. Marathi Movie World met Pari, during the launch of new Marathi film ‘Yashwanti’ in which she has an important role to play. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: You are more popular as Sub Inspector Disha Suryavanshi. How do you react to a situation at a public place, if you notice a crime taking place?
A: Yes, I would certainly react spontaneously, to that situation; but, seeking support from others around. Today, all of us need to be vigilant about the happenings around us. Every citizen should be socially active in preventing any untoward happening at a public place.
Q: But, how did you get this role of Sub Inspector Disha, in ‘Lakshya‘?
A actually, my father was executive producer of this serial. One day, after the shooting, I had gone to pick up my father; when I met Aadesh Da and his wife Suchitraji. And, they mentioned to my father, to cast me in one of the forthcoming episodes. When I returned home, I told my father that if at all I was offered a role, it should be Police Inspector’s role. Later, when Shravani madam of Star Pravah, knew about my wish, she too recommended my name, since she had seen my performance as a child actress. By that time, ‘Lakshya‘ had already completed 80 episodes and were in the process of expanding the team. And, soon I found myself in the role of Sub.Inspector Disha.
Q: You have studied in Ruia College, the cultural hub of Mumbai. How do you feel about it?
A: yes, I am proud to be an ex student of Ruia College, which has been promoting cultural activities, in the best possible manner. No wonder, the college has received top ranking in India.
Q: Who were your batch mates from Marathi film industry ?
A: There are many people from entertainment industry, whom I know and have passed out from Ruia College. During my time, there were people like ‘Duniyadari’ Music composer Sachin Pathak, Aakash Dabhade from Bollywood and Spruha Joshi, who was my junior in college and had seen her perform for the college, during my time.
Q: Now, that you are into all the three fields of acting; how do you feel about it?
A: Since my childhood, I have been doing it and hence don’t really feel the difference. Actually, I started dubbing for TV channels since I was studying in 7th standard in school. Even now, besides working on my acting projects, I find time to do dubbing for two series of Disney channel.
Q: Looking at your popularity in ‘Lakshya’ TV serial, can we expect you to find more offers from Films?
A: I hope so. I have just received this offer in ‘Yashwanti’ and I am all excited to work in this film, as this will be the first Marathi film, with an animated character as part of the cast, on the lines of Hollywood films like ‘Jurassic park’ and ‘Life of a Pie’.
Chit Chat With Bharat Gaikwad
When we engage in what is naturally suited to us, our work takes on the quality of performance and it is this performance that stimulates creativity. This is very relevant to those into film making. In the case of Bharat Gaikwad, this holds true. After studying in Mumbai’s Wilson College, Bharat wanted to do specialization in Sound Engineering, as Physics was his main subject during graduation. But, his involvement in direction did not permit him to find time for his further studies. As an assistant director to stalwarts like Lekh Tandon and Ramesh Gupta, opened doors for him to direct independent projects soon. His debut as a director was through DD metro’s serial ‘Insaaf’.
Though Bharat made his debut through Hindi, it was always his wish to direct Marathi serials and he got an opportunity to do so, when Sanjay Surkar offered him to shoot 15 days a month for his popular serial ‘Avantika‘. Bharat also had an opportunity to direct ‘Jagavegali’ in Marathi and the popular Hindi serial ‘Kitty Party’. Watching his work, someone from Indonesia contacted him through his friend and invited him to not only direct some of their local serials but also train their people into direction. For about 4 years between 2003 and 2007 Bharat lived in Jakarta and dealt with many interesting subjects, only to gain considerable experience. At present, he is directing a police detective serial ‘Lakshya’ on Star Pravah channel which is the topic of discussion. Marathi Movie world had a chit chat with this dynamic director. Excerpts from the discussion:
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Q: For a director, what is important? A script or the cast of the project ?
A: For me, both are important. A good script does make a big difference; but at the same time the performances from artistes are equally important.
Q: What is your way of directing a particular scene?
A: I discuss the scene with my artistes before the shot and explain the importance of the scene, so as to bring out the best out of them. For a director, his keen observation is very important in direction. If he is good at that, he can certainly get the best out of every scene.
Q: After directing few serials with success, why did you opt for an overseas assignment?
A: Yes, I did accept an assignment from Indonesia, as I thought that I would get to learn so many things there in production.
Q: What difference you noticed there ?
A: If you are talking about the audience, they are more influenced by world cinema. They have one hour long episodes. There was no shortage of equipments and I got everything that was required for shoot. The technical support was good. About planning with artistes required little understanding because the artistes left in time, no matter what time they walked in on the sets. So, I had to use my skills to adjust the shooting with their availability. Another good thing that happened in Indonesia was that I could watch so many English film DVD’s there and did a lot of reading during free time.
Q: But, what subjects in the serials are popular there ?
A: They prefer watching something related to magic, action and ghost stories.
Q: You also directed a Marathi film last year. Why wasn’t it a success ?
A: Yes, I directed a film ‘Dhava Dhaav’ a comedy subject. It was a ready made script with artistes that was offered to me for direction. It is because of this reason, I couldn’t contribute much from my side.
Q: But, now, you are directing a police detective serial ‘Laksya‘. How is the response to this serial ?
A: It is because of ‘Lakshya’, my work has come to the notice of many people. I could use all my experience while directing this serial. I have received compliments through many of my friends. A close friend of mine also told me that Mahesh Manjrekar also appreciated it. I also received a feedback that small children in my friend’s society enact the characters of this serial while playing in the evening.
Q: How do you look at the present change in the production of Marathi serials?
A: I myself noticed a big change during the last few years. After my return from Indonesia in 2007, I found some of my friends like Nishikant Kamat and others reaching to great heights. Even there was a big change observed in technical matters. Now, in my serial they are using HD camera, which was till now only used by Nitin Chandrakant Desai for his productions ‘Rajaa Shivchatrapati’ and ‘Bajirao Mastani’. It gives a great feeling to work with all such technical advancements in Marathi serials.
‘I live for the day’- Aditi Sarangdhar
Few years ago a young girl from Kalyan peformed in Nishikant Kamat‘s experimental play ‘Litmus’, only to be spotted for her incredible talent. Today, she is one of the leading actresses in Marathi entertainment industry. Since childhood, Aditi Saragdhar was passionate about acting. And, when she got a platform, she never looked back. From Kalyan, her journey to Ruia College, Mumbai was only to enhance her acting skills, to greater heights.
Watching her as a smart and intelligent Police Officer in new TV serial ‘Lakshya‘ certainly takes the viewer ship of the serial and the channel up; so much is her popularity today. We have seen her acting skills in ‘Vadalvaat’ and many more serials that followed later. We watched her in Marathi films, but role in ‘Tee Ratra’ reminded one and all about her potential as an actress. Aditi has always been comfortable with comedy as well as serious types of roles. She also suited well in angry young woman image, fighting against injustice. Now, with her smart Lady Cop character of Saloni Deshmukh , she is sure invite more and more fans to her list.
Marathi Movie World spoke to Aditi Sarangdhar about her acting career and this bold and beautiful actress was kind enough to express her frank views. Excerpts for an interview:
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Q: You have studied Philosophy while doing your graduation; how do you relate this subject in your acting profession? A: Frankly speaking, ‘I live for the day’. I am not very serious about being philosophical in my day to day life.Q: Many years ago Kavita Choudhary through her serial ‘Udaan’ inspired many young girls to join IPS. Now, yourself playing Inspector Saloni Deshmukh, do you think, you will inspire young girls to join Maharashtra Police? A: I don’t know much about this serial. May be I was too small. But, this role of Saloni Deshmukh would surely inspire many young girls. It is a very strong character. |
Q: What’s so special about this character ? A: It is all about the day to day experiences that a duty bound Police officer has to face in real life. It’s not only about saying ‘Yes, Sir’ and obeying orders. It is much beyond that. It’s also about emotions and hardships faced on and off duty.Q: Can you site an example . A: While shooting one dramatic scene, I hear a small child making a remark on police and I explain how difficult it is for the police to work for 24 hours a day many a times. There is no word ‘Kadachit’ in the dictionary of Police. That’s what I noticed while playing this role.Q: Were you inspired by someone in particular, while playing this role ? A: Yes, I am inspired by Kiran Bedi. I have read her book and found her to be the most dynamic and best lady Police officer in our country. Every act of hers was in public interest. May be, she was opposed by her seniors for her actions, but she always proved her point.Q: We understand that you are very particular about your dress design, while shooting. Is that true ? A: Yes, I design my own clothes and I am allowed to do that. Even in this serial, I wear my choice of clothes, if not in uniform.Q: But, how do you do that ? A: I just close my eyes and think about my character. Then I notice all those images with relevant dresses suited for a particular scene.Q: Your choice of dresses were perfect for your character in the film ‘Tee Raatra‘. Were those clothes also designed by you? A: Yes, they were designed by me. I am glad that someone appreciated it.Q: Now that you have committed for this serial, will you be doing films? A: Yes, why not ? For this serial, I have committed only 15 days of the month. Rest of the days I am available for films. |
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“Every film is an experiment” – Ashok Samarth
The new Marathi Television serial ‘Lakshya‘ on Star Pravah channel has brought in one more Police Officer on small screen to investigate the crime in society. We have seen the popularity of CID in Hindi. Similarly, in the past we saw the success of serial like ‘Ek Shoonya Shoonya’ by the maker of CID, which enabled Shivaji Satam to remain the popular CID officer for the past two decades. Another marathi artiste who performed the role of a popular Police officer was Ramesh Bhatkar through ‘Hello Inspector’ and then Kuldeep Pawar made his presence felt through ‘Paramveer’ as a detective.
Now, with the emergence of talented Ashok Samarth playing the role of ACP Abhay Kirtikar in ‘Lakshya’, we expect the popularity of Police investigation based serials once again to catch up with the audience. The selection of Ashok Samarth to play the lead, seems to be most
appropriate, after having watched him in ‘Wavtal’ where he played the lead role of a commando very effectively. With his broad shoulders and strong arms supported by good personality, Ashok certainly fits into the role. Moreover, his performance in the recent blockbuster ‘Singham‘ comes to the advantage of this serial, going on his popularity. In the recent past, Ashok has acted in few Bollywood films and was also part of the cast in Ektaa Kapoor’s Marathi serial ‘Majhiya Priyala Preet Kalena’.
But, above all, what makes Ashok Samarth stand apart from others is his commanding voice and his rich dialogue delivery. Marathi Movie World had a chit chat with Ashok during the press meet of ‘Lakshya‘. Excerpts form the discussion:
Q: Tell us how you were selected for this role of ACP Kirtikar in ‘Lakshya’ ?
A: One day after returning home late night around 11.45 pm, I received a phone call from Aadesh Bandekar, who asked me whether I was willing to play this role in his own serial. After he narrated the theme, I realised the importance of the role and the character and said ‘yes’ to him.
Q: Now, how much of impact has ACP Abhay Kirtikar has created on your mind ?
A: Abhay Kirtikar is a character inside the uniform of Police. Facing every situation with a challenge while in the uniform, automatically brings out that required toughness in handling a particular case; but once you are back home, whether on the sets or in reality, the situation changes. The emotions change and that is what is expected from us while performing such characters. While playing this role, I realised what expectations people have from police.
Q: Did you study any particular police officer before performing this role ?
A: For an actor, it is his own presentation that is important. Given a situation, he should be able to deliver through his own skills. Now, we all know that the image of Police is the reflection of the society. Therefore, while performing this character I am paying more attention on my own imagination, as if it was like facing the reality myself.
Q: Tell us something about your success in Bollywood, especially after ‘Singham’ turning to be a hit ?
A: For me, every film is an experiment. Whether it was playing a role of a Commando in marathi film ‘Wavtal’ or a villain in ‘Singham’, I always took it as a challenge to play the characters offered to me. I did not distinguish whether it was a Hindi or Marathi film. Now, my next Hindi film ‘Married to America’ is due for release.
Q: What’s this new film all about ?
A: It is about the construction of a Dam in India by an Engineering company from USA. Mainly, it is about an NRI Engineer who has designed the construction of this dam. The film presents a good story in cinematic form. It will be released around October.
Lakshya’ – A New Thriller from 25th August
From 25th August 2011 at 9.30 pm. every Thursday and Friday, get set to watch a new Police investigative serial ‘Lakshya’ on Star Pravah channel. Produced by Aadesh Bandekar’s Soham Productions and written by Parag Kulkarni this action packed drama is directed by Bharat Gaikwad. Each episode of this thrilling serial will stretch up to one hour with new stories coming up in each episode.
The first look of ‘Lakshya’ was revealed to the media today evening at JW Mariott Hotel, Juhu, in a style. On a suitably designed set, ACP Abhay Kirtikar played by talented Ashok Samarth walked in with his uniform holding a Pistol in his hand and set his target on the screen to uncover the title of this serial. He was joined by Lady Inspector Saloni Deshmukh played by Aditi Saragdhar, who was also smartly dressed up in Police uniform. They were joined by the co-stars Virendra Kadam and Kamalesh Sawant, who are playing Sub Inspector and Hawaldar respectively. Mandar Kulkarni, who plays the friend of this team with expertise in detecting Cyber Crimes also joined later.
Talking about his debut serial production, Aadesh Bandekar initially thanked Star Pravah group and in particular Shrabani Deodhar for approving his concept and encouraging him to form his own production for this purpose. “The choice of the lead man Ashok is by my wife Suchitra, as she felt that he was the most appropriate person to lead the Police team in this serial. I am sure, the audience would accept this topic, which is not only thrilling but also deals with the emotions of each one of them, while excreting their day to day duty, sometimes stretching upto 24 hours.” he added.
Ms. Shrabani Deodhar, Head of Programming Star Pravah, thanked the audience for approving their channel as no. 1 entertainment channel, while Nachiket PantVaidya , Gen. Manager of Star Pravah said that their channel was adhering to their promise of presenting a gripping police drama. “Star Pravah is known for its variety of content and therefore we have paid more attention on technical matters. We have shot this seial using HD camera, to create that desired visual impact for such an action drama.” he said. Mr. Yogesh Manwani, VP-Marketing & Communications, Star Pravah said, “Lakshya is an engaging and unique crime drama series on Marathi television.”
The entire venue of this function gave an impression that it was a Police function. Even the registration counter at the reception was attended by Ladies dressed up in Police uniform and all the artistes were introduced in a style, with light effects and background music. While speaking to Marathi Movie World, after the function, Ms. Shrabani Deodhar gave all the credit to the management of Star Pravah, for encouraging new subjects in the programmes. “I enjoy the freedom given by the management of this channel to try something different every time. And with the response that we receive from the audience, only encourages us to try new experiments,” she said.
Some clippings from this serial were shown to the media and it clearly indicated about the production quality and right selection of the artistes. All the artistes seemed to be happy with their respective characters and thanked the producer and director for such a wonderful presentation. Suchitra Bandekar, was asked whether she was part of the cast in her home production. “I am so much occupied with this production work that there is no time to play any role at the moment,” she reacted.