Swapnil Joshi – Changing the look of Marathi films
Marathi film industry has found a perfect star in Swapnil Joshi, to change its look. Today, he is the most popular hero in Marathi entertainment industry, being partly responsible for the success of the latest released Super hit Marathi film ‘Duniyadari’. The film was rated among the top 10 Indian films during the last week of July 2013 with 98 % occupancy, much more than films like ‘Mariya( Tamil), Ship of Thesus( English) and ‘Bhag Milkha Bhag’ and ‘D day’s( Hindi); according to Bookmyshow.com.
Swapnil JoshiWith his Chocolate Boy image, Swapnil had a good start for his acting career, during late 80s; when as a 9 year old kid, he played the role of ‘Kush’ in the second part of Ramanand Sagar’s most popular TV serial ‘Ramayan’, i.e.Uttar Ramayan( titled ‘Luv kush) . Few years later, as a teenager he performed as young Krishna, in Ramanand Sagar’s mega TV serial ‘Krishna’. Swapnil did take a break for his studies, to complete his education. He completed his graduation in commerce from Sydenham College ,Mumbai .Later, while performing in Hindi TV serials, he also completed his law graduation.
Some of the Hindi TV soaps he performed in late 90s were ‘Amanat’ ,’Had Kar Di’ and ‘Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand’, a highly popular soap which ran from 2001 to 2005; followed by ‘Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyaan’ . In the meanwhile, he attained more popularity through TV reality shows; both as a performer and show anchor. In comedy series ‘Papad Pol – Shahabuddin Rathod Ki Rangeen Duniya’ aired only three years ago, on SAB TV, rated him a popular Indian television star.
Simultaneously, his journey into Marathi television and films, had also begun. He acted in one Marathi serial titled ‘Adhuri Ek Kahani’ and also performed in films like ‘Manini’, ‘Checkmate’ and ‘Mumbai Pune Mumbai’. For ‘Checkmate’, he received State award for best actor. Recently, he performed in a popular Marathi serial ‘Eka Lagnachi Dusri Goshta’opposite Mukta Barve. And, their chemistry worked very well on small screen. But, the success of Marathi Film ‘Duniyadari’ will take him long way. By the way, his new Marathi stage play, ‘Get well Soon!’ is also drawing good crowds.
The year 2013 seems to be lucky year for him. When Marathi Movie world called him up, to congratulate him on his recent film’s success, he was very happy. Talking about his future projects, he said that his two more films are due for release soon. My next film ‘Govinda’ is due for release on 16th August and the promotion of the same will begin from 1st August. The next to follow before the end of this year, will be ‘Mangalashtaka Once More’,’ he concluded. But, he seemed to be very happy, with the success of ‘Duniyadari’. Indeed, Swapnil has put in his heart into the role of Shreyas Talwalkar in this film. The film has not only captured the audience from Mumbai, Pune; but, also district places like Ratnagiri & Kolhapur. And, Swapnil is the most popular hero of Marathi films today. Perhaps, it is for the first time, in recent years, a hero from Marathi films has reached popularity heights.
I really enjoy playing Manu in ‘Lajja’. – Girija Oak
Few years ago, we saw her making her debut as a heroine into Marathi films through Kanchan Adhikari’s film ‘Manini’. In that lead role Girija Oak proved that acting was in her blood. Her father Dr. Girish Oak, being a versatile popular stage, TV and film actor. With the background of medicine and science coming from the family (mother a Pharmacist) , Girija completed her graduation and is presently doing her MBA with distant learning.
Acting is not new to her. For the past fifteen years, she has been associated with it. After doing few Marathi films, for a long time she was looking for a suitable role in a Marathi TV serial. Finally, ‘Lajja’ offered what she actually deserved. It was a central role of Manu who struggles in her life at a very crucial stage when as young girl, she is exposed to good bad world of city life. Girija is happy that she got a chance to emote the true feelings of a girl under such circumstances and is trying to inspire others with her bold decisions. Till now, she has been able to attract viewers through her extra-ordinary acting skills. She communicates a lot through her eyes and brings in a lot of variation through her voice modulation, depending upon the circumstances in the scene.
Her much awaited Marathi film ‘Adgula Madgula’ opposite Subodh Bhave will be released in a month or two. She is also doing a film with Balaji productions, titled ‘ Shor’ where she plays one of the three leading ladies, opposite US-based South Indian star Sendhil Ramamurthy. Tushar Kapoor is also there in this film. We have already seen her ability in Hindi, in Aamir Khan’s film ‘Taare Zameen Par’. But, watching her presently in the role of Manu, certainly goes on to say a lot about this talented actress. Marathi Movie World caught up with her during the Zee awards function. Excerpts from an interview
actress Girija Oak
Q: Were you seriously interested in acting career or landed in this industry just because your father is also a part of this industry?
A: I have been in this profession for the past fifteen years. It was only due to my education that I was not able to give time. But, now that I have time, I have devoted myself completely to this acting profession.
Q: But, you are also doing your MBA. What’s the reason for that ?
A: In my family, all have done post graduation. So, why should I stay behind? It will certainly help me in near future.
Q: Do you think that your MBA qualification will help you in film making ?
A: Knowledge is never a waste. I don’t say that I want to become a director, as I am too young to think about that. But, surely it will help me to produce my own film, if everything works well.
Q: You made your film debut through ‘Manini’. How did you get that role ?
A: I had given an audition, while the selection process was going on. Based on the audition, I got selected.
Q: Have you switched over to TV serials from films ?
A: No, I am doing both. Two of my films, one Hindi and one Marathi are due for release soon. For a long time, I was looking for a role in a TV serial and ‘Lajja’ offered me, what I exactly wanted. I really enjoy playing this role of Manu in this serial.
Q: How do you look at the recent changes noticed in Marathi cinema?
A: Marathi cinema is going for a better change. We see a lot of variety in scripts and presentation form. Even the marketing has improved.
Q: But, don’t you think that in a city like Mumbai, there is less response from Marathi viewers, when it comes to watching the film in multiplexes?
A: When we talk about Mumbai in particular, I feel that here we have a cosmopolitan culture. When there are three types of films i.e. Hindi, English and Marathi releasing on the same day; obviously the audience gets divided in theatres, resulting in a limited response for Marathi films.
Q: Tell us something about your forthcoming ‘Balaji’ film ‘Shor’?
A: Well, I am playing one of the leading ladies in the film, opposite US-based South Indian star Sendhil Ramamurthy. Tushar Kapoor is also there in this film. It’s a satirical, cool, smart comedy based in urban India. There are three different stories in the film and all are inter-connected like film ‘Metro’.
Q: Any future plans ?
A: I am equipping myself with knowledge. But, I don’t know what will I do in near future. I am keeping all the options open. May be, I will be into film making or I may become a writer. I love to write. There is also a possibility of taking up higher studies in bio technology. Only time will decide.