“An artiste is not something ready-made, but something in continuous formation through choice of action”. When we look at those winners in a competition that was to decide the best from Maharashtra in acting talents, we really wonder whether such artistes are born artistes with gifted talent? But, that is not so. There is a lot of hard work, besides dedication in this profession. A particular skill is there within every human being, but it needs to be tapped at the right time by those around that person. It could be parents or teachers.

Today, the world has changed. Every profession is gaining importance and acting is also one of them. To go in depth of this profession, today many institutes have been offering courses to extract the best out of an artiste who is born with those skills.

Yogini Chouk is one such person, who was fortunate to find good sensible parents, who only encouraged her to perform at various

places during her childhood; whether it was a dance or elocution or drama competition. As a result, Yogini not only excelled at school level but also at the college level. While she was in Ruia college, she bagged various awards in the inter-collegiate and Zonal level competitions. Watching her keen interest in acting, her father pushed her into Academy of Theatre Arts, where she did a 2 year specialization course, which was almost like doing post graduation in acting.

The real test came, when Yogini took part in ‘Maharashtracha Superstar Koun 2010?’ -which was a reality show on Zee Marathi, to test the talent of new artistes in Marathi entertainment industry.

Here too, Yogini bagged the top prize as the best female actress along with Nilesh Sable, who was declared winner in Male category. Watching her performance in this reality show, Yogini received an offer from Zee Marathi’s popular serial ‘ Bhagyalaxmi’ to play the role of Dr. Sarita. Simultaneously, her entry into films also took place. Surprised! Yogini is doing a Marathi film ‘Superstar’ with Siddharth Jadhav as her co-star. Pandharinath kamble (Paddy) is also there in the film. She is also there in an art film of Arun Nalawade, where she is playing his daughter. But, the best thing to happen in her life was when she received an offer for a bilingual (Hindi & Marathi) film ‘Chinnah’, based on Waman Tawde’s play in which late Smita Patil performed in the past. Vasudha Deshpande is directing this film.

For a talented actress like Yogini, performing the character that was played by none other than Smita Patil, was a biggest challenge.”Smitaji has always been my idol and getting a chance to play the character she played, is itself a big honour for me. I wish my father were alive to share such memorable moments in my life. I missed him a lot, when I was crowned the Maharashtrachi Superstar. He passed away only few months before this competition,” says Yogini while recollecting those memorable moments.

Marathi Movie world had this chit chat with Yogini during the launching of the new Marathi play ‘Popatpanchi’ in which she has an important role to play.

Q: How do you look at this change that has taken place in Marathi films since last 2-3 years?
A: I welcome this change, which is good for any female actress like me. There are more women oriented stories giving enough scope for females to display their talent.

Q: In which area i.e. Stage, TV or film; would you like to focus your attention ?
A: I would like to try them all at the same time. Each one of them has its own identity and therefore for an artiste like me, it is more challenging to perform at these three places simultaneously.

Q: The person who motivated the most -your father, is no more. How much do you miss him ?
A: Yes, I miss him very much. He not only encouraged me to take acting as a career, but also showed me the way. Today, I give my performance, imagining that he is watching me from somewhere.

Q. What type of roles, would you like to play ?
A: I am more keen on playing sensitive roles; the kind of played by late Smita Patil in the past. I am glad that today, we find a lot films based on women oriented topics.

Q: What kind of role you play in ‘Popatpanchi’ – your new Marathi stage play?
A: Well, I play an important character in one of the stories narrated by Popat to Maina. In this story, I play a Police Hawaldar’s wife.