We have already heard about some passionate film makers mortgaging their land or house or even selling their properties, to meet the production cost of their films. Today, there are such zealous film makers in Marathi film industry too. A mega TV serial sometimes costs more than the budget of a Marathi film. And if there is a serial being made on a legend like late Balasaheb Thackeray, it has to be a big budget production. Veteran Film maker Prakash Bhende, who was close to Mr. Thackeray, is now producing a mega TV serial ‘Hind Hridaysamrat Balasaheb‘ which will go on the floors soon.

For any big budget serial, Finance is a big issue ; but Mr. Prakash Bhende is not worried. Instead of depending on financers, at this stage, he wants to fulfill his desire, by raising finance on his own. This 70+ artist, whose rare and unique paintings have received good response at many art galleries in India and in London, have always been admired by top industrialists and celebrities. Besides managing his art work, Mr. Bhende has also produced and directed many Marathi films in the past, along with his wife Uma Bhende, a former award winning actress, under his home production. Now, he wants to make a comeback after 15 years, but this time it will be on small screen.

Mr. Prakash Bhende has already written the script of the serial ‘Hind Hridaysamrat Balasaheb‘ and is ready with the audio version of the three episodes. “I am sure, the admirers of Balasaheb Thackeray scattered all over the world, will come forward to purchase these ‘close to my heart’ possessions, to enable me to start shooting for my dream project,” said Mr. Bhende while speaking to MarathiMovieWorld , in an exclusive interview. When asked, which TV channel would telecast his serial, Mr. Bhende confidently said, ” So far, I have not decided on the channel, but I am sure, whichever channel decides to take up this project, will increase its TRP’s.”

Speaking about his close relationship with the departed leader, Mr. Bhende spoke about his helping nature and terrific sense of humour. “Balasaheb has not only helped me to sort out my problems while making films, but has also helped late film maker Dada Kondke with his morale support. He has helped many in Bollywood, who faced problems with their films. His word was always final and his huge followers always respected it. Through this serial, I want to project Balasaheb’s straight forward attitude while taking stand on important issues. But, I will be focusing more on the period of 90s, when there were ups and downs in his life. I will also be mentioning about his ancestors, to show their roots in Maharashtra. I have already received permission from Mr. Uddhav Thackeray , who has been kind enough to give me approval letter, to make this serial. All that I am looking forward is support from real admirers of Balasaheb and also my well wishers to purchase these paintings, to enable me to proceed further with my dream project.”

Mr. Prakash Bhende’s dream will surely come true, as many art lovers are expected to respond to his appeal soon. In the meanwhile, interested buyers are requested visit his ‘Art Window Gallery‘ housed at 18 B, shop no. 2, Ground floor, Kitte Bhandari Hall,Gokhale Road(N), Near Sena Bhavan, Shivaji Park, Dadar, with his prior appointment. Mr. Bhende can be contacted @ 9699804151 or 9322736066 . The cost of each painting is minimum of Rs. 30,000/- to a maximum , what a real admirer would quote. Most of his paintings on different subjects are drawn with acrylic on canvas, while others are with oil on canvas. Those interested can also view his paintings on his official website prakashbhende.com.