Grand concluding ceremony of Children’s Drama event at Belgaum
The first Children’s drama event which was hosted by Balrangabhoomi Abhiyan, Mumbai in Belgaum concluded recently, in presence of popular actor Subodh Bhave. While speaking on this occasion as a chief guest, Mr. Subodh Bhave emphasized the need of hosting such events to encourage children to this form of entertainment, instead of making them addicted to electronic devices like Mobile phones and tab games.
This big event was held in Anghol at Sant Mira High School in Belgaum where 300 children from 25 schools had taken part in four drama workshops. They were given training and guidance in four groups. Thereafter they presented their skills through stage plays on the given subjects. Later, the participants took part in the discussions along with actor Subodh Bhave, actress Sai Lokur, actor Prasad Pandit, President of the event Meenatai Naik , President of Phulora Natyasanstha Veenatai Lokur, Akhil Bharatiya Natya Parishad, Belgaum President Sandhyatai Despande, Dr. Rajendra Chavan and Devdutt Pathak.
Subodh, Sai Lokur to attend First Children’s Play event in Belgaum
Balrangabhoomi Abhiyan, Mumbai, will oragasise a two day competition of Children’s plays in Belgaum on 18th and 19th February 2023 at Sant Meera High School.This event has received the support from Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad, Belgaum and Fulora, Belgaum. In this competition 25 to 30 schools from Belgaum will take part with each school represented by 15 children, thus numbering around total 300 children.
Actress Sai Lokur, Marathi Bigg Boss- season 1 contestants
Ms. Veena Lokur President of Balrangabhoomi Abhiyan has informed the media that Popular actor Subodh Bhave and popular actress Sai Lokur along with Prasad Pandit and Event Chief Meena Naik will be present at this event. An acting workshop will also be conducted for the 300 children participants. The event will be inaugurated by Sai Lokur and Subodh Bhave will be present for the concluding ceremony as a chief guest. It may be recalled that Sai Lokur began her acting career in Belgaum through a play.
Sai Lokur & Pushkar Jog together in ‘Sanam Hotline’
Sai Lokur who recently tied her nuptial knot with Tirthadeep Roy is back to her acting field. She has focused her attention on ongoing web series ‘Sanam Hotline’ which is released in Marathi as well as Hindi language on the web world. In this serial she plays the lead role along with Pushkar Jog. This is a challenging role for as she plays a different type of character. Vinay Yedekar and Uday Nene are also playing important roles in this series.
Directed by Aakash Gursale, the story of this web series revolves around three call Centre executives played by Ishaan ( Pushkar Jog), his friend Abhijit ( Uday Nene) and Shivani ( Sai Lokur). All three of them are running an adult hotline. One day they get trapped into a racket and their life takes a new turn. How they face this situation, is what the story of this series is all about.
How Sai Lokur will connect with ongoing Marathi ‘Big Boss’ show?
Last year’s finalist in Marathi Big Boss first edition Sai Lokur will connect with ‘Big Boss’ Marathi this year in a different way. According to sources, she will not be new entrant like Heena Panchal, but will be presenting a show ‘Ek Ghar Bara Bhangadi’ on social network. According to Sai, she has been receiving messages on social networking pages from her fans, whether she is watching the ongoing second edition and what does she feel about the present contestants?
The highlight of this show is that Sai will be giving her frank opinion about the contestants. And this is how she will be connected with this show indirectly, this year. Another highlight of this show is that Sai’s last year’s Big Boss friend Pushkar Jog. So, their sweet n sour friendship can be witnessed once again through this show . By the way, it is also understood that Salman Khan is also likely to make his special appearance in one of the episodes of Marathi Big Boss Show.
In short, this year’s Marathi ‘Big Boss’ is trying to reach out to more and more home viewers.
Sai Lokur
Biography / Profile:
Born : 5 September
Birthplace : Belgaum
Occupation : Actress
Born on 5th September 1989 in Belgaum, Sai Lokur completed her school education from Divine Providence High School and later finished her Jr. College from Gogate College of Commerce. It was after that she decided to take up career in acting and shifted to Mumbai, so that she could also complete her graduation from Ruparel College. Sai paid attention to her studies and acting simultaneously, as per her mother’s advice. Incidentally, Sai’s mother Veena Lokur is a producer- director of Marathi films.
Sai made her debut in Marathi films, through her mother’s own production ‘Platform‘ and invited the attention of the audience with her fresh charming looks. Tall, slim, fit and young, she is sure to be the choice of many film and TV serial makers; but, Sai has been choosy about her roles. She wants to perform in more and more Marathi films, with good subjects. Marathi Movie World spoke to this glamorous actress, to know more about her journey from Belgaum to Mumbai.
Filmography:
Movie(s)
Marathi Movie(s)
Jarab (2013)
Mee ani you (2013)
No entry (2012)
Parambi (2011)
Platform (2011)
Pakada Gaya (2011)
Mission Champion (2007)
Aamhich Tumche Bajirao
Hindi Movie(s)
Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon (2015)
Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum Kahein (2002)
Serial(s)
Bigg Boss (Colors Marathi)
Play(s)
Award(s):
na
Interview(s):
“I would love to work in more and more good films” – Sai Lokur
‘Mee Aani U’ presents a different love story without a grip
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Rating: ★★★
Studio: Lohiaas Entertainment, Ashtvinayk Media And Entertainment. Producer, Director: Nitin kamble. Writers: Sangram Patil, Arvind Jagtap Editor: na Cinematographer: na Cast: Bhushan Pradhan, Sai Lokur, Mohan Joshi, Sayaji Shinde, Ujwala Jog.. Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
We have seen many Bollywood action films inspired by Hollywood films; but, we have not seen much on Hollywood’s romantic comedy with a touch of fantasy. However, director Nitin kamble has attempted one such experiment in the latest released Marathi film ‘Mee Aani U’. Inspired by Hollywood’s 2005 film ‘Just Like Heaven’ which was actually based on original novel ‘If only it were true'; director Nitin kamble has given a different treatment, to target the young Marathi audience.
So, ‘Mee Aani U’ begins very artistically with the backdrop of animated effects and Mangesh Desai playing the narrator of this fantasy based romantic love story of happy go lucky Abhishek Chaudhary ( Bhushan Pradhan) and aspiring Journalist Ira Kurundkar ( Sai Lokur). So, it’s ‘Play Love all’ through facebook chatting, where Abhishek poses himself as Che Guevara, while Ira who uses her real name, but displays the photo of Rani Mukherjee on her timeline. Both of them agree to meet each other in person, in their hometown Kolhapur. But, before that they do come across each other at a TV channel’s office; where Abhishek grabs the job already offered to Ira, by adopting unfair practice.
Feeling cheated by News editor Diwan( Mohan Joshi), who also happens to be a friend of her father ( Sayaji Shinde), an arms dealer in town; Ira meets with an accident while driving back home. She moves into Coma in the hospital. Ira’s father blames Diwan for this accident and hence to help his friend, Diwan deputes Abhishek on the job. Having come to know the truth about Ira, his real friend; Abhishek does all that he could do. But, he starts imagining Ira around him at home and in office. It’s actually hallucination, which sends a wrong message to others. But, Abhishek’s healing touch gives some hope to the doctor to revive Ira, who is in Coma. He convinces Ira’s adamant father to try out this therapy, to conclude the film with happy end.
Director Nitin kamble who begins the film so well, does not get good support from the limited theme and hence he keeps on attempting the hallucination effects on the lead pair, besides using the Narrator repeatedly. It is only the interaction between Sayaji Shinde and the attending doctor in the hospital and Mohan Joshi’s scenes with Bhushan Pradhan and Bhushan’s confrontation with his father at home, generate some humour. The film has used the backdrop of reality TV programme ‘Rokh Thok’ very well on three occasions, to keep some momentum in the screenplay. The climax is interesting; but lack of grip in the screenplay, makes the film look like an average entertainer.
The film however gets full marks for the fine performances coming from all the artistes. Both Bhushan and Sai have performed very naturally. Both of them look good. They receive good support from Sayaji Shinde, Mohan Joshi, Ujwala Jog and others. Sayaji, who otherwise plays a villain, finds better scope to express his emotions in this film. The technical effects have been used well. More attention has been paid on Sai’s designer clothes. Even art design during song sequences and excellent cinematography are something special. Not a bad film; but certainly would have been better, if the film maker had worked more hard on adding some more interesting situations in the screenplay.
“I would love to work in more and more good films” – Sai Lokur
Born on 5th September 1989 in Belgaum, Sai Lokur completed her school education from Divine Providence High School and later finished her Jr. College from Gogate College of Commerce. It was after that she decided to take up career in acting and shifted to Mumbai, so that she could also complete her graduation from Ruparel College. Sai paid attention to her studies and acting simultaneously, as per her mother’s advice. Incidentally, Sai’s mother Veena Lokur is a producer- director of Marathi films.
Sai’s father is into poultry business and is busy marketing the eggs in South India, with Belgaum as his headquarters. Her mother keeps on shuttling between Belgaum and Mumbai for her work, while Sai lives with her sister, in Mumbai. Sai made her debut in Marathi films, through her mother’s own production ‘Platform’ and invited the attention of the audience with her fresh charming looks. Tall, slim, fit and young, she is sure to be the choice of many film and TV serial makers; but, Sai has been choosy about her roles. She wants to perform in more and more Marathi films, with good subjects. Marathi Movie World spoke to this glamorous actress, to know more about her journey from Belgaum to Mumbai.
Q: When you actually felt that you should make a career in acting ?
A: During my childhood, I always used to accompany my mother to various stage shows she produced and directed along with her team. Her production company took part in many state level competitions. Whenever, I were not performing on stage, I used to be at backstage, assisting the technical team for music or light effects. Somehow, I always wanted to be a part of the play. When I was in 3rd standard, I had performed the role of Shivaji during his childhood, in the play ‘Raigadala Jenvha Jaag Yete’. This play was performed all over Maharashtra and my role was also appreciated. It was during this time, I had decided to take up acting as career.
Q: And, what you have to say about your entry into films?
A: Acting in films was also not new to me. When I was in 7th standard, I performed in a Bollywood film ‘Kuch Tum Kaho Kuch Hum kahen’ followed by a role in reputed film maker Sai Paranjape’s film ‘Pakada Gaya’. Thereafter, while I was studying in 10th class, I played a role in my Mother’s own film ‘Mission Champion’, which had won many awards. In all these three films, I played a child artiste. As an actress, I made my debut through ‘Platform’, which was directed by my mother. In fact, I would say that my mother has been instrumental in opening doors of acting for me.
Q: How do you assess your performance so far ?
A: In ‘Platform’ I played an 18 year old girl in the first half and in the second half played a 38 year old woman. Then it was ‘Parambi’, where I played a village girl, with a difference. After these two films, I played the role of a Judge, in E-tv’s reality show ‘Perfect Bachelor’ and it was a good experience.
‘Platform’ addresses issue on Girl child abuse
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Rating: na
Producers: Veena Lokur And Arif Vadgama Director, Story, Dialogues: Veena Lokur Screenplay: Veena Lokur, Shamal Chavan Lyrics: Ashwini Shende Music: Nilesh Moharir Editor: Rajesh Rao Cinematographer: Suresh Deshmane Cast : Mohan Joshi, Sharad Ponkshe, Astad Kale, Prashant Patil, Shubhani Joshi & Sai Lokur Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
After achieving success through her first Marathi production ‘Mission Champion’, Film maker Veena Lokur from Belgaum has now offered one more sensible film ‘Platform'; which speaks about the Girl child abuse in India. Veena Lokur, who also makes her debut as a director through this film, has gone beyond the subject of Female foeticide to show the reality in our society, where girl child is still considered as a burden by the parents; especially in the weaker section of the society.
Through this film, Veena Lokur has launched her daughter Sai, who plays an important central role of Shivani Deshmukh, from a well to do family. Shivani, who is a final year college student, is about to find a campus recruitment and is returning home after attending a workshop; when she witness a horrifying act of parents, who just drop their two daughters into her compartment and run away, as the train leaves a platform after the halt.
Shivani (Sai Lokur) who takes the lead to hand over the girls to the Police, when she reaches her destination. But, she is deserted by all her friends. It is only her best friend Aditya (Astaad kale), who supports her and the two little girls ( aged 4 and 5 yrs) are taken to the Police station. But, at the Police station they experience the reality about the law, besides the child abuse. However, Aditya’s father (Sharad Ponkshe) being a lawyer, suggests them a way out. It looks like all roads are closed for Sai , as the parents of the missing girls cannot be traced. Shivani takes up the custoday of the two girls, much against the wish of her parents (Mohan Joshi and Veena Lokur).
When, Aditya also notices Shivani going out of the way to help the girls and getting emotionally involved in them, he too loses interest in her and leaves for US to take up a job.
He however, keeps in touch with Shivani over phone like a good friend. Shivani separates from her parents and adopts the girls. She takes good care of them, by offering good education for next 11 years. When the girls attain teenage, a particular incident in their life takes them to their past. Shivani has to reveal the true happenning. This is almost towards the climax of the film, when director Veena Lokur concludes her story with an appropriate end.
The film has a strong subject to convey, but to show the actual happening on the platform, her screenplay takes its own time. It is only little before interval, the film actually takes the momentum. To fill up the gaps in the first session, the director has taken help of music, with the inclusion of two songs. Lyricist Ashwini Shende’s fine wordings have received the composition from talented music director Nilesh Moharir.
Cinematographer Suresh Deshmane’s wonderful work is clearly visible, especially in the outdoors. His execution with different camera angles has made the job of director much easier. Being a debutant, Veena Lokur has done her best.
Newcomer Sai Lokur, who also makes her debut as an actress, looks more confident and appealing. She has performed the role of a protagonist with sincerity. Astaad kale, who also plays the leading man for the first time, is at ease and perfectly fits into that role of Aditya. Mohan Joshi and Sharad Ponkshe in the role of parents have nothing much to offer, but they have played their respective roles well. Veena Lokur is just fine in the role of sai’s mother in the film and so are the other characters of the film. The two child artistes and the grown up girls have performed their parts well. The film has already won the State Government award as one of the best films this year. But, to be eligible for international awards, it requires editing, especially in the three songs, except one background and few unwanted scenes in the first session. However, ‘Platform’ does succeed in passing a social message at the most appropriate time. This being a sincere effort from the lady film maker, it is to be appreciated.