“I don’t mind doing a Marathi drama, with a good script” – Shilpa Tulaskar
For the past 22 years, she has been there in the field of acting; both in Hindi as well as Marathi entertainment, simultaneously. In spite of her marriage and later after delivery of two children; hasn’t forced her to take a big breaks from acting. When she entered India’s top institution – Ramnarain Ruia College, after completing her SSC; Shilpa Tulaskar was exposed to the competitive world of Inter Collegiate Drama Competitions. And, it was a great experience for this talented actress. Shilpa, actually wanted to pursue her graduation in English literature; but, then decided to complete her B.A. with Economics.
During her college days, Shilpa had to face good competition from other colleges like Ruparel, Dahanukar and Parle; but, she took it up as a challenge and made her presence felt with her extra ordinary talent. She was spotted by stage actor- director Arun Nalawade and that’s how Shilpa got her first break in a commercial play, while she was studying her 12th. Then it was another offer from commercial Marathi play ‘Jawai Majha Bhala’, followed by her performance in popular TV serial ‘Shanti’. And Since then, there was no looking back for her. Shilpa took up this acting profession seriously, with proper time management and planning.
Even today, after marriage to Vishal Shetty and two kids Vivaan and Shaaiva, she manages her busy shooting schedule very well, besides overseeing home front. Shilpa is thankful to her parents and especially her mother, for her support. We have seen some of her best performances in Hindi serials like ‘Dil Mil Gaye’, ‘Ladies Special’, ‘Devon Ka Dev Mahadev’, ‘Veer Shivaji’ in Hindi and in Marathi serials like ‘Megha Datale’,’Vaibhav’, ‘Runijhunu’, ‘Unch Majha Jhoka’. She had the privilege of playing lead roles in Marathi films like ‘Devki’ and ‘Dombivali Fast’, which also won many awards. She has also performed in films like ‘Anandache Zhaad’,’Kalchakra’, ‘Sanai Choughade’ and others, in Marathi and ‘Krazzy 4′ and ‘Mujse Friendship Karoge’ in Hindi.
Only two weeks ago, we watched her portraying very efficiently, a helpless housewife – a victim of harassment, in 4 episodes of ‘Asmita’ a detective serial on Zee Marathi and now she has also made her entry in Zee Marathi’s popular serial ‘Eka Lagnachi Teesari Goshta’ as Om’s real mother. Now, it all remains to be seen, how she confronts with her son and husband during their reunion, in forthcoming episodes. Marathi Movie World spoke to this versatile Marathi actress, who has successfully played variety of roles, in both Hindi and Marathi simultaneously for the past 22 years. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: You belonged to Ruia College, which is now declared the best college in India. How was your own experience about this college?
A: Even during early 90s, when I was a student of this college, it had the reputation of being on top in academics, sports and cultural activities. Dr.Sane was our principal those days and he encouraged all of us in different activities. Actually, the education system of the college and promotion of Marathi language & culture has been a long tradition, being managed by Shikshan Prasarak Mandali.
Q: You have done a lot of stage, during your college days, followed by professional Marathi plays. When was your entry into television and films?
A: I entered television serials through ‘Shanti’, which was during the first year of my college. But, my first film was ‘Devki’ in 2001. In between, I was doing Marathi and Hindi serials, besides performing in Marathi plays.
Q: Now, that you are a busy TV and film actress, would you still like to perform on stage?
A: Yes, why not? If there is a good script, I don’t mind performing in a Marathi drama.
Q: How difficult it is, to manage the shooting schedule, besides home front?
A: As you know, in Maharashtrian culture, we don’t depend much on housemaids. So, in last 20 years, I have become used to managing both the areas comfortably. Earlier, it was with My mother, who was of great help to me. And, now after marriage too, I receive good support from her. On few occasions, I have also taken my children on the sets; when there was no other alternative. And, it all went on well. Responsibility comes with experience.
Q: It is said that to be successful in Hindi, you need the help of a PRO. What is your own experience?
A: At least, I didn’t need any such services. Even my first assignment in Hindi, I got on my own.
Q: How do you look at the present day Marathi Cinema? Do you think that the Story plays crucial role in success of such films?
A: It’s not always the case. The story has to be good. But, what if the story is not presented well in the screenplay? Actually, it is the combined effort of all, that counts in film’s success.
“I have not yet achieved, what I want” – Shreyas Talpade
After offering ‘Sanai Choughade’ his first Marathi production, Shreyas Talpade is getting ready to launch his second Marathi production ‘Poshter Boyz’. Recently, the news also spread about his signing Marathi’s first Superhero film ‘Baji’. Looking at his keen interest to promote Marathi films, besides being busy in Bollywood, Marathi Movie World spoke to Shreyas Talpade, to find out the details of his future plans. Excerpts from an interview:
Q: After ‘Sanai Choughade’, it has taken five years for you, to launch your second Marathi film. Why, so much time?
A: This gap was not deliberate. While producing our first film, we really enjoyed every moment and decided to produce more films. Actually, we were in search of a good story. In the meanwhile, I was also busy with my assignments with Hindi films. One day, Sameer met me for some other work. While talking, he mentioned about a script which was with him. I asked him to narrate the same and liked it. Thereafter, we worked on screenplay and dialogues and got ready with the final script. Then we spent some time deciding on the artistes and blocking their dates. I am very passionate about my work, be it acting or managing my production. I would like to involve myself, in every department to see as to who is taking care of camera, costumes, editing etc. After all, I am a student of film making.
Q: What is ‘Poshter Boyz’ all about ?
A: It’s a story of three characters, who come from three different backgrounds and age group. One of them is Dilip Prabhawalkar , who is playing an old man. Then, Hrishikesh Joshi is a middle aged character and the third one is Aniket Vishwasrao. Basically, all three of them are not connected to each other; but, they get into trouble in one varied situation; and how they fight together with the system , is all that this film has tried to tell.
Q: So, the characters have no connection with the film industry?
A: Not at all. When you see the film, you will agree that the title is justified for this story.
Q: Who is the directing of ‘Poshter Boyz’?
A: Sameer Patil is taking care of direction. He has already assisted Chandrakant Kulkarni for many plays, serial and films. He is also a good actor himself. I have worked with him in ‘Pimpalpan‘.
Q: Is there any chance to see you in ‘Poshter Boyz’?
A: As of now, I haven’t decided , whether I’m doing any guest appearance. Let’s see. During making, If we feel the script demands, then definitely. But, there will be one surprise element in one song of ‘Poshter Boyz’, for sure . May be, if not through visual, then vocal for sure.
Q: You have done many films with superstars from Bollywood. So, are you also inviting anyone of them for guest appearance in ‘Poshter Boyz’?
A: Yes, I will definitely try. There are couple of scenes, where we were thinking something like that. If our team feels so, then I will definitely try to invite them for a guest appearance.
Q: When is ‘Poshter Boyz’ going on floors?
A: In January 2014, we will start the shooting and release is planned for July 2014.
Q: Who is the actress in the ‘Poshter Boyz’?
A: There is Pooja Sawant, Neha Joshi & Dyanada Chembuerkar. Besides them, you will see Uma Sardeshmukh, Suhas Paranjape..
Q: You are also playing a Super hero in Indian Magic Eye and Dar Motion pictures’ upcoming Marathi film ‘Baji’?
A: Yes, in that film, I am performing lead role. It’s very interesting action story. This might be the first film of its kind in Marathi industry .
Q: You have worked with many top actors in Bollywood, How was your overall experience?
A: It was fantastic! I have learnt a lot from each one of them. Maximum, I have learned from Shaharukh. I have observed him very closely, while working on ‘Om Shanti Om’. He gets totally involved as an actor as well as producer. During production, he thinks very clearly, about the post production and marketing . Therefore, I feel that as a Producer, one should take care of each and every thing. The kind of person I’m today, is all because of my interaction with such hard working people.
Q: Some of our Marathi actors do not have a very good experience of working in Bollywood. What’s your say?
A: So far, I haven’t come across anything like that. If you are looking at that industry, it’s not that 100% are their mistakes, some where we are also wrong in some percent. I think it’s a fair industry; which is always accommodating all . You have to go there and work . Recently, someone asked me, ki ‘Ab Marathi production bhi kar rahe ho, acting bhi kar rahe ho.. to ab hindi kum karonge ya chod denge?’ That time I said, “Are you married ? Aap shadi se pehale mummy ko gift dete the ?” He said ‘yes’. “So have you stopped gifting your mummy after marriage?” He said “No”, Correct!. It’s as simple as that. You know what I mean? Some people thought, after entering into Hindi film industry, Shreyas won’t work in Marathi. It wasn’t like that.. If you observed, after Iqbal, I have done two Marathi films . ‘Aaishappat’ and ‘Bayo’. But after that, whatever scripts came to me, were all similar. I’m willing to do Marathi films, I’m willing to contribute in my way. But, get me something interesting, I’ll do it.
Q: Then, what was so special in ‘Baji’ to invite your attention ?
A: Basically, it’s a super hero theme. High- action adventures, hidden treasures, mistaken identities and all that. So, it’s a huge responsibility with great expectation. But, I am willing to take that chance. If you look at my filmography , on one side, I have done a film like Iqbal, and other side I did a films like ‘Apana Sapna Money Money’ and ‘Welcome to Sajjanpur’ . So, I never get worried about film’s budget and all. Whatever appeals to me, I have done it. Sometimes its works, sometime not.
Q. Have you seen Nikhil’s first film ‘Pune 52′ ?
A: Yes. I saw the film. It’s a parallel cinema and he has done the film very stylishly.
Q: Finally, How do you define a success?
A: It is something subjective to each one. I feel, it also depends, what are your priorities in life. What is it, you want to achieve? Some want to only earn money, some want work satisfaction, while some want both. If you ask me, I have not achieved, what I want. . Because, there is a lot that I want to achieve in this field. As I said, the industry has given me so much. I look at someone like Sachin Tendulkar, Mr. Bachchan, for inspiration. What these people have done, is unbelievable. There cannot be another Sachin Tendulkar or Amitabh Bachchan; something like that.
Sai Tamhankar, Actress
After playing a variety of roles through TV serials like ‘Ya Gojirvanya Gharaat’, ‘Agnishikha’ and ‘Saathi Re’, Saie Tamhankar made her entry into Bollywood playing cameo in films like ‘Black and White’ and ‘Gajani’. But, her role in Subhash Ghai’ marathi film ‘Sanai Choughade’ actually brought her into limelight and her acting career actually took off. In the recent past, she was also seen in films like ‘Be Dune Sade Char’, ‘Picnic’ and ‘Rita’.
At present, Saie has become very popular through her performance in popular TV serial ‘Anubandh’. Marathi Movie World spoke to Saie about her career and experience in this field. Excerpts from an interview:
Q : How did you land into acting field?
A: I would say that my destiny brought me here. When I was doing my 12th, I performed for the first time in a play. Thereafter, I developed interest in acting and started taking part in Inter collegiate competitions. I enjoyed this field and made up my mind to choose this field as my career.
Q: What you have say about your role in TV serial ‘Anubandh’ ?
A: Actually, I liked the script and therefore accepted the role immediately. But, there is a lot of difference between character of Ashwini you see in the serial and myself. In fact, the character of Ashwini resembles a lot with my school time friend . While preparing myself for this role, after reading the script, I could only think of my friend. In Ashwini, you will almost find my friend but not me.
Q: How was your experience doing films like ‘Black and White’ and ‘Gajani’?
A: I really had a very good experience doing these Bollywood films. On the sets of ‘Black and White’ Subhashji saw me and being a Maharashtrian, I was selected for the role of Sai in his forthcoming Marathi film ‘Sanai Choughade’.
Q: During your college life, you have done stage plays. Would you be interested now, to perform on stage ?
A: Actually, after ‘Sanai Choughade’ I had decided not to do any serials, but looking at the script, I agreed to do a serial like ‘Anubandh’. In a similar way, if there is really a play with good script; I may certainly opt for it’s no matter whether it is Marathi or Hindi. But, frankly speaking, I get tensed up only to tour different places along with the drama troupe.
Q: Your new film ‘Mission Possible’ is very much in the news. What you have to say about your involvement with this film ?
A: After a long time, I am playing this neutral type of role. I have really enjoyed doing this film. Pushkar is very hard working. Sanjay Khanzode’s style of working and the teamwork of the unit impressed me a lot. I met many new people here and there were many good things to learn from them on the sets of this film.
Shreyas Talpade, Actor, Producer
Celebrating the success of his new production ‘Sanai Choughade’, Shreyas Talpade talks to Marathimovieworld.com about the experience as a producer, the star cast, working with wife Deepti and Subhash Ghai.
How was your experience as a producer?
The experience was extremely good. I took a lot of efforts for the movie. A producer has a lot of responsibility. Acting is totally different from production. Actors are just required to come to the sets, dress-up and give a shot. They are always pampered on the sets. But a producer has to take care of everything from pre-production to post- production, the response of the audience etc.
How is production of Hindi movies different from Marathi movies?
I did not find much difference in both the forms. I think the main difference is in the budget. Hindi producers put in a lot of money in making the movie. We tried to make
‘Sanai Choughade’ lot on the lines of Hindi movies. We have not compromised on the quality. The songs, the costumes, the location have been used of the best quality. I like it when non- Maharashtrians tell me that they liked my movie.
How was it working with Deepti?
Working with her was good. She helped a lot on the sets. Whenever I was busy with my shooting schedules, the chipped in for me. She looked at things from an audience’s perspective and corrected me on occasions.
What would you like to say about a young star cast?
The star cast was chosen to suit the script. It was not about big stars. Even Nagesh (Kukunoon) had chosen me for his movie and I was not a big star that time. Subodh and Santosh suited the script aptly. I have worked with Subodh earlier and liked him as an actor. People tend to have pre-conceived notions of an ideal son, father or even mother -in-law hence we found a new face for the role of the daughter-in-law.
Why did you give the responsibility of direction to Rajesh Patil?
I did it for two reasons. I was working with him in a movie called ‘Sawarkhed Ek Gaon’ and that time I jokingly promised him that I would produce a movie one day and give it to him to direct. The second reason is that I had seen him work as an assistance director. He has the ability to get work done from people. He is a sensible person and being of the same age, it’s easy for us to communicate with each other, to accept and reject ideas.
How is your relationship with Subhash Ghai?
He is a great person. I have worked with him for three and a half years. Over the years our relation has moved from professional to personal or rather a friendly one. We celebrate occasions together. I have developed a good rapport with him. But on the sets we are purely professional.