“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.
‘sanai chaughade’ REVIEW
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Rating: na
Presenter: Mukta Arts Ltd. Producer: Dipti Talpade Story, Director: Rajeev Patil Camera: Pushpank Gawde Music: Avadoot Gupte Cast: Sai Tamhankar, Shilpa Tulaskar, Tushar Dalvi, Santosh Juvekar, Subodh Bhave, Sushant Shela, Meghna Erande & Bharti Aacharekar, Special Appearance – Shreyas Talpade Movie Review by: Ulhas Shirke |
In the era of 21st century globalization is unrepeatable part of our life. Especially in the metro cities, many of us prefers shopping malls even for vegetables than ‘mandai.’ Naturally our marriage system, relations and even social structure is changed a lot because of influence of global culture. ‘Sanai-Choughade’ is the bold (not visually, but mentally) covers all these aspects and provokes audiences to think about the success.
The story moves around Sai (Sai Tamhankar). Her elder niece Urmila (Shilpa Tulaskar) and Jijaji Shrikant (Tushar Dalvi) promises her mother on death bed that they will follow responsibility of her marriage. Sai starts living with Urmila and Shrikant after her mom’s death. Urmila and Shrikant, who had gone through love marriage, are completely unaware with ‘typical Maharashtrian arrange marriage system.’ After taking many good and bad experiences, they came to know about latest marriage bureau handled by Rahul Borgavkar (Subodh Bhave)- ‘Kande –Pohe.’ The modern marriage bureau believes on logical match making than traditional one. They organises a nice trip to a hill station. The thought behind it is all of them will get a chance to get familiar with feelings, nature and Sanai Choughade understanding of partner. Sai and Aditya (Santosh Juvekar) fall in love with each other. Just before finalisation of their marriage, Sai revealed her past. She was in love with Shryas Talpade and had given birth to his child. Shreyas was ready to marry Sai and accept the child but unfortunately he became pawn of destiny and died in an Accident. Now do Aditya accept her past? What was reaction of other people who represents society? Do Shrikant and Urmila accept her mistake? What steps Rahul Borgavkar takes to keep his motto ‘Nothing is Impossible.’ The story developes swiftly and gives answer to all these question. Thanks to director Rajiv Patil and script writer- Sanjay Pawar for handling such a sensitive issue efficiently and giving different but certainly nice experience to audiences.
Sai Tamhankar and Subodh Bhave played lead characters in the movie and both had done well. Especially Subodh Bhave catches maximum attention through amazing facial expressions. Twice or thrice Sai’s inexperience can be noticed but in her debut movie she is much promising. Santosh Juvekar, Tushar Dalvi and Shilpa Tulaskar strongly supported Subodh and Sai. Chinmay Mandlekar has also played done really nice job even in the small role. His body language and dialog delivery is simply amazing.
Versatile Avdhoot Gupte has given good music. Especially the song ‘Kande-Pohe’ sung by Sunidhi Chauhan has appropriately used in whole movie. Camera, lights and especially cinematography are good but certainly far behind ‘Mukta Arts’ standard.
A credit must be given to Rajiv Patil for handling two different stories- ‘light comedy of Mulgi Dakhavne’(I swear I couldn’t find appropriate English word) and problems of pre-marital pregnancy. Audiences do not realize any jerk or it does not sound odd, when story moves from light comedy to serious issue.
Marathi cinema is getting globalize and producers are showing courage to handle sensitive issues. Dipti Talpade’s this movie is nice example of it. But the really nice thing is she never tried to show something ‘extra ordinary.’ She has successfully shown how serious topics can even be handled through perfect commercial film. And as even a common man can also enjoy this movie, seriousness of the issue can be delivered to higher no. of people. And that’s real success of ‘Sanai-Choughade.’