“One should join a profession, where there is 100% work satisfaction” – Sachin Suresh
Today, we are watching him as Suhas, the husband of whimsical and adamant woman Priya, in Zee Marathi’s marathon serial ‘Tu tithe Mee’. Sachin Suresh, who plays this role of Suhas, is not new to Marathi serials; as he has earlier appeared in many popular serials like ‘Abhalmaya’, ‘Pimplepaan’, ‘Tujhe Ni Majhe Ghar Shrimantache’, ‘Gangubai’, ‘Oon Paus’, ‘Hya Gojirvanya Gharat’, Char Chaughi’, ‘Bhagyavidhata’, ‘Bhairoba’ and few others. But, through ‘Tu tithe Mee’, he has established his identity as a young TV star.
Sachin Suresh, began his relationship with Marathi stage, with his association through ‘Awishkar Group’, when he assisted Veteran Arun kakade and writer- director Chetan Datar in their plays. Earlier, during his college days, he was associated with Vishwas Sohni. Having gained considerable experience backstage, it was not difficult for Sachin to take a crucial decision of joining this field full time, as a career.
Marathi Movie world, spoke to this talented actor, to know more about his acting career.
Q: Was it a difficult decision to opt for acting career ?
A: Not at all. But, like any Maharashtrian youngster, after completing my college, I too took up a job and was simultaneously associated with stage, during my free time. Being a merit holder in Software Engineering, I also took up a job in a bank. But, I could not focus on my job. So, I decided to quit the job and joined full time, with Awishkar group. Though my parents opposed initially, I had made up my mind. I feel that one should join a profession, where there is 100% work satisfaction.
Q: So, it was a risk you took in your life.
A: Yes, there was a risk. But, my self confidence enabled me to take up challenges. But, I would certainly like to mention few names like Mr. Hemant Deodhar and Rajeev Sawant, whom I treat my gurus, in this profession.
Q: You are also associated with your other hobbies. Isn’t it ?
A: Yes, in the past, I played radio jockey for Worldspace Satellite Radio, almost for three years. I used to work for 4 hours day. But, for this, I had to do a lot of reading. I also worked as a dubbing artiste. Till now, I have done dubbing for about 80 Marathi films.
Q: So, what are your present hobbies, besides acting?
A: At present, I am on the job of transcription of an English film into Marathi. Similarly, a job of Tamil transcription into Marathi. As an Anchor, I am presenting a musical programme of talented blind people ‘Akhiyon Ke Jharokonse’. Please do watch this programme and encourage this talented group.
Q: You have assisted many well known directors in their projects. Don’t you feel like directing a project independently ?
A: Yes, having worked as an assistant to some reputed directors, I have gained considerable experience. Surely, I look forward to such an opportunity in near future.
Q: Haven’t you tried your luck at Hindi or Marathi films?
A: Frankly speaking, I don’t even know when and where such auditions are held. I am so busy and committed to work in hand. I also keep myself away from parties. I have no bad habits like smoking or drinking. Whatever work comes to me, I do it sincerely.
“I am lucky to find all good hearted people in the field of acting” – Shreya Bugde
She has done her schooling from a Convent School in Mumbai and she graduated from Mithibai College with a cosmopolitan culture. Having done her stage in other languages like English, Hindi and Gujarathi, she has not forgotten her roots with Marathi language. Shreya Bugde is a TV Luminary today, with three of her shows being aired on TV, at present. Besides her role of Manjusha Holkar, she is playing a College Professor in ETV’s ‘Majhe Mann Tujhe Jhale’ and also giving glimpse of her variety in acting, through Zee Marathi’s reality comedy show ‘Fu Bai Fu’, in the company of another talented actor Hemant Dhome.
At the young age of 26, Shreya has gained more than 13 years of experience in acting, as she began her acting career as a child actress on stage. Marathi Movie World spoke to this brilliant actress, who promptly responded to our call, exhibiting the best public relations she maintains, in this competitive field.
Q Going through your work experience in brief, we find that you have done a lot of stage in different languages. When did you actually begin ?
A: Actually, my first performance on stage was at the age of 8, when I took part in a competition, while in school. Later, with the timely encouragement from parents, I started performing in children’s theatre. Then, as a child artiste I became part of the famous Marathi play on child abuse – ‘Vatevarti Kacha Ga’, which performed 275 shows.
Q: What were your other projects on stage?
A: ‘Medha’ and ‘Zoombish’ in English, were directed by Ramu Ramanathan, ‘Jantarmantar’ in Gujarathi, which did 250 shows and then there was ‘Pramay’ also in Gujarathi, in which I performed at NCPA festival last year. ‘Missed Calls’ was a mono act. ‘Rabdi’ the Hindi one act play won 13 best actress awards in inter collegiate competitions. In short, it was a good stage experience for me.
Q: You have also done television in Hindi . Isn’t it ?
A: Not only Hindi; but I have also done Gujarathi television, besides Marathi serials. For the past ten years I have done ‘Karamyudh’(DD national), ‘Thoda Hai, Bas thode ki Zaroorat hai’ and ‘Bairi Piya’ ( for Colors), besides ‘Tuzhyavina’ (Zee Marathi), ‘Lek Ladki Hya Gharchi’ (ETV Marathi), ‘Mandala Don Ghadicha Daav’ (Star Pravah). Presently, I am doing ‘Tu tithe Mee’ (Zee Marathi), ‘Majhe Mann Tujhe Jhale’ ( E TV) and ‘Fu Bai Fu’ reality show on Zee Marathi .
Q: But, your role in ‘Tu tithe Mee’ invited all the attention, in spite of many other popular artistes around. What’s your reaction?
A: Yes, my character of Manjusha Holkar has given me an opportunity to play the same character in two different ways. Though earlier, playing the wife of Dada Holkar under the shadow of Milind Shinde, it was like constantly moving under fear, covering my half face with Saree ; but now, they have given me enough scope to communicate with different characters. Performing in the company of Milind Shinde itself was a big thing. This actor is an institution in himself.
Q: How do you look at the change that has come in the entertainment industry? Do you think that it is the right place for young girls to make their career?
A: Today, there is a good scope for artistes. It does not matter, whether you are talented or not; there is work for all. Some people have always spoken about ‘Casting Couch’ existing in this profession; but, I have not experienced any such thing. May be, I am lucky to find all good hearted people in this field of acting, so far.
Q: Being a talented and good looking actress, don’t you regret that you have not been offered lead roles, so far ?
A: Sometime back, I had this feeling in my mind. And, while working with a senior artiste like Neena Kulkarni, I expressed this to her. What she advised me, was very important. According to her, there was nothing like lead role and character role. How you perform your role with total conviction, is important. “I have not played lead roles so far; but I am still existing in this field, with offers coming in,” she said. Soon, I realised that there were many such artistes, who performed lead roles in serials; but later, we never noticed them on small screen. I am lucky that there are roles coming to me, no matter, they are not lead roles.
Q: You are also part of the TV show ‘Fu Bai Fu’, which offers below the belt comedy. How you landed up there?
A: Yes, sometimes it is ‘below the belt’ comedy. It all depends upon the script. But, an artiste performing in this show, finds a lot of variety. Now, the hosts have even given the liberty to the performing pair to present their own scripts and my co artiste Hemant Dhome works on it. When we began, he was not much aware of my ability. But, when in the second episode we were judged the best performers of the day, he realised my potential and now we are doing well, with perfect understanding.
Q: Besides the ongoing three projects, are there any other projects in pipeline ?
A: Yes, I am going perform in a Marathi drama soon. But, I don’t want to discuss the details now. There is also a film with a different subject; but it will be too early to comment, as the shooting is yet to begin.
Q: How you will be able to manage your schedule, with so many assignments at a time?
A: No, I will not be overworking. It’s all planned. The schedule of ‘Tu Tithe Mee’ is going on well for the past 16 months. For ‘Fu Bai Fu’, I have to give two days a week. So, there is always time for Drama and films.
‘I want people to remember me for my performance’ – Milind Shinde
With his portrayal of whimsical but dangerous Dada Holkar in Zee Marathi’s ongoing serial ‘Tu Tithe Mee’, Milind Shinde has invited all the attention with his humour filled dialogue delivery which is mixed with broken English. Milind is not new to acting field; but this character of Dada Holkar has certainly brought him recognition as an actor. Marathi Movie world spoke to him, to know more about his acting career. Excerpts from an interview:
Milind Shinde Q: How did you enter this profession ?
A: It was sometime in 1998-99. After returning from NSD, I was thinking as to what I should exactly do. At that time I was thinking that with my looks, I would be offered the roles of Postman, tea vendor or a Panwallah. So, I went back to Nagar and started directing the stage plays for banks and MSEB in their competitions and earned for my living. Finally, I wanted to go to Mumbai. Two MLA’s from my village, namely Raju Vanjhale and Balasaheb Thorat invited me to Mumbai and offered accommodation. But, while I was in Nagar, my father who was then posted as Government Officer in Beed received a Phone call from Mr. Girish karnad from Bangalore, requesting him to convey a message to me to contact him. Those days, there were no mobiles; but pagers were in operation. So, my father sent a message. When I contracted Mr. Girish karnad, he asked me to come over to Bangalore. He offered me a role in a Hindi serial he was making and also in a Kannada film. It was with this money, I purchased a 2BHK flat in Pune.
Q: So, your acting career began with Kannada film. But, when you started in Marathi ?
A: After completing Mr. Karnad’s assignments, I came to Pune and did a One year course from FTII. But, then after completing that course, once again the same issue troubled me. i.e. What type of roles I should do ? I was in a dilemma, when I received a call from Amruta Subhash.She was then working in Waman kendre’s drama ‘Phulrani’ and hence asked me, whether I would perform the role of her father in the play. She knew that I would do that role with the kind of voice, which needed a singer artiste. Mr. Gajendra Ahire watched this play and assured me that he would offer a suitable role to me in his film. He did keep his promise and that film was ‘Not Only Ms. Raut’ which won me awards for Best Supporting and Best debut actor. Since then, my journey in this field is going on smoothly. I am grateful to all these people whom I met at the right time. I always tell amruta that it was because of her, i came to Mumbai. With Gajendra Ahire Ii have done 12-15 films.
Q: Your first project was with Girish karnad. What was your experience with him.
A: Some people are born great. Mr. Girish Karnad is one of them. I had read the translated biography of Mr. Karnad ‘Khelta khelta Aayushya’ done by Uma Kulkarni.and, when I actually met him,I found him exactly like that. He speaks fluent Marathi.
Q: Tell us something about your roles in Marathi TV serials and Films.
A: I have done about 20-22 serials. Prominent among them are ‘Vadalvaat’,’Agnihotra’ and the ongoing ‘TuTithe Mee’. There were films like ‘Baboo band Bajaa’, Jaoo Tithe Khau’, ‘Natarang’ ‘Paradh’ and ‘Bayo’. Now, to say something about my experience with films, it takes about 6-8 months to be involved in one film project, including post production. Considering, my original place Beed,the feedback I get from that place is that many of these films never even get released there. Whereas, through television serials I reach at every house in Maharashtra.
Q: What you have to say about your character of Dada Holkar in ‘TuTithe Mee’ ?
A: The character of Dada Holkar portrayed by me is not my own self, but my writer Chinmay Mandlekar speaks through that role. Actually, my director has given me full freedom to perform and that has put me at ease.
Q:Where do you see yourself in years to come?
A: I am working hard to present the best I can, so that the young members in my family should say proudly that this film was done by my uncle or dad. The next generation should say that I want to do the kind of roles that Milind Shinde played. I want people to remember me for my performance. I am paying more attention on quality than quantity. Actually, I am also producing two films ‘Dombari’ and ‘Veda Prem’; so that I will be able to reach out to the audience, with what exactly I have to convey to them.
“Playing a vegetable vendor is a more challenging act.” – Smita Talwalkar
Smita Talwalkar has contributed a lot to the Marathi movie world, television and stage with her choice of socially relevant subjects and with her ability to convey a message. Her own films like ‘Chaukat Raja’, ‘Savat Majhi Ladki’, ‘Tu Tithe Mee’ and ‘SaatChya Aat Gharat’ went on to say a lot about her concern towards society. Her TV productions ‘Katha Ek Aanandichi’ and ‘Ardhangini’ were also relevant to social issues. At present she is playing a lifetime role in the play ‘Govid Ghya Kuni Gopal Ghya’ depicting a poor lower middle class vegetable vendor fighting for her right. Indeed, Smita Talwalkar is an extraordinary actress with a mission to offer something back to the society where she has earned a name.
MMW met her recently during her stage show. Here she is in chit chat with us.
Q: You have produced good films in the past, what’s new in the making ?
A: Yes, I do have a subject; but I have to still work on it. There is still time.
Q: Do you have to say something about the issues relating to suppression of women?
A: Not much to say at present. But, tell me; even if I decide to present something on that topic, how many women would come forward to willingly accept a girl child. Even today, many women still desire to give birth to a male child. Time has changed and so a woman should also change. Watch my role of Janabai in this play ‘Govind Ghya Kuni Gopal Ghya’. She is illiterate but goes with her conscience when it comes to taking few crucial decisions.
Q: How happy you are playing this character of Janabai ?
A: I am glad that I was offered this role. It is the most challenging role and I enjoy playing Janabai. But, for that I did personally visit Byculla vegetable market to study the body language of those vegetable vendors. Kiran Mane , my co-artiste, helped me to develop on the accent and in just few days time I was ready to enact Janabai .